My People
The restaurant business is something of a transient affair. People come and go, in and out of your life, some talented, some just in it for the money, while they plan the rest of their lives. I’m one of the few who has done it for along time and done it in the same place. As a result, I’ve met some amazing people and formed some pretty good relationships in this industry. When word leaked out that I was planning to open my own place, a few people came forward and expressed an interest in working with me to help make Beaker & Flask happen. Let me tell you, that is just about the most flattered as I’ve ever been. I’m going to take this opportunity to introduce you to a couple of friends who have signed on to work at Beaker & Flask and at the same time, express my gratitude for all they have already done.
Doug Paquin, who goes back to my early days at Park Kitchen, was the first to sign up. Doug is a veteran of the Portland dining scene and no doubt you’ve seen him either behind the bar at your favorite local dining establishment or sitting next to you. He’s got the great personable quality I look for in a bartender, good storyteller, full of facts you may not have considered and devoted to creating a positive experience for his customers. We meet up pretty regularly at the Horse Brass and discuss all things Beaker & Flask. He’s taken on the role of “Beer Guy” and I know he’s going to put together a great list.
I am super pleased to have Lance Mayhew in the fold. Lance was one of the courageous folks who contacted me out of the blue when I left Park Kitchen. I knew immediately he was going to be a part of my operation. In the time since, he has, oh, I don’t know, become President of the Oregon Bartenders Guild ,entered, and won, numerous cocktail competitions and become a pretty good confidant. His experimentation is going to be a key factor in the success of B & F. Check out his blog, he is not afraid to get wierd.
Lastly, I have to mention my chef. Ben Bettinger was the long time Chef de Cuisine at Paley’s Place and an old friend. I’ve known Benny since he was just a young pup, doing his internship at Paley’s during my stay there. He impressed everyone so much, that when a job opened, he was immediately brought on as a full time line cook. Over the years, he established himself, took over the kitchen and ran the show during Vitaley’s James Beard Award winning years. His is a talent I treasure and plan to use completely.
Well, I’ve got a few more hooks in the water, so I will be updating as more people come on board. It’s going to be the personality of the staff and the product we put out that will make it work and I think I’m off to a pretty good start.
March 17th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Thanks for the kind words. I can’t wait til opening day.