Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 21 2008, 11:57 AM

What!?

Posted by: abbe Feb 21 2008, 03:40 PM

aha ha ha haaa haaah

sigh
ya know. believe it or not, i wasn't going to say anything about it. cuz personally, i thought the whole thing was so fucking asinine it's not even amusing.

but now ??
aside from your "inquiring mind" --- i guess i have to thank those idiots too. ha ha haaaah aha haa aaggghhh gaaggh grrrrr


yah so:
tuesday afternoon i had an appointment in midtown. i made plans to meet friends afterward. of all places, where do they choose to meet ?

JEAN GEORGES.

now. i think to myself: well, i could go into this whole song and dance rigmarole thingie and explain to them why it is exactly that i do not want to go to JeanGeorges. but then i decide: "eh. i aint got time for that shit right now. and anyways, so what? they want to go to fucking JeanGeorges? whatever. there's no accounting for peoples' tastes, i suppose."

and mind you, my one friend (currently a restaurant floor manager) is well aware i wrote a book, but has actually never read it. she doesn't read blogs either. (crazy right? go figure.)
the other friend is a BANKER-- he doesn't know jack shit of course. except for what he reads in the fucking NY Times, evidently-- cuz he loooooves JeanGeorges.
he is vaguely cognizant i wrote something someplace sometime, but he still thinks of me as a "fashion designer."
oh yah-- this is another reason i decide to say nothing. i mean, the fuck? frankly, if peoples choose to remain ignorant, that's THEIR problem, not mine.


ANYHOO
so i agree to meet them at JeanGeorges after my appointment. i ask another guest (with whom i have a standing dinner date) to meet us there as well.

i arrive there at about 5:45pm. my friend is waiting at the bar alone, the two gentlemen have yet to arrive. (great. i hate when peoples are late. it makes me nutso.)

as i'm taking a seat, she (a former JGE,LLC employee herself) immediately informs me: "you just missed lois freedman. she just left."

i reply: "oh gee. what a shame... did she see you?" she replies: "i don't think so. she was leaving right as i was checking my coat..."


i order a glass of wine. my friend orders her second.

and then (as is wont to occur in my "circle" ) it turns out my pal (also a budding sommelier, recently ASA certified) is acquainted with one of the sommeliers at JeanGeorges. delightful charming young man. he pauses for a chat. i am introduced to him. from what i gather of his demeanor, my name rings no bells in his brain whatsoever. all well and good, no? fantastic.

as my pal is chatting with the nice sommelier, i look across the room and do a quick visual scan of the kitchen. no jean-georges. whatever! but it's probably all for the best, fer sure.
i also take the time to peruse the new thomas-juul.hansen renovation. it's not bad i suppose.

suddenly over my friend's shoulder i see jean-georges darting by. it doesn't seem he's spotted us. his hair's gone grayer and i think he's put on some weight?
my pal is oblivious, still engrossed in her conversation with the nice young sommelier boy.

a minute later, i watch as my pal's eyes widen abruptly in midsentence. ah yes -- she's seen him. he's somewheres behind me now? oh yah, there he goes!

then out of nowheres, a floor manager (?) in a suit and tie approaches and says to the nice young sommelier boy: "i just need to grab you for a second" and does just that. the nice boy excuses himself.

i say to my pal: "dun dun DUNNNNN." hahahahahahahahahahahhaa

she answers: "the fuck?"

the nice boy comes back and whispers in my pal's ear. and then he says to the air: "yah... ummm... uh .... ummm..mm........the drinks are on us." and he runs away.

my pal says to me: "let's go." and she stands.

i reply: "what? so, i don't even get to finish my drink?"

she says: "come on... don't make things difficult."

aha haa uh yah didja catch that? ME? don't make things difficult?? first of all, nobody's even said shit to ME. what am i -- a fucking mind reader here?

she says: "i should go and apologize to my friend."
[ okay sure. you do that. ]

i leave a $20 tip. (i hope the nice bartender pocketed that shit cuz you know what happens to tips up in that mutherfukker, yah?) my pal goes and apologizes or whatever to her boy as two cross-armed managers look on.

we leave. outside, we phone and SMS and e-berry hoping to catch our two late assed fucking dates en route. "meet us at Grayz instead. we just got kicked out of JeanGeorges."


we arrive at Grayz. ahhh. so nice and welcoming. THIS IS MORE LIKE IT, BITCHES.

the GM comes to say hello so i greet him: "ahh. so nice and welcoming. i just got thrown out of JeanGeorges."
he replies: "really??! well, that's not going to happen HERE." and he sends over two glasses of rosé champagne.

the bartender tells me: "long time no see! [it's only been three weeks, come on now.] so nice to see you!" i reply: "oh so nice to be loved. i just got thrown out of JeanGeorges." he replies: "really??! i find that hard to believe."
i give him a PX This promo card.
he's "AMAZED." he had "no idea," not a single goddamned fucking clue! all this time i was just that nice sangiovese drinking customer that comes regularly with that charming downtown restaurateur.
boom. a book is sold.

the banker FINALLY arrives. his first question is: "what happened...?!"
so i tell him. the whole loooong sordid story.
he's "AMAZED." he had "no fucking idea," not a single goddamned fucking clue!
boom. another book is sold.

MY date FINALLY arrives. his first question is: "what happened...?!"
the OTHER bartender listens in as i describe again what occurred.
boom. another fucking book is sold.

as i'm explaining how i think the whole episode was utterly fucking retarded of them, seeing as they handled it so punkassedly-- not even daring to speak to ME but to my friend, and how NOBODY IN THE ROOM would have known any better, and how NONE of the JeanGeorges employees would even have realized, and how nobody here at Grayz would have heard, blah blah blaaagh

the banker remarks something along the lines of: gosh that was really stupid of them-- "now there's just a big elephant sitting in that restaurant."



but you know what ? seriously, really truly. i was not going to say a word.
i mean really-- what the fuck do i care if that company REMAINS-- after all this time, after all's been said, after all's been done--- SO FUCKING STUPID.

but now! i must say: THANK YOU, dumbasses.
hmm. i wonder if they were so moronic as to discuss it at the next day's lineup, like i was told they did fervently, at 66. print up my photo maybe? make sure that shit never happens again ??
SOMEHOW, the list of "new and used books available from other re-sellers" on Amazon has dropped from 26 copies to 18 copies. and there's only ONE left in Amazon's own stock. and! my book's rating has gone from #one-million-three-hundred-thousand-some-shit to #226,508.

mmhmmp.


i must admit though-- for a second there i felt badly for them. i thought "why would they do that? to INCITE me into commenting on my fucking website??!! that's just so fucking stupid."
and then to do it sooo insipidly. the MANAGERS-- they have no empathy?? ah ha ha haa COME ON NOW. to not even have the guts to come to ME?? a simple "this is too awkward. we must ask that you leave." or some shit?? have you no composure? no grace? no BALLS??
is NO ONE left in this whole fucking asinine industry capable of running a room as deftly and smoothly as i ???
dorkasses.


i want to give jean-georges and those managers the benefit of the doubt i really do.
i will ohhhh assume lois-freedman was scheduled to return (??) and i was (sort of) asked to leave in hopes of quelling a potentially worse WORSE scenario.

and so with all sincerity i say to them: have a nice day. and good luck to you.

Posted by: virgo Feb 21 2008, 04:17 PM

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Feb 21 2008, 10:44 AM)
"abbe, maybe you should think about...."
Posting about how you got thrown out of Jean George the other night?
LOL.
Enquiring minds want to know, and are getting tired of waiting.

that story was so worth whatever time you waited for it!

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 21 2008, 04:50 PM

Posted by: Dishwasher Feb 22 2008, 01:21 PM

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 22 2008, 01:31 PM

Amen!

The funny thing is that I heard that Lois used to go to Gusto all the time to see Artan, but I don't ever remember Abbe asking that she not be allowed in there. In fact, I bet Lois was treated really well by Artan and was probably comped for alot of stuff. So, who's the bigger person here?
And Grub Street sucks anyway, so I for one am glad I never have to look at it again.

Posted by: MILFweed Feb 22 2008, 01:25 PM

Posted by: whats anorexia? Feb 22 2008, 01:58 PM

Ungrammatical Forum Poster Tossed From Jean Georges, Gets Revenge in Ungrammatical Forum Post

We're always leery of the strange, strange world of Abbe Diaz and her online forum, PX This, but a media alert titled Blogger Tossed From Jean Georges was difficult to resist. As you might expect, Diaz a former matre d at Jean Georges who wrote a dishy book about her experiences in the business was in fact the blogger tossed, a cringe-inducing event publicized by the pilloried herself. (All of Diazs entries on PX This read like interminable text messages tapped out by the jittery, manicured thumbnails of an ex-model at Rose Bar at 4 a.m.) We include it here entirely for purposes of education: Remember, if you dog someone you worked for in a book, dont go to his restaurant unless you know he wont be around.
http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2008/02/ungrammatical_forum_poster_tos.html



How flattering! I would much rather sound like an ex-model at Rose Bar than a sycophantic journalist who gets all his information from press releases, any day of the week.

Here's another "educational" tip for you: Don't mistreat your staff members (or people in general, for that matter), because there's such a thing in the universe called "karma," and its faces are plentiful and powerful.

Cheers,
abbe diaz
PX This.

p.s. Dear "Bookseller": Grub Street gives me a link, because right now, I happen to be the most prominent voice of "the little people."
Y'know, the ones without whom the Industry to which Grub Street pays sooooooo much attention, wouldn't even exist.

By abbe_diaz on 02/22/2008 at 10:48am *
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/02/ungrammatical_forum_poster_tos.html#comment-list


you go, abbe!

*Note: For unknown reasons, Abbe Diaz's comment in rebuttal to Josh Ozersky has since been removed from New York magazine's website.

Posted by: abbe Feb 22 2008, 02:07 PM

Posted by: john.smith Feb 22 2008, 02:11 PM

bravo..........................peanut gallery: 1 ...........................sycophants: 0 .........................

Posted by: whats anorexia? Feb 22 2008, 02:20 PM

i keep reading it, but only because it's so interesting to see how clueless their take on everything is.

Posted by: virgo Feb 22 2008, 02:26 PM

QUOTE
"We're always leery of the strange, strange world of Abbe Diaz and her online forum, PX This,"

the "strange world"?? you mean the world of waiters, busboys and runners? yeah, of course new york magazine would be "leery" of us. we're not all WASP and we don't all own real estate.

Posted by: john.smith Feb 22 2008, 02:29 PM

we also don't care about lindsey lohan and her saggy tits.................................

Posted by: Dishwasher Feb 22 2008, 02:48 PM

Hey, what about me!?

Ok I could pass for WASP and I own real estate, but I still think NY Mag is boring.

Posted by: jo Feb 22 2008, 02:55 PM

QUOTE (abbe @ Feb 21 2008, 02:40 PM)
SOMEHOW, the list of "new and used books available from other re-sellers" on Amazon has dropped from 26 copies to 18 copies. and there's only ONE left in Amazon's own stock. and! my book's rating has gone from #one-million-three-hundred-thousand-some-shit to #226,508.

Posted by: jo Feb 22 2008, 02:59 PM

QUOTE
Grubby Ones, why on earth are you giving this woman the courtesy of a link? Based on the post I read, she has the charm of John McEnroe at his racket-throwing prime and the brain-power of a cashew.
By bookseller on 02/21/2008 at 9:22pm http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/02/ungrammatical_forum_poster_tos.html#comment-list

Sounds like "Bookseller" is upset, because he's a "traditional" publisher, and as we all know now, the world just doesn't need them anymore.

QUOTE
p.s. Dear "Bookseller": Grub Street gives me a link, because right now, I happen to be the most prominent voice of "the little people."
Y'know, the ones without whom the Industry to which Grub Street pays sooooooo much attention, wouldn't even exist.

Posted by: MILFweed Feb 22 2008, 04:05 PM

QUOTE (Dishwasher @ Feb 22 2008, 12:21 PM)
I don't even think it's fair the way that NY Mag has handled it because they are so obviously one sided. I don;t know how they can justify writng about Abbe like that if they haven't even read her book.

Posted by: Ferret-n-Chicken! Feb 22 2008, 04:59 PM

That's the whole point!!!!! All of these people write all this bullshit, but no one ever gives a shit about what's really happening behind the scenes!!!!

The reason JG couldn't even do it himself is because he knows he's wrong!!!!!!! I feel bad for them 'cos they probably didnt even want to throw Abbs out in the first place!!!! Now I guess their all gonna suffer for it?????? Whatever!!!!!!

And NY mag is just pissed 'cos they know Abbe has more info about the industry than they ever will!!!!!! Go Abbe!!!!!!

Posted by: PassionFoodie Feb 22 2008, 07:39 PM

I also had a feeling that if LF wasn't around, this would not have happened and The Diaz would have had her lunch there with absolutely no drama whatsoever. I believe if JG really had an issue w/Abbe - he would have spoken to her himself. I bet if she had went back in an hour, she would have been seated. I think the classic MK episode was on his mind...JG may have issues, but he isn't a Graydon Carter!

Nothing for nothing, but Keller's GF Laura Cunningham, quite her post of director of operations of the Keller camp last year and no one has complained about any slips in service... "I'm just saying"

Posted by: jo Feb 25 2008, 11:52 AM

QUOTE (Inkslinger @ Feb 22 2008, 12:31 PM)
The funny thing is that I heard that Lois used to go to Gusto all the time to see Artan, but I don't ever remember Abbe asking that she not be allowed in there. In fact, I bet Lois was treated really well by Artan and was probably comped for alot of stuff. So, who's the bigger person here?

I guess this answers that question:

QUOTE
Ex-maitre d' shown door instead of a table
Monday, February 25th 2008, 4:00 AM

Abbe Diaz is a blogger and the author of the caustic restaurant expose "PX This!," who was tossed out of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's namesake restaurant last week. Diaz tells us she thinks the top chef, whom she worked for as a maitre d', ain't so bad. But, she claims, he didn't do enough when staffers complained about one of his executives who, among other things, would make a floor manager give her foot massages in full view of dining customers.
"I have a lot of respect for him," she said, "but he knew these kinds of things were going on and didn't do anything about it. He ended up losing a lot of dedicated and hardworking people."
Diaz was having a glass of wine with friends before dinner at Vongerichten's Central Park West boite when she spotted her former boss, and was soon asked to leave.
At least Vongerichten, who wouldn't return our calls, picked up the tab. "Drinks are on us," said the waiter sent to give them the bum's rush.
http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/02/25/2008-02-25_exmaitre_d_shown_door_instead_of_a_table.html

Posted by: whats anorexia? Feb 25 2008, 12:44 PM

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 25 2008, 01:54 PM

QUOTE (jo @ Feb 25 2008, 10:52 AM)
I guess this answers that question.

Yeah, and so does this:

QUOTE
Vongerichten, who wouldn't return our calls

If he doesn't even want to acknowledge what so many employees have complained about all along, then why get so pissed if Abbe goes to JG? You can't pretend that something doesn't exist or that it's not significant, and then turn around and act a different way. Can't have it both ways!

Abbester is right - they lost alot of good, hardworking, dedicated people. All the complaints have always been ignored within the company, because they have always wanted to act like the problems don't exist.

I hope that when the lawsuit gets settled or won, all the former employees go to Spice Market together to celebrate!

Posted by: MILFweed Feb 25 2008, 03:44 PM

I was just logging in to say congrats but now I also want to say that this is a very good point. When I first saw the story about Abs at JG I just thought it was funny and that it was just plain silly of them. Now I have to say that my take on it has changed and I am starting to lose even more respect for JG. The truth is that what Abbe said in the book wasn't even that bad and mostly it was just funny. The parts about Loser might have been a little shocking but who hasn't worked with crazy wackjobs before?

If I was still in PR and I was handling JG I would be covering my eyes and shaking my head right now.

Posted by: Dishwasher Feb 25 2008, 04:38 PM

Posted by: Dick Johnson Feb 25 2008, 05:47 PM

Posted by: BX(Busboy Extraordinaire) Feb 25 2008, 07:17 PM

QUOTE (MILFweed @ Feb 25 2008, 02:44 PM)
Now I have to say that my take on it has changed and I am starting to lose even more respect for JG. The truth is that what Abbe said in the book wasn't even that bad and mostly it was just funny. The parts about Loser might have been a little shocking but who hasn't worked with crazy wackjobs before?
If I was still in PR and I was handling JG I would be covering my eyes and shaking my head right now.

Posted by: angel Feb 26 2008, 01:01 PM

QUOTE
Abbe Diaz, noted NYC ex-matre d', posts a long forum screed about getting thrown out of Jean Georges, the high-end resto where she once worked and has since mocked online and in print. Moderate amusement, much insincere self-effacement, and ultimately a rather gentle defenestration, all things considered. [PXThis]
http://gridskipper.com/archives/entries/065/65304.php

Posted by: Dick Johnson Feb 26 2008, 01:31 PM

Yeah, it took me awhile to get through everything I missed, but now that I'm all caught up, I'd have to say all of this was a bigger clusterfuck than Miami.

I've never worked for Jean George, but I've heard alot of stories. If you're in the industry in NYC, it doesn't take much effort to find a disgruntled former employee of that company. I've also read the book, and I would have to agree it was insightful, but more funny than anything, and not nearly as 'caustic' as it could have been, considering it was mostly about Abbe, and not about Jean George's retarded company. I know if I was in her situation, I probably would have done much worse - for sure, I would have looked into the possibility of suing, at the very least.

Asking her to leave was the stupidest thing they could have done, period end of story - I don't care how 'gentle' it was. It was a bad managerial decision, and that's all there is to it. Even Jody Williams, as bad as things have gotten for her around here, was smart enough to step up, not let things get out of hand, and send Abbsterpiece a drink at Morandi. And the outcome was that it was mentioned here, and Jody ended up looking better for it.

Who was it that said that they 'can't have it both ways'? The fact that the press mentions it, but adds sentiments like, "We really didn't want to bring this up, but..." is so transparent. Especially since it's so obvious they haven't got the slightest clue what's in the book. What's in the book is the same kind of insane shit that restaurant staffers have been putting up with since the industry came into being. So, why is it that no one ever gives a shit about what we have to say?

And the press, that's supposed to be objective and impartial, is the worse offender of all. They call us 'strange', and they refuse to get it into their heads that what we we do here (fecal matter jokes aside) isn't all in mockery - It's just the facts. But it seems the press just isn't interested in those, are they?

Posted by: jo Feb 26 2008, 01:55 PM

We've all discussed placing ads in Craigslist to draw traffic to the site. So far, we've been against it, as was explained here [somewhere else] in the forum.

I would like to suggest that we re-consider Craiglist, but with a tighter niche in mind. Maybe something such as, "Calling all former employees of Jean George, Mercer Kitchen, Spice Market" etc. Maybe that's a better idea?

Posted by: jo Feb 26 2008, 02:02 PM

QUOTE
much insincere self-effacement

Posted by: whats anorexia? Feb 26 2008, 02:43 PM

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Feb 26 2008, 12:55 PM)
I've never worked for Jean George, but I've heard alot of stories. If you're in the industry in NYC, it doesn't take much effort to find a disgruntled former employee of that company.

Foot Massages and More Details on Crazy Diazs Jean-Georges Incident [NYDN]
http://eater.com/archives/2008/02/listage_392.php#reader_comments

@guest (#4):
whatever you say, "loser". give it a rest because guess what. abbe Diaz isn't the only exemployee that thinks jg's company is shit. I will toast the daily news and again when the lawsuit gets settled.
Comment #5, left at 02/25/08 05:34 PM.
http://eater.com/archives/2008/02/listage_392.php#comment-55917

Posted by: abbe Feb 26 2008, 03:07 PM

QUOTE (jo @ Feb 26 2008, 12:55 PM)
We've all discussed placing ads in Craigslist to draw traffic to the site. So far, we've been against it, as was explained here in the forum.
I would like to suggest that we re-consider Craiglist, but with a tighter niche in mind. Maybe something such as, "Calling all former employees of Jean George, Mercer Kitchen, Spice Market" etc. Maybe that's a better idea?

NO!

sorry i don't mean to "yell"
but

sigh
do you remember awhiles back (??) when Vsteakhouse just opened (or whatever) and then suddenly there was all this new stuffs on shamelessrestaurants.com and peoples were bitching about the company (again) and it was all "cunt" this and "asshole" that

and some nice peoples sent me links and so i commented on my blahg. and i said something like "gaaaggh geezus christ is this shit STILL going on?!... this isn't even funny anymore, now it's just sad..."

and then somebody sent me a disgruntled e-mail, it said something like "i was the one who wrote that post and i was looking forward to reading your book but now that you criticized my post, i'm going to return your book" or something along those lines

and i was all: "huh? i didn't criticize your post! i just said 'what he hells is wrong with that company that shit like this keeps happening are they idiotarded or something???!' and also 'why don't all those unhappy peoples write to newspapers and magazines instead of just saying CUNT all day long on shamelessrestaurants!'

what was my point ?

oh yah

look call me nutso or whatever but i kinda LIKE the way the forum is now. i LIKE that everybody is so smart and witty and articulate but most of all i'm glad this place is not filled with Unhappies who just want to yell CUNT all day. i just don't have the energy for that shit. i'm sorry but i don't. it's bad enough i have to tolerate IGNORAMOOS like josh-stein and ben-leventhal and now who (??) josh-ozersky ?? daniel-maurer ?? chris-fucking-mohney-- where the fuck did he come from who the fuck is he now ???

geezus.

and why ?? so i get MORE ATTENTION (cuz i'm just an "attention whore" yah ??)


you know what's sad is that just yesterday i was commenting on Gawker about this poor ad exec who killed himself. Gawker had it titled "Paul Tilley: Did Agency Spy Blog Drive Ad Exec To Suicide?" and so i clicked and i read this whole thing about how bloggetty-bloggers killed this poor guy.

i dunno

it just makes you think is all.

p.s. fuck you chris-mohney whoever the fuck you are.

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 26 2008, 03:33 PM

Posted by: Jason Has-Binn Feb 26 2008, 03:49 PM

QUOTE
Foot Massages and More Details on Crazy Diazs Jean-Georges Incident [NYDN]

the only reason they keep calling buffy crazy is because she doesn't kiss any ass

Posted by: abbe Feb 26 2008, 04:30 PM

that is so not true. believe me i kiss PLENTY of ass.

but ONLY THE ONES I RESPECT.

Posted by: jo Feb 26 2008, 05:04 PM

QUOTE (abbe @ Feb 26 2008, 02:07 PM)
chris-fucking-mohney-- where the fuck did he come from who the fuck is he now ???

Posted by: PassionFoodie Feb 26 2008, 05:37 PM

Posted by: virgo Feb 26 2008, 07:45 PM

QUOTE (Inkslinger @ Feb 26 2008, 02:33 PM)
Abbester, I hear what you're saying, but this doesn't have to be Shameless Restaurants. I actually think it might be better to have more JG ex-employees here, just for the purpose of increasing awareness. I would even volunteer to help moderate, if that would help.

Posted by: MONEYMAN Feb 26 2008, 08:28 PM

Posted by: PassionFoodie Feb 26 2008, 10:59 PM

You mean, every time Abbe goes to one of these spots, JG or LJ can have her thrown out? Isn't that harrassment? But I am not sure Abbe gives a shit about eating at Jean-Georges restaurants... really.

I do!!!

I am off to Per Se to hopefully not run into Phoebe Damrosch along the way.
and then vacation.

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 27 2008, 12:34 PM

QUOTE (MONEYMAN @ Feb 26 2008, 07:28 PM)
You want his attention...........................BOYCOTT!!!

Posted by: Ferret-n-Chicken! Feb 27 2008, 11:58 AM

QUOTE
Foot Massages and More Details on Crazy Diaz’s Jean-Georges Incident [NYDN]
http://eater.com/archives/2008/02/listage_392.php#reader_comments

QUOTE
While JG marches his way to 100M, you'll still be standing there holding your tired basket of gripes and getting old.
Comment #4, left at 02/25/08 01:16 PM.

Well it's good to know that JG can afford to pay for all those lawsuits!!!! Someone should alert all the lawyers to ask for more!!!!!!

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 27 2008, 12:36 PM

QUOTE (jo @ Feb 26 2008, 04:04 PM)
Chris Mohney is a former writer for gawker.com, and therefore, a likely associate of Joshua David Stein.

Posted by: Dick Johnson Feb 27 2008, 02:31 PM

QUOTE (Ferret-n-Chicken! @ Feb 27 2008, 10:58 AM)
While JG marches his way to 100M, you'll still be standing there holding your tired basket of gripes and getting old.
Comment #4, left at 02/25/08 01:16 PM.
Well it's good to know that JG can afford to pay for all those lawsuits!!!! Someone should alert all the lawyers to ask for more!!!!!!

Posted by: BX(Busboy Extraordinaire) Feb 27 2008, 03:08 PM

Yea, and her name is probably Min.

Posted by: MONEYMAN Feb 27 2008, 02:32 PM

QUOTE
While JG marches his way to 100M, you'll still be standing there holding your tired basket of gripes and getting old.
http://eater.com/archives/2008/02/listage_392.php#reader_comments


If the dining rooms go empty, what happens to the 100M dance?

Boycott is the answer...............he won't know how to handle it.
And neither will his media machine
Spread the word......................the people have spoken (watch John Doe)

Has anyone got a big inflatable rat for rent?

Posted by: Dishwasher Feb 27 2008, 02:49 PM

Ouch.
Starwood deal aside Moneyman, since you seem to know an awful lot about this subject
what's going on with the Church St. space? It seems to me like a big chunk of real estate to uphold,and maybe I'm wrong, but I would think that the banks wouldn't be so willing to lend out funds to a corp with such looming lawsuits???

Posted by: MONEYMAN Feb 27 2008, 02:58 PM

That's why the Matsu brothers are involved

And by the way............the bank has no choice, they still get paid

Posted by: john.smith Feb 26 2008, 04:20 PM

Posted by: Dishwasher Feb 27 2008, 02:59 PM

I used Craiglist once for an open call an dwhat a disaster that was. Never again. Word of mouth is the best way, and I have found that taking reco's from staffers that are good is the best way to go. They usually have friends that are looking for work or looking to move. Which is another good reason not to mistreat them. Once word spreads that your compnay isn't a good one to work for, then you have to start mining the bottom of the labor barrel. Things can really head south from there.

I'm not sure but maybe that's why Starwood's got [James] Gersten handling the ops and not someone from JG's in-house.

Posted by: abbe Feb 27 2008, 04:27 PM

QUOTE (PassionFoodie @ Feb 26 2008, 04:37 PM)
I am sorry, but I get the feeling JG likes you Abbe. I think he is ruled by Lois. She WAS there when you were. Yeah, he has the power to stop all the shit that is going on...and so does God... Sorry I had to say it.
JG thinks Lois is the best thing for the front end which is the root of the problem and all the problems that have existed there that you all have spoken of.

aww.
girlfriend, i think it's really cool of you to care enough to say all this stuffs and whatnot. but uhh

your theory and my theory are just a weeeeee bit umm

different.

QUOTE (PassionFoodie @ Feb 26 2008, 04:37 PM)
The next time you get the gentle nudge to have to leave. DON'T. After all the anger that I have read here, it seems like a big deal that you got tossed. I didn't think so because...when Lois is involved...it's no big surprise...is it??? You are the tough one here.

aha haa no. it's NOT a big deal i got tossed. did write about the account as though it was a big deal ?? no, i didn't.

in terms of "anger," do you mean me ?? or the other ex-employees whose "anger" has been drudged up alls over again (and probably rightfully so) due to all this commotion ??

if you mean me, i'm not angry at being tossed-- oh noooo not at all.
i'm irritated because, yet again, i'm reminded how fucking stupid, ignorant, and sycophantic are NY's "food writers."
you realize THESE are the idiots by whom new york's entire dining population is being guided, yah? they are being advised by MORONS.
call me "crazy" (oh ha! "they" do!) but this is the kind of backward-assed retarded shit that makes me sick to my stomach.

QUOTE (PassionFoodie @ Feb 26 2008, 04:37 PM)
The lawyers are handeling the stealing. You should handle Lois. When you go to SM to celebrate your book...U should go! Do not just walk out peacefully. I do believe that harrassment is against the law. And you going into JG's restaurants as a customer just having some drinkys with friends does not constitute getting tossed. STAND UP DAMMIT.

oh fuck lois. like i give a shit about that freak. please, huh ?

both times, i left quietly of my own accord, because i'm concerned for the EMPLOYEES.

at Mercer-- my girl at the desk, my boy at the door, the sweet waiter with the nice apologetic smile-- THOSE are the people who would have suffered if i'd stayed, you realize ? not that the hotel staff is subject to reprimand from the restaurant's executives, but if all that freak's YELLING and SCREEEAMING had gone on and on and on, eventually the GUESTS in the lobby WOULD have complained. and for THEM, the hotel staff IS responsible.

at Jean Georges, you forget, the nice sommelier was my friend's boy. if i hadn't left quietly and immediately, what consequence would HE have had to endure ? who knows ? but was it worth it for me to put HIM at risk to find out ?? no. it was not.

QUOTE (PassionFoodie @ Feb 26 2008, 04:37 PM)
You stated you kiss ass of the ones you respect. Unless the NYDN misquoted you as stating you respected JG. You don't have to kiss his ass. JUST REFUSE TO LEAVE NEXT TIME.

hee heeee sweetie does it really seem to you i am kissing his ass ? the NYDN asked me a question, and i answered it, plain and simple.

i still don't see the "leaving" as the issue. sure, it would have been nice to finish my glass of wine, but quite frankly, i was happy to leave. my FRIENDS were the ones who wanted to go there in the first place, not i.

my point WAS and still IS: it was just plain STUPID of them to take that sort of action.
i just have to wonder-- were my banker friend (a "regular" there) and sasha-muniak not late in arriving, would they STILL have asked us to leave ? on what grounds?? for me, it was an easy decision to go, but personally i find it hard to believe the banker and sasha-muniak would not have required more of an explanation than just a whisper in MY FRIEND's ear (not even MINE, you recall).
perhaps i'm mistaken, but i think the banker may have even DEMANDED an explanation from jean-georges himself. and then what ??

under THOSE circumstances, would jean-georges have considered all the ruckus worth it ? i doubt it.
and now i think he's got an even bigger ruckus than he bargained for. "won't return calls" to the NYDN.
yeeaah-- THAT looks good.

QUOTE (PassionFoodie @ Feb 26 2008, 04:37 PM)
I luv JG's food and shit... And I luv you too girl. And I mean no harm. But go kick her ass already!!!! U have many to help here!!!

tsk tsk-- violence is never the answer. unless it's inflicted upon you first of course.
as irrational as that woman may be, i at least give her the credit to not be THAT stupid. alls i can say is: if she and i ever hopped in a ring together, i'd bet on me if i were you.

Posted by: abbe Feb 27 2008, 04:41 PM

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Feb 27 2008, 01:31 PM)
LOL.
Right now, in a restaurant not-so-far away, a beautiful but devious hostess wonders how much all those catcalls and double-entendres she hears at work every day are worth.

Posted by: abbe Feb 27 2008, 04:47 PM

QUOTE (jo @ Feb 26 2008, 04:04 PM)
Chris Mohney is a former writer for gawker.com, and therefore, a likely associate of Joshua David Stein.

oh really

well then
it sounds like chris-mohney is definitely one to watch. if the "birds of a feather" maxim indeed holds water, this should be "moderately amusing" at the very least, "ALL
THINGS
CONSIDERED."

Posted by: Ferret-n-Chicken! Feb 27 2008, 04:59 PM

QUOTE (BX(Busboy Extraordinaire) @ Feb 27 2008, 02:08 PM)
Yea, and her name is probably Min.

Posted by: Dick Johnson Feb 27 2008, 05:18 PM

QUOTE
Were always leery of the strange, strange world of Abbe Diaz and her online forum, PX This, but a media alert titled Blogger Tossed From Jean Georges was difficult to resist. As you might expect, Diaz a former matre d at Jean Georges who wrote a dishy book about her experiences in the business was in fact the blogger tossed, a cringe-inducing event publicized by the pilloried herself. (All of Diazs entries on PX This read like interminable text messages tapped out by the jittery, manicured thumbnails of an ex-model at Rose Bar at 4 a.m.) We include it here entirely for purposes of education: Remember, if you dog someone you worked for in a book, dont go to his restaurant unless you know he wont be around.
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/02/ungrammatical_forum_poster_tos.html

QUOTE
Abbe Diaz, noted NYC ex-matre d', posts a long forum screed about getting thrown out of Jean Georges, the high-end resto where she once worked and has since mocked online and in print. Moderate amusement, much insincere self-effacement, and ultimately a rather gentle defenestration, all things considered. [PXThis]
http://gridskipper.com/archives/entries/065/65304.php

QUOTE (jo @ Feb 26 2008, 04:04 PM)
Chris Mohney is a former writer for gawker.com, and therefore, a likely associate of Joshua David Stein.

Posted by: Dishwasher Feb 28 2008, 02:11 PM

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Feb 27 2008, 01:31 PM)
Right now, in a restaurant not-so-far away, a beautiful but devious hostess wonders how much all those catcalls and double-entendres she hears at work every day are worth.

And my hostesses wonder why I'm not that friendly. lol

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 28 2008, 02:37 PM

QUOTE
While JG marches his way to 100M, you'll still be standing there holding your tired basket of gripes and getting old.
Comment #4, left at 02/25/08 01:16 PM.
http://eater.com/archives/2008/02/listage_392.php#reader_comments

QUOTE (abbe @ Feb 27 2008, 03:41 PM)
oh sweetie. believe me, once upon a time-- I DID.
but what sounds like more fun ? lawyers and depositions-- or chillin with brian-grazer !!
i don't regret MY decision. i have nooooo complaints-- even if i never ever see a dime of that so-called "$100M."
what ARE souls going for these days anyways ?? $100M sounds kinda cheap if you ask me.

Posted by: Dishwasher Feb 28 2008, 02:46 PM

I was just reading this article about how they did a scientific study to prove that after people reach a certain amount that's in a 6 figure comfort zone, that money can't buy any more happiness. It ony ends up causing more problems the more money that's earned. And these dyas they say that you can't even leave it all to your kids bevause its not even good for their upbringing, that the only way to buy happiness with that amount of money is to give it to charity.

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 28 2008, 02:55 PM

Posted by: abbe Feb 28 2008, 03:29 PM

QUOTE (Dishwasher @ Feb 28 2008, 01:11 PM)
And my hostesses wonder why I'm not that friendly. lol

Posted by: MILFweed Feb 28 2008, 04:00 PM

QUOTE (abbe @ Feb 27 2008, 03:47 PM)
oh really
well then
it sounds like chris-mohney is definitely one to watch. if the "birds of a feather" maxim indeed holds water, this should be "moderately amusing" at the very least, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.

Posted by: PassionFoodie Mar 8 2008, 06:42 PM

QUOTE (Inkslinger @ Feb 27 2008, 11:34 AM)
No offense to Passion Foodie, because it's great that she wants to be more aware, but even she who pays attention to what we've been saying all along won't boycott JG. And that is the kind of customer that JG cares about, not us ex-staffers.

Posted by: abbe Mar 9 2008, 02:16 PM

QUOTE (PassionFoodie @ Mar 8 2008, 06:42 PM)
Moving forward, Abbe if you should happen to feel that me being such a JGV Foodie (as well as other places) is going to be a problem on this board, please let me know, I will leave. I don't want to hurt anyone.

Posted by: Inkslinger Mar 10 2008, 01:26 PM

I didn't mean that you should leave at all, PF!

So, when's dinner at Spice Market!?

Posted by: Ferret-n-Chicken! Mar 10 2008, 04:51 PM

Don't go Passion Foodie!!!!!!!! Buy us dinner first!!!!! 'Cept let's go to JG instead of Spice 'cos it's more expensive!!!!!

Posted by: snax Mar 9 2008, 02:50 PM

Hi Abbe and all -

Way late to the party on this one -

but have to say again that abbe is a pioneer.

"When a true genius appears in the world, he'll be known by this sign:
that all the dunces are in confederacy against him"

This industry is a wild west situation in every way, with few exceptions, and those exceptions are
internationally famous....

how many can you count on one hand?

I think the JG situation boils down to abbe calling bullshit on a deified
organization - she's a whistleblower. But it is just food in the end, JG is a
cook, LF is a waitress. It's not the tobacco industry or something.
This is alllll about people's EGOS.

The press will never be sympathetic to the industry. Some lines of
work - think the police, the army, doctors - will always be naturally
separated by a great divide from the people they serve. We see
things they can't, so how do we engage in any meaningful dialogue
with people who have NO UNDERSTANDING of what it's like to work
and live in our world?

Who really cares if they understand? Do we really need it?

It won't change - not really - since the press etc relies on the smoke
and mirrors part of our world to function. They need celeb chefs and
hype and People Magazine drama. They don't care to know how the
sausage gets made and why should they?

Yes, they have an unnatural power over directing traffic to restaurants,
but in the end, if you're good, you'll be fine with or without them against
you or for you.

So fuck em, I say.

The change will come from within - not without. This forum is facilitating
that kind of change through heightening awareness inside the industry.

Keep doing what you're doing, abbe.

also - just cause I'm in the middle of an opening right now, may I respectfully disagree
with:

QUOTE (john.smith @ Feb 26 2008, 03:20 PM)
the smart ones with impressive resumes don't use craigslist....................................

Posted by: PassionFoodie Mar 9 2008, 03:39 PM

Yes, Yes, Yes and fuck yes!!!!

On the awareness, for the diners who browse around w/out posting....let's take better care of our outstanding service professionals!!! Wherever they work.

(Now where is my Foie Gras with Mango and Ginger.)

Snax. Beautifully put. Bravo!

Posted by: Inkslinger Mar 10 2008, 01:29 PM

QUOTE (snax @ Mar 9 2008, 01:50 PM)
Since moving here, I've moved staff with me from place to place - incredibly loyal people who don't even ask what the new place is all about, they're just there.

Hi, Snax! Long time no see!

Are you dunzo at Bubby's?

Posted by: abbe Mar 10 2008, 02:05 PM

apparently snax is working on some super duper top secret sumpn sumpn. or sumpn.

so: ssssshhhhhhhhhh. ["the media" is watching. ahhahahahaa]

Posted by: MONEYMAN Mar 10 2008, 07:29 PM

Posted by: Dishwasher Mar 11 2008, 11:38 AM

This sounds like an interesting idea Moneyman, but I'm curious how this will be managed with the IRS if you treat the overage as revenue?? I could be misunderstanding..?

Posted by: MONEYMAN Mar 11 2008, 12:21 PM

Posted by: abbe Mar 11 2008, 03:16 PM

QUOTE (MONEYMAN @ Mar 10 2008, 07:29 PM)
What do you think ABBE.........hush over, join a real team

two questions:

1. is this a job offer ??

2. is this super duper not-so-hush-anymore thingie in midtown ?? (bleah.)

Posted by: MONEYMAN Mar 11 2008, 03:21 PM

Maybe............but that would be telling

I have bigger plans for you than just a job

Posted by: abbe Mar 11 2008, 03:32 PM

dude are you hitting on me ??

eeheeee just kidding !




["bigger plans" than a job ?! okay !! ]

Posted by: MONEYMAN Mar 11 2008, 03:46 PM

Too many years in the resto............idiots who hit on you................I want you for your mind

Posted by: whats anorexia? Mar 19 2008, 12:51 PM

New York ‘Times’ to Wonder How Bloggers Stay Alive
When we received a voice mail last week from Kim Severson of the New York Times, saying that she wanted to interview us, our natural response was one of delight. Was the topic to be hamburgers or our upcoming book on same? Or perhaps the larger topic of meat? Or perhaps the ongoing efforts of Grub Street? It was with giddy fingers that we dialed Severson’s number only to find out that the lady was writing an article on how fat and unhealthy food bloggers are, and to ask us, in so many words, why we were still alive. Apparently, bloggers aren’t the trenchermen they once were: Off the Broiler’s Jason Perlow recently had some serious health problems, and even Steven “the Fat Guy” Shaw of eGullet has gotten on the austerity program. But, as we told Severson, the day we start eating salad she’s welcome to our place at the table. Grub Street may cost us the vitality of our once-springy carcass, but by God the work will go on! - Josh Ozersky
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/03/new_york_times_to_wonder_how_b.html

Posted by: abbe Mar 19 2008, 01:34 PM

Posted by: Dick Johnson Mar 19 2008, 03:08 PM

LOL. Oh boy.

"We include it here entirely for purposes of education: Remember, if you dog someone you worked for in a book, dont go to his restaurant unless you know he wont be around."- Josh Ozersky
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/02/ungrammatical_forum_poster_tos.html

Hey, Josh Ozersky, here's something entirely for purposes of education:

Remember, if you dog a man's wifey in a blog, dont go to his restaurant (where you've always been treated well) and innocently shake his hand, unless you know she won't hear about it afterward.

Posted by: Dick Johnson Mar 19 2008, 03:25 PM

Posted by: MILFweed Mar 20 2008, 11:53 AM

Is that what happened? Did Sasha really shake his hand? Because my husband would have kicked his ass.

Pig indeed.

Posted by: BX(Busboy Extraordinaire) Mar 20 2008, 12:15 PM

And yea so did Sasha send over a manager to tell his friend that they both have to leave the restaurant??

Posted by: Inkslinger Mar 20 2008, 12:50 PM

Yes! Thank you! Exactly!

But, let's not overlook the obvious fact that 'the pig' has his snout planted firmly up JG's ass. Did you notice the Buddha Bar coverage of the lawsuit?

QUOTE
Life Is Not Exactly Nirvana for Buddha Bar Employees
The light at the end of the tunnel is a juicy settlement.Photo: Shanna Ravindra
According to legal papers filed last week, meatpacking district restaurant-lounge Buddha Bar hasn’t exactly been following the Noble Eightfold Path when it comes to its pay policies. A server, bartender, busboy, and six other employees have filed a class-action lawsuit accusing owner David Kay, CEO Nina Zajic, and GM Peter Jastimi of numerous stingy practices: withholding portions of their tips, redistributing tips to employees who weren’t entitled to them, failing to pay minimum wage, withholding a portion of “service charges” that diners assumed were paid to waiters, and forcing employees to pay for walkouts, uniforms, and credit-card fees. By the looks of these papers, it looks like the restaurant’s giant Buddha is the only thing sitting pretty.
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/03/life_is_not_exactly_nirvana_fo_1.html

Compare that to the pig's coverage of the Jean-Georges lawsuit.

QUOTE
Vongerichten Sued Once Again; East Village Cooks Nab Perv
Jean-Georges Vongerichten is being sued by employees from eight of his restaurants, who claim he underpaid them, cheated them of overtime, and made them share tips with bosses. This is the chef’s third suit of the year. [NYDN]
Two East Village cooks spot the serial groper they had previously saved a woman from. [NYP]
Millions of cans of food are literally bursting with botulism, and New York is among the states where the germ bombs have turned up. [Fox News]
Cote d’Or has been open less than a week and has already been renamed Charolais, since the owners plan to serve that French breed of beef and only now have found a reliable supplier. [Eater]
Related: New French Bistro Has an Old Soul
If you’ve been wanting a reservation at a hot restaurant, August is the time to get it — it’s typically the slowest month in the restaurant business. [NYDN]
Likewise, it’s no problem to get into hot spots like Gemma and Shake Shack once it’s late in the day. But you probably knew that already. [Mouthing Off/Food & Wine]
Related: Gemma Pulse Check: It's No Waverly
Food and cooking videos are big and only getting bigger, as everyone now wants in on the action. [NYDN]
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2007/07/vongerichten_sued_for_the_thir_1.html

Posted by: Dishwasher Mar 20 2008, 02:10 PM

Posted by: abbe Mar 20 2008, 04:38 PM

QUOTE (MILFweed @ Mar 20 2008, 11:53 AM)
Is that what happened? Did Sasha really shake his hand?

in all fairness he didn't remember it was josh-ozersky who said all those meanie things about me since he doesn't read Grub Street and therefore doesn't really follow or keep track of any of the blogger names or whatever.

so yah he shook his hand.

whatever

Posted by: abbe Mar 20 2008, 04:44 PM

QUOTE (Inkslinger @ Mar 20 2008, 12:50 PM)
And yeah, I think it's good that Sasha didn't kick the pig out of Centro. He should let him stay, eat, pay his bill and then kick his ass.

hahhahahahahaaa

but NO.
doing anything of the sort would imply i actually give a shit about that stupid ignorant fucker pig. and we don't want that.

aside from which, i would much rather kick that stupid ignorant freebie-grubbing pig ass MYSELF.

Posted by: abbe Mar 20 2008, 04:53 PM

QUOTE (Dishwasher @ Mar 20 2008, 02:10 PM)
I've met Josh and he seems like an ok guy. But then again people are generally nice to me for no reason. I gotta sya though that this doesn't look good for him but then again NY Mag has never exactly been known for it's journailistic integrity either. I still say I don't know where Josh gets off writing that item the way he did because its obvious that he didn't even read the book.

aww thanks Dishwasher

QUOTE (Dishwasher @ Mar 20 2008, 02:10 PM)
I don't think that kicking him out of the rest is the answer, but I also know that if that was my lady and my rest I would def give ole Josh a good talking to man to man.

Posted by: Dishwasher Mar 21 2008, 03:06 PM

Not for nothing Abbe/ but I'm pretty chummy with some of the people on Centro's line so I'm well aware how often Josh is in there. I don't know why Josh would choose to disrespect you, but I'd bet that JG's PR team has something to do with it. Not that I'm defending him, because it's a low blow and I'm so sick of journalists having no integrity. I'm just saying that if I was the owner in this situation, then it's just something that I would def address, because its not a good feeling to play host to someone who spits on you. Just trust that he can handle it, and it will prob make him feel better about the whole thing.

Posted by: john.smith Mar 21 2008, 05:53 PM

Posted by: BS Detector Mar 25 2008, 01:36 PM

Cutlets is at it again-

"The message would no doubt go over bigger if Bouley were actually at the Community Board 1 meeting tonight, but the chef is in Japan, showcasing Tribeca and New York in front of a global audience. And what could be more admirable than that?"
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/03/david_bouley_tries_an_end_run.html

Oh, I don't know, how about not trying to exploit the 9/11 tragedy in Tribeca for his own personal gain? Or not being a scumbag businessman in general?

Shill detection reading here is off the charts.

Posted by: Inkslinger Apr 11 2008, 07:19 PM

Interesting how Grub Street pays this much attention to this story of someone getting kicked off of their table to make way for Jay-Z and Beyonce, but when Abbester quotes Jean-Georges yelling, "I would pay any peasant in the place to leave their table," during that incident when the GM almost turned away Hillary Swank, they still take JG's side.

Posted by: abbe Apr 12 2008, 01:54 PM

hahahahahahahahahahahahaa
oooooooh lookie somebody got "promoted" [to Forum Administrator]! you look absolutely divine in red [the color in which all FA's "handles" are displayed] my dear.

also: NICE JOB. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Posted by: Dick Johnson Apr 14 2008, 01:05 PM

Is she getting paid for this? Because, the last time I checked, it was my name up in lights on the marquee, and I'm still waiting for my residual checks.

Posted by: Dick Johnson Apr 14 2008, 01:10 PM

QUOTE (Inkslinger @ Apr 11 2008, 07:19 PM)
Interesting how Grub Street pays this much attention to this story of someone getting kicked off of their table to make way for Jay-Z and Beyonce, but when Abbester quotes Jean-Georges yelling, "I would pay any peasant in the place to leave their table," during that incident when the GM almost turned away Hillary Swank, they still take JG's side.

Although, I must admit, this is a pretty good job. I almost forgot about that one, even though it's one of my favorites - right up there with the story of 'Graydick Crackwhore' and punishing the GM by booking everything that gets called in, just so he has to deal with all the yelling from all the pissed-off customers.

LOL. Classics.

Posted by: Inkslinger Apr 14 2008, 01:48 PM

QUOTE (abbe @ Apr 12 2008, 01:54 PM)
oooooooh lookie somebody got "promoted" ! you look absolutely divine in red my dear.

Thta's funny, because normally, red is just about the only color I won't wear.

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Apr 14 2008, 01:05 PM)
Is she getting paid for this? Because, the last time I checked, it was my name up in lights on the marquee, and I'm still waiting for my residual checks.

For your info, I'm also working on editing Abbester's next book, and the revised version of the first one, that's going to be released first. So,

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Apr 14 2008, 01:10 PM)
Although, I must admit, this is a pretty good job. I almost forgot about that one, even though it's one of my favorites - right up there with the story of 'Graydick Crackwhore' and punishing the GM by booking everything that gets called in, just so he has to deal with all the yelling from all the pissed-off customers.
LOL. Classics.

Posted by: mss Apr 16 2008, 10:59 PM

Posted by: Dick Johnson Apr 17 2008, 11:40 AM

QUOTE (mss @ Apr 16 2008, 10:59 PM)
denton just sold Gridskipper. guess who bought it? http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/new_media/curbed_going_to_rethink_newlyacquired_gridskipper_82353.asp?

Posted by: abbe Apr 17 2008, 02:00 PM

QUOTE (mss @ Apr 16 2008, 10:59 PM)
denton just sold Gridskipper. guess who bought it?

Posted by: Inkslinger Apr 17 2008, 02:12 PM

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Apr 17 2008, 11:40 AM)
Here's a suggestion. Try Deathwatching Gansevoort Hotel - everyone hated it the minute it opened 5 years ago, so I'm pretty sure it's going to shutter any minute now. And if you 'call it' first, all the readers can see how brilliant you are.

Posted by: Dick Johnson Apr 18 2008, 12:59 PM

LOL.

Mercer Hotel: "...for Matt Damon, you say? Sorry, unless you know his pseudonym, we have no rooms available. Nice try though, dumbass."

Posted by: MILFweed Apr 21 2008, 12:15 PM

QUOTE (Inkslinger @ Apr 11 2008, 07:19 PM)
Interesting how Grub Street pays this much attention to this story of someone getting kicked off of their table to make way for Jay-Z and Beyonce, but when Abbester quotes Jean-Georges yelling, "I would pay any peasant in the place to leave their table," during that incident when the GM almost turned away Hillary Swank, they still take JG's side.

It would be nice if NY Mag gave up all their pretense already and just did cover to cover ads and gave the magazine away for free in those plastic magazine racks that are on every other streetcorner.

Posted by: BX(Busboy Extraordinaire) Apr 21 2008, 12:20 PM

QUOTE (Dick Johnson @ Apr 18 2008, 12:59 PM)
Mercer Hotel: "...for Matt Damon, you say? Sorry, unless you know his pseudonym, we have no rooms available. Nice try though, dumbass."

Posted by: BS Detector Apr 22 2008, 02:44 PM

Posted by: Ferret-n-Chicken! Apr 22 2008, 06:02 PM

Yea, and don't you love how it coincides with Ab's interview on goodnightmrlewis.com???? Pathetic!!!! Give it up, Grub Sreet!!! We all know you kiss JG's ass, but as of today about 39,000 other people know how full of shit ypu are!!!!! JG lost his Mercer case for illegally taking the emp tips, now we just have to wait for him to also lose his class action!!! Enjoy that 100 Mil while it lasts!!!!! Maybe you can take it out LF's pay since she's the one that got you into this mess!!!!

Posted by: VANILLA ICE Apr 23 2008, 12:08 PM

QUOTE (BS Detector @ Apr 22 2008, 02:44 PM)
If Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s cookbook or his latest blog entry introducing his spring menu aren’t insight enough into Vongo’s world, Trump International is offering a two-hour Jean-Georges Culinary Master Course, in which he’ll show the ropes to two to four deep-pocketed aspiring cooks. But that’s not all, folks! http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/04/private_time_with_jean-georges_and_a_park_view_for_only_9000.html#more
Gotta call BS on this one. 'Cause if people want insight into Vongo's world, they don't have to go any further than PX THIS. No mention of it though. Of course.

Posted by: Dick Johnson Apr 23 2008, 12:59 PM

QUOTE (VANILLA ICE @ Apr 23 2008, 12:08 PM)
DAT BE A COINCIDENCE AH'IGHT, 'COS I BE SELLING TOURS TO MAH BALLZ FOR $20G.

Posted by: Inkslinger Apr 23 2008, 03:50 PM

QUOTE (Ferret-n-Chicken! @ Apr 22 2008, 06:02 PM)
Give it up, Grub Sreet!!! We all know you kiss JG's ass, but as of today about 39,000 other people know how full of shit you are!!!!!

Posted by: whats anorexia? Sep 2 2008, 02:14 PM

sorry i couldn't decide if this should go in the ignorasshole thread or in the "nymag is ignorant and stupid" thread so i just ["double-posted" it].

Grubstreet Loses Other Ignorasshole >> http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2008/08/enjoy_the_last_days_of_summer.html

just wanted to say hooray and good riddance!

go abbe!

Posted by: john.smith Sep 2 2008, 01:59 PM

Posted by: Dick Johnson Sep 2 2008, 01:53 PM

QUOTE (whats anorexia? @ Sep 2 2008, 01:20 PM)
go abbe!

LOL.

I had no idea Abbsterpiece was such a follower of The Secret.

QUOTE (john.smith @ Sep 2 2008, 01:59 PM)
good riddance freeloader.................hope all your ass kissing chefs think that coverage on citysearch is just as good or you might starve to death..........................

Posted by: john.smith Sep 2 2008, 02:02 PM

not possible.........................daddy's money is what funds eater..................................

Posted by: Dick Johnson Sep 2 2008, 02:03 PM

Oh, snap.

Posted by: BS Detector Sep 2 2008, 03:21 PM

Posted by: abbe Sep 2 2008, 04:05 PM

Posted by: Inkslinger Sep 2 2008, 04:33 PM

Oh yeah, congrats!

It is pretty interesting how you could always spot on Grub Street which items were written by whom. I always thought it was funny that they didn't sign each of their posts like the writers do on other websites, but that's probably just because Josh Ozersky was embarassed by his own items.

Posted by: Inkslinger Sep 18 2008, 05:00 PM

QUOTE
Jean-Georges Leaves His Waiters a $1.75 Million Tip
Maybe he’s feeling magnanimous after being named one of Us Weekly’s most stylish New Yorkers? Jean-Georges Vongerichten still denies any wrongdoing, but he has agreed to pay $1.75 million to waiters who claimed that his managers were skimming tips. A whopping $583,000 of that will go to the lawyers. The folks at PX This (no fans of Vongo’s director of operations, Lois Freedman) are already atwitter about this, and one of them assures: “There is a new group being formed that is about to present to the industry a new formula for success that will change the way things are done. And the winners will not include the attorneys.” Stay tuned.
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/09/jean-georges_vongerichten_leav.html

Did NY Mag just say something objective and true about us? I think I'm going to faint.

Posted by: Inkslinger Feb 3 2009, 01:00 PM

This post has been moved from another discussion thread, because it is more in line with this topic:

QUOTE (Captain Kangaroo @ Feb 2 2009, 05:39 PM)
What's more amazing is that other sites and the press ignore what's being said here. It has opened my eyes more to the lack of integrity in the media. Remember the other day when I said that you guys should send out the post about Bruni and David Bouley, because that's interesting and other people would want to read about. I understand that no one wanted to print it, but just as an example I went to this new rest'nt called Lusso this weekend, because I saw it on the NY Mag blog.

I don't want to be like Beater and say anything bad about it, but I swear I've seen nicer rest's and eaten better food in airports. I'm not kidding. I don't want to say anymore, but you should just see it. Even to sit at the bar and order a drink. Unfortunately, I can't recommend that you try the food. I had the rigatoni and broccoli rabe, and they were both bland and the rabe was overcooked and wilted. The sauce on the pasta tasted like it was from a can, and the cubes of pork were like from a slab in a deli, and they were almost gray in color. There was no presentation. I swear I'm not exaggerating. I'm glad that we were not that hungry and only ordered that to split between me and my friend, because we spent about $60, and I would have felt better with a Swanson frozen dinner.

The fact that NY Mag would write about this place and not about Bouley and Bruni is crazy. It's amazing that there's no good website that has great info and keeps it real like this site. At this point, this is prob the only rest'nt site that is worth reading.

Posted by: Inkslinger Oct 27 2009, 02:39 PM