S4 - Episode 10 - Mardee Bennett

<p>It’s no secret that some of the best front of the house players started out as English majors and thespians. Which comes first, a penchant for performance and storytelling, or the need for a paying gig? </p><p><br></p><p>For sure the dining room can be a stage. The curtain rises when the door opens, and no matter how we feel or what might have happened that day, the show must go on. And like putting on a play, pitching in, working hard, and the adrenalin rush of pulling off yet another night is part of the fun. </p><p><br></p><p>Our guest <strong>Mardee Bennett </strong>is the maître d’ of acclaimed regional Italian restaurant Borgo in New York City. He’s also a singer, actor, and award-winning playwright. Join us for this delightful chat with Mardee which includes highlights such as: </p><p>~ Moving to New Orleans &amp; getting a job at Commander’s Place</p><p>~ How the maître d’ controls the weather (in the dining room!) </p><p>~ The importance of finding the right restaurant fit for you</p><p>~ The first and last time he snapped his fingers at a server</p><p>~ How being an actor and actually liking people are hospitality superpowers</p><p>~ His favorite star-struck moment</p><p>~ What he learned about humanity when a guest who insulted him ended up with her bashed her head in and covered with blood</p><p>~ The time they had a naked man in the restaurant </p><p>~ Gospel music and the rituals that help him get into the right head space</p><p>~ His feelings about technology &amp; a few things he’d like to see 86ed</p><p><br></p>