S4 - Episode 10 - Mardee Bennett
from Maître d’ Diaries Hosted by Erica Cantley
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? 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. Our guest Mardee Bennett 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: ~ Moving to New Orleans & getting a job at Commander’s Place ~ How the maître d’ controls the weather (in the dining room!) ~ The importance of finding the right restaurant fit for you ~ The first and last time he snapped his fingers at a server ~ How being an actor and actually liking people are hospitality superpowers ~ His favorite star-struck moment ~ What he learned about humanity when a guest who insulted him ended up with her bashed her head in and covered with blood ~ The time they had a naked man in the restaurant ~ Gospel music and the rituals that help him get into the right head space ~ His feelings about technology & a few things he’d like to see 86ed
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