Golden Service

Having breakfast at Goldy's on Capital Boulevard last Saturday reminded me of why people wait in line, hung over, drinking coffee out of a paper cup for an hour or more before getting a table. I swear that the nicest people in this city work at Goldy's. I sit down, have a nice breakfast, and leave feeling satisfied and inspired to be a little more sunshiney and caffeinated. Anne, the best server in Boise, tells us as we're leaving that she's really glad we came in. And I believe her.

I am reminded of an often-forgotten tenet of the service business... service itself, that is. So many times I've chatted with a server or bartender that relays to me a horrifying story of a time when they told off some customer because they snapped their fingers or ordered their steak well done. I find this so grossly uninspiring that I often ask, "well, you're in service to them, aren't you?" What ever happened to sitting around after work and talking shit about people who act like jerks? We just return the favor instantly now?

It's no surprise that most servers hate me for my position on unconditional accomodation. My theory is that if a guest in your place swears at you, hits you, or tries to steal something, you take a firm and calm tone and ask them to leave. The only time you should ever be less that prozac is if you're telling someone to leave. If they're going to stay, you're going to be polite. Period. No defensive tone. No standing up for your human right to not be referred to as miss. No sense of entitlement over the kind of tip you think you deserve. You are a polite robot with a sharp personality, not a freedom fighter or some sort of foody educat. Servers like Anne at Goldy's make me understand exactly how innate the act of service really is.

Since I'd consumed about a quart of Sazeracs the night before, I only had orange juice on this particular morning, and it was great. The extend of my inspiration from Goldy's had little to do with drinking, and more to do with a sappy sort of adage that's hardly ever easy to pull off in the morning... service with a smile.