Break is gone even before it started. I mean, after closing Tabba Khady, not being settled on a choice of what I was going to do, I thought I deserved a good break to help me to see clearer in my future and move ahead.So I was looking for some little "re-constructive" vacations, after the 15 days we projected to use to move the equipment and the furniture`out of the restaurant building, and to repaint the whole location in a more neutral color instead of leaving behind our own decorative painting job.
Well..., opportunities in life make it going in an unexpected way sometime and something came out of nowhere last Friday...and the result is that I will only have few days of vacation after closing and I will have to speed up the moving.
Very few people were in the confidence since this Wednesday, and my good friend Barbara was the first to know about the scoop (after William and my sister of course) and also, because they came to dinner at Tabba Khady a couple of nights ago, she was closely followed by Georgia (GaKaye on TTOL) and her husband David, as well as Vicki (Sca2la) and her husband Rick. Chris (Dane) came one day too early (Tuesday), and I couldn't share yet, since my decision wasn't taken.
Let see if this news will also make it to the now infamous newsletter...
On December 27th 2007 I am taking over Captain Olivers Restaurant Management, as well as the Iguana Bar and the Yacht Club on the Marina.
Yes, I know.... It is a big job! Big job and big responsibilities.
It will be a challenge too, and I know it, since Captain Olivers restaurant reputation tarnished over the years. But I will work in close collaboration with the "extra competent and efficient" hotel's management.
I know also that with over 20 employees, and most of them being in position since almost 18 years, changes won't be easy to apply and won't happen on the first place. It may, and certainly will, take time, but I have one challenging goal:
the one to bring back Captain Olivers restaurant reputation at the level of the old glories, and to bring Tabba Khady quality standards to the place. Captain Olivers menu will stay the same for now, it will be necessary to improve the quality of the cuisine on the first place tough, after restructuring, and after I gained the confidence of the Kitchen staff so I can train them on some different recipes.It is obvious that the dining room will need a good "make over" too, with some more attractive decoration style than it is now, but it is not a priority in the immediate future.
It will not be easy on me either, since it will be the first time in 18 years of career that I will work in and for an Establishment I do not own. Somehow, it is the only point I am nervous about...LOL.
So I will still be around, and people will still have to drive to Oyster Pond to visit me. But at least, I am on the Dutch side this time. Actually, the funny part is that my office is on the french side, but when I step right out of my door to enter the restaurant, I am stepping into the Dutch side... Interesting huh?...
13 comments:
Philippe,
PROUD doesn't explain how I feel towards your accomplishment. Words can't explain my feelings.
This time you're going at it alone without me by your side, but, you know I'm ALWAYS behind you in whatever you want!
J't tres tres fort!
Merci beaucoup mon Amour,
Ca me fait tres plaisir que tu soit fier de moi, je le suis aussi de toi, puisque tu as decide d'appredre le Francais, et tu reussi tres bien. Je sais que tu es toujours derriere moi si j'ai besoin d'aide, merci beaucoup,
Moi aussi je t'aime tres tres fort,
Philippe,
I am sure you will be very succesful in your new endeavor. David and I enjoyed our meal at Tabba Khady, and even moreso your hospitality. We look forward to seeing you at Captain Oliver's next trip!
Georgia
Well, my friend, we kept your secret. Now the world will know and I know everyone will be very happy for you.
Dee and I certainly are. It seems to be a position that is right up your alley and I am sure you will do very well.
We expect great things from you, of course. LOL
It will be a challenge but one you will meet very well, and I am sure it will be a challenge you enjoy.
Congratulations and big hugs!
Barbara and Dee
Well, well, congratulations Phil!!
Its about time they got someone decent in there, you know we have lived in Oyster Pond for over 2 yrs now and have NEVER been in that restaurant, bar or yacht club?! I always said it needed a bloody good woman in there to drag that place out of the dark ages, and now I guess they have the next best thing heh heh.....
I think you will have a BIG job there, but if anyone can do it, its you babe. May I suggest you start with a can of petrol and box of matches??.....
Seriously congrats again and I guess we will see you in there soon - well, maybe Ill wait until those nasty moth eaten tablecloths have gone....
Philippe,
You are not alone, you have all of us behind you wishing you much success. I know the staff there for years and they are wonderful to us. The menu never interested Frank so we were regulars during the buffett.
Very truly yours, Wendy
Wow! What an unexpected change of course for you. You never know what life is going to put in your path. I'm conjuring up images of Gordon Ramsey trying to whip 18 long-time employees into shape a la "Kitchen Nightmares." Best of luck to you on your new endeavor. Working for someone else besides yourself is a change of pace, but it will be great experience.
Congratulations on your opportunity. I look forward to reading about it. Now someone else can worry about landlords, property taxes, utility bills and stock!
Hey!
Congratulations and GOOD LUCK with the new endeavour. I wish you success and can't wait to try the fare.
Denis
Phil,
I am so excited that you have found a new challenge...which from the sounds of it, It definitely will be...I am really happy that we will have a place to still be able to got in May and enjoy your awesome cooking and hospitiality...and the best part is that by May you will have all the kinks worked out and you will have added some Tabba Khady touches to the menu... as well as the resturant...Best of Luck and try to unwind and enjoy the holidays with William and your zoo of rescues that you have.....Maureen
Hi Philippe: Congratulations and best of luck with it! Aaron and I are looking forward to visiting you at Captain Oliver's!
Well, there is hope! This was to be the year we finally got to Tabba Khaddy and we gave up on Captain Oliver's several years after beging very disappointed in everything there, especially the restaurant. We will definitely visit in February and look forward to the "Phillippe" touch - so much potential! wish you great good luck!
I spend quite a bit of time in SXM visiting my parents who own a place in Dawn Beach. You seem like a wonderful person and I regret that I never had the chance to eat at your restaurant. Captain Oliver's is in such a beautiful, nearby location, but we haven't been there in years because the food got so bad. We look forward to trying it out again now that we know a change is underway! By the way, we did enjoy a tiny pizza restaurant by the dock there last year, run by (I think) someone named Masimo. Whatever happened to that? I hope you have time to continue working on your blog. I especially look forward to more food-related entries (recipes, restaurants, food stores).
Bummer!!!
A friend is heading to St. Martin tomorrow and I told him all about TK only to now have to give him the dissapointing news.
Good luck at CO's.
(we only know you and William from one great evening at TK last January. Keep infusing those rums!!!)
Post a Comment