Two words: Sous Chef

If you have one you are a restaurant...if you don't, well then you don't. The restaurant business is one of the toughest out there. It sounds to me as if they have not thought out everything they should have...

I do have sympathy for the chef and his health issues. However...

This section is about retail in Glen Ellyn. This is a brand new business, one I think the majority of posters had high hopes for, both for bringing a fresh new approach to the CBD, and for yummy food. That this business - much delayed, by the way - had to shutter its doors a week after opening, for an indefinite amount of time, is worthy of comment. I know the restaurant business is tough. I assume that good restaurants do revolve around the chef/personality. (I admit, I don't know much beyond this business other than what I've gleaned from watching three seasons of "Top Chef.")

But here's the thing. If I'm a citizen of GE, not one who frequents this board, and I'm driving in the CBD now and I see a darkened Honey, with a little sheet of white paper hanging in the door, knowing what I know about the CBD (and also, from what I'm able to observe as I continue my drive, that is - all the dark storefronts), I'm assuming this is yet another business that didn't make it. And so I'm not going to be looking for it when it does reopen.

That's not good for Honey - and it's not good for the CBD, either. That's a fact - and it's a fact worthy of discussion, IMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by mom:
Two words: Sous Chef

If you have one you are a restaurant...if you don't, well then you don't. The restaurant business is one of the toughest out there. It sounds to me as if they have not thought out everything they should have...

Damn you, mom! For weeks I've listened to the whining about this place without weighing in. But those two little words are what I have been thinking since this problem arose. I wish these very good people absolutely nothing but the best, but having worked in my share of kitchens...both crappy and very high end...I have never heard of a situation where someone couldn't slide onto a line and take over for any one of the players should something happen.

The restaurant business seems so elegant from the front end. But I invite any of you to take a look behind the swinging door and you'll be frightened every time you step into an eatery. Better yet...stay out of the kitchen and read Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential". Food people are interesting to say the least.

I find this more sad than anything. Gotta be rough on those involved. I am 99% certain that all will be well with Honey and I look forward to dining there soon.

It doesn't take a chef to serve coffee and rolls. Why wouldn't they at a minimum serve this kinda of stuff to keep the doors open? It must go deeper than just the chef being ill.

quote:

Originally posted by bitterboy:
It doesn't take a chef to serve coffee and rolls. Why wouldn't they at a minimum serve this kinda of stuff to keep the doors open? It must go deeper than just the chef being ill.

Blasphemer!!

quote:

Originally posted by Yossarian:

I did two years of customer focus training for Flight Attendants at UAL. If you've flown UAL, you can see why my advice is free.

l-freakin'-o-l. . . i nearly busted a gut on this one, yoss. man, that was funny.

quote:

Originally posted by scotty:
Sorry I should have posted this earlier as I received this email several days ago.

Dear valued guests,

We got off to a wonderful start and we thank you for the great support.

Our executive chef had a medical emergency and had to be taken to the hospital on Wednesday. It is not yet known when he will be able to return. He is okay, but unable to return to work now.

We were so happy to finally have our doors open. We are so sorry to have another delay.

We wil try to re-open soon, but it may not be until December 1st. We will then open only for breakfast and lunch. We will get on track and look forward to serving you amazing food with great service.

We are so happy to be a part of Glen Ellyn and hope you will visit us in the near future.

All the best,
Elizabeth and everyone at
HONEY
499 N. Main St.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

couple thoughts regarding today's posts:

1) isn't the above just a copy of the letter that's taped to the front door? so, this isn't news, right? we've know this for a week. does ANYONE have any RECENT news?

2) i, too, am buzz-worthy. believe me.

3) like yoss, i have made brutally honest comments/critiques based on experience, not hate. though i admit to poking fun.

4) i hope the chef is not ill, harmed or in anyway afflicted.

5) life is hard. the restaurant biz is harder.

The two worst industries to be in:

1. Restaurants
2. Country Clubs

You couldn't pay me enough...Those people work their butts off...working at all the times that the average person doesn't want to work. And all they get is complaints, opinions and more complaints and opinions.

That being said, complaints and opinions come with the territory...kind of like coaching high school, college and pro football.

quote:

Originally posted by JRPotts:


That being said, complaints and opinions come with the territory...kind of like coaching high school, college and pro football.

lol, anything in particular you're thinking about?

quote:

Originally posted by t.a. superette:

quote:

Originally posted by JRPotts:


That being said, complaints and opinions come with the territory...kind of like coaching high school, college and pro football.

lol, anything in particular you're thinking about?

Yes.

quote:

Originally posted by JRPotts:

Yes.

well, keep it to yourself.

;^P

Why? It's such a heartwarming story.

Potts, what is the story? c'mon, I love a story that tuggs at the heart!!!!

This AM, saw two workers behind the register. I wonder if they are open for just coffee? If they are, they need a bigger "open/closed" sign.

Drove by Honey, chairs in the back were still on the tables. Looks to me like their still closed. Nice to see they are keeping their customers updated too. Not hate people, frustration.

I drove by this AM too and not a creature was stirring.

Drove by this A.M at about 8:30. More of the same. Chairs up, all lights off, two girls behind the counter..."Open" sign on the door. They looked very much not open. Lack of customers inside did not help matters. Very, very confusing.

I hope that chef comes back soon or someone can learn to follow his recipes.

My step aunt used to own Ann Sathers in Andersonville until she retired, I do know she was there just about every day they were open for 20 years. However, she did have "back-up" if she needed to be out. This thing is very perplexing.

Drove by at 8:24 a.m., sign on the door said "Closed". Perhaps they're opening at 10 a.m., who knows.

I am part of the Honey email list and have received no update, other than the one Scotty has posted. The mystery continues.....