employment.

http://www.cowbell-nola.com/

Above is a link to the restaurant for which I am now a full time server / host.  "Full Time" in New Orleans, I guess, means 32 hours per week or more.  Which is kind of cool, if you consider it a reflection of the city's values...  or if you're someone who wants to pursue other things while working "full time."

Check out the "pictures" section of the website...  the food there is pretty unreal.  Today, during my interview, I had (gratis) the fish tacos.  And they were amazing.

As I ate, I spoke with Krista (!), the manager woman (her husband is the head chef) about stuff.  The interview started out sort of formal, me telling her about my experience and what I was comfortable doing. But it quickly devolved--or evolved, perhaps I should say--into a back-and-forth about what makes a good restaurant, a good eating experience, a good job, etc.  By the end, we were each drinking a beer and talking as colloquially as (and this is as close to verbatim as my memory can manage) :

Krista: You know, I just don't want fucks like that coming into my restaurant.
Me: Well why the hell else would they be here, right?
Krista: Right!  I want this to be a community oriented place, not a spot for someone to waste money and then waste time on wasted food.
Me: Hell yeah (a cheers ensues)

It was a great experience, to say the least.  She was very fond of me, I was very fond of her, I like the way she approaches food / her restaurant / her employees, and she likes something or other about me.  The point is, I'm hired, and I'll now be reeling in dough via warm greetings to restaurant goers while I attempt to shove my foot into one of New Orleans' theatrical doors.

A side note: I told her that one of my top priorities at this point in New Orleans is meeting new people and making friends...  she beamed at this.  She told me that the whole joint is one big family, the are frequently going out together, going to music clubs and bars together, hanging out and genuinely enjoying one another's company.

ANOTHER side note: There are two male employees.  All the rest (over 10 in number) are female.  When I walked into the restaurant, I was struck by how many beautiful women were working there.  It was some weird sort of Greek fantasy, I thought...  but...  well, let's just leave it at that.  I am pleased.

Hope all is well.  I can't wait to come up for Christmas and see y'all.

Love,

Kevin