Last week Eater ran a series called Front & Center celebrating front of the house talent at local bars and restaurants. Turns out there were more stories to tell about your favorite servers, bartenders and so forth, so here's a bonus round.
[Photo: Bergamot/40-Something Life]
"My favorite FOH staffer would be bar manager Paul Manzelli at Bergamot. He is great to chat with and very knowledgeable about his trade. He makes great cocktails with fresh, seasonal ingredients and will pair them with what you're eating and he will graciously teach you about what he's using/doing!! Go, sit at the bar at Bergamot and enjoy."
~Heather Grunwald, former line cook at 80 Thoreau and Foundry on Elm
"I am writing to nominate Blayne Daley and the entire front-of-house staff at East by Northeast in Cambridge for 'Best FOH Staff'. My husband and I are frequent visitors to the restaurant and it's not just the delicious, unique, and seasonally-inspired food chef Tang creates that keeps us coming back; it's also the warm, personable, and attentive service we constantly receive from Blayne, Tara, Steven, and even chef Tang himself. We frequent the restaurant specifically to see them and the fact that we get to enjoy a wonderful meal is just an added bonus. We always leave feeling happy and satisfied, having had an amazing experience you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the city."
~Tricia Rivera
"Sergio at Bergamot." ~ Louisa Kadson
"I work in the industry & 2 of MY favorite bartenders work at Hungry Mother in Cambridge. Ned Green & Heather Mojer." ~ Kathie (a former coworker)
"One of my favorite FOH staff members in the city is Michael Florence, the sommelier, bartender and beverage manager at Pigalle. Along with creating mood-setting indie rock playlists for Pigalle, he has extensive knowledge of the French wines they serve over there. Mike can usually find the perfect glass for you just by one adjective. Last time I said "citrusy" and he brought over a Chablis that fit the bill perfectly. His pairing suggestions for food and tasting menus are also spot on. On the mixology front, Mike makes excellent cocktails that are especially appealing to bourbon and yellow chartreuse lovers. He has free reign over the cocktail list, so a trip to Pigalle's bar usually involves testing out his latest concoction." ~ Michelle Zippeli, Chow Down Beantown
"I live in Philadelphia, but travel to Boston often. I always enjoy dining at East by Northeast not only for the fabulous food, but also for the friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially Blayne (sorry, don't know her last name) who is a server and the general manager. She always makes our dining experience just a little more special." ~ Shelley
