Traditionally, my column between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is about “The Best and Worst Tips of the Year.” Over time, tidbits in each category reached new and surprising heights in everything from creativity, to shock, to faith-in-humanity-restored generosity. Case in point, no matter where I’ve worked over the past 15 years, a $100 bill turned […]

As resumes started pouring in, the exhausted chef/owner became more agitated. Her rants grew along with the pile of unqualified or unsuitable applicants. Still crazy busy with holiday parties and family gatherings, we were almost looking forward to the slow days January and February would bring. The entire overworked staff was on eggshells every time […]

The chef/owner of the 5-year-old anchor restaurant did not believe in hiring techniques beyond word-of-mouth. According to the Sunday newspaper, the tony spot had achieved rising-star status and was still climbing. Those seeking a dinner reservation were put on hold for a month, making the to-die-for tableside Caesar salad (extra white anchovies, please) and Korean-fusion […]

Greater Portland Exhibits “Local Color: Pieces of Maine,” paintings by Dawn Maron, Mike Maron and Suzanne Woodward, Lifeworks Chiropractic Center, 202 US Rte. 1, Suite 100, Falmouth, artists’ reception 5:30-7:30 p.m., to April 29. “East Meets Weston” photography by Bruce Barlow, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., through December, freeportlibrary.com, 865-3307. Film “The Assassin,” 6:30 p.m. […]

The four weeks of Christmas productions are quickly drawing to a close, but a handful of big events remain on the calendar. My longtime favorite is “Christmas With Cornils,” a production of the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ. Ray Cornils will play Portland’s mighty instrument, joined by a slew of his friends and professional colleagues, […]

A couple of job-lifetimes ago, when there were more unemployed line cooks than restaurants hiring, I worked with a chef/owner who refused to advertise for help. This was especially true in the case of lead positions like sous chef or head bartender. “It looks bad, as if things aren’t running smoothly,” she said. “Having longtime […]

Greater Portland Exhibits “Local Color: Pieces of Maine,” paintings by Dawn Maron, Mike Maron and Suzanne Woodward, Lifeworks Chiropractic Center, 202 US Rte. 1, Suite 100, Falmouth, artists’ reception 5:30-7:30 p.m., to April 29. “East Meets Weston” photography by Bruce Barlow, Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Dr., through December, freeportlibrary.com, 865-3307. Galleries Dahlov Ipcar, Frost Gully […]

With the arts and entertainment calendar inexorably counting down to Christmas, some big items are coming up. Biggest of the season, certainly in terms of its box office draw, is the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s “Magic of Christmas.” This annual family favorite runs two weekends at Merrill Auditorium, beginning this Friday. Portland Ballet will present its […]

The server in training was being shadowed by another server who wouldn’t let her get a word in edgewise. More like a second skin than a mentor, the Shadow was short with her charge, yet overly solicitous with us. Having seen, and probably been guilty of the same behavior, I tried to make eye contact […]