The ides of May

Our BR rollercoaster is in high gear. The week leading up to Mother's Day was busssssy. The reservations came pouring in and the organizing of all parties to assure top notch service for one and all was time on top of all that needed to be done to have the BR, staff & kitchen 100% ready for the day.

Little did I think that the SATURDAY night before Mother's Day would be big. It was big. Over 50 guests joined us last Saturday. And it was great.

It happens that on Mother's Day, in addition to serving over 200 guests, we had a Quick Bites Review in the NYTimes! Kelly Feeney wrote a lovely article that captured such a good sense of the BR, we could not have been happier. Thank you Kelly for visiting the BR a few times and for taking time to learn more about Bob & me. It is a pleasure to have connected with you!

So, what happens after a postive NYTimes review (Metropolitan section, page 16 - above the fold) (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/nyregion/09qbitenj.html?emc=eta1)

Starting on Monday we began to see new folks who were stopping in because they had read about us and thought they might like to visit the BR. And the new visitors continue to come. The week has been very rewarding -

our staff stepped it up and have done a great job serving all our visitors new and returning, regulars & occasional & all those in between

our facilities have kept pace - read - we have enough napkins !! ( and water glasses) our next bottle next will be cutlery & that comes in from England, so I better get the email sent to start that process before the week is out

our new visitors seemed to find what we do to be of value -- the comment cards continue to come back full of praise for our food, service and ambience (more particulars later)

The week has also been full of the need for more -- more food needed, more staff needed (yeah to the summer folks returning for a second summer & to those joining us for the first summer), more organization to keep ahead of the curve. This is a fabulous opportunity to grow into the next phase of BR development. And although the days & hours are back to more than seems reasonable, it is great. We are thrilled to be growing & selling more bread, more pastries and introducing a wider audience to the BR.

So, where did the week go - that's where and let's not forget the West Windsor Farm Market - week 3 successfully completed earlier today. Kyle is a star & we are very well received by the folks who frequent the farm market. Thanks to all who had read the NYTimes review and let us know it!

10:15 pm on Sat and in not too many hrs I'll be helping to open the BR for what we hope will be a good Sunday. Another private tea in the afternoon, also. All to the good.