Diary of a Mad Restaurant Owner

My husband and I own a restaurant. Wherever we travel, whoever we meet, when people find out that this is what we do, they are always fascinated. And almost without exception they always say the same thing, "I've thought about opening a restaurant myself."

Of course they have. Everyone loves their cooking. Their friends always enjoy their dinner parties. They own every kitchen gadget money can buy. They have a huge collection of cook books. They blog about food, have a subscription to "Cook's Illustrated", use exotic ingredients and enjoy spending a whole day creating just one special dish. They are people persons and are gracious hosts. They are younger versions of the older couples who think it would be nice to run a Bed and Breakfast when they retire.

I never know what to say to these people. Well, now I can send them here to read this diary of a mad restaurant owner.

Here they will learn that owning a restaurant is like running a zoo, a circus, a rave, and a daycare all at the same time. That I spend more time with paper than I do with food or people. That the customer is rarely right. That I am more prison warden than hostess.

Stay tuned.