The opening of Italian by Night – what a team!

by Michelle

It is amazing how critical a team approach is to the success of a restaurant.

So many tiny details to see to…

From the floors to the stemware – everything was sparkling.

We were ready.

Our servers rocked it out of the park!

There were three of us on the line.

Having never been in a pressure situation together, it was seamless.

Plate after plate left the kitchen.

The orders…

Chef Andrew is an absolute dream to work with!

Our guests were dining and enjoying the evening allowing us to take the time necessary for detailing the plates.

There was an instinctual flow happening in our kitchen between cooks.

The fact that we were still smiling after an eleven hour day says it all!

Only three cooks could be captivated by cocoa dusting…

Our guests were so kind and encouraging.

To the future and making sure that we have fun along the way.

It was a wonderful opening thanks to our guests and an incredible team of committed and focused people wanting to provide our guests with our very best.

Thanks for reading.

All photos courtesy of Dr. Keith Wilson

21 comments

barb c February 15, 2012 - 9:50 am

Congrats, Michelle!

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Marie Toner-Godbout February 15, 2012 - 9:52 am

Leadership and teamwork…….the secret to success. It’s all here!! Though I don’t know you personally and wasn’t able to be there, I wish you continued success and hppiness in this new venture.Saint John is lucky to have you. That city just keeps getting better and better!!

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Rene Collins February 15, 2012 - 9:59 am

the pictures say it all – congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! – rene

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Kaitie February 15, 2012 - 10:04 am

AHHH it loooks amazing!!! I am so happy for you!! As usual you are my rock star

xoxoxo

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marianne February 15, 2012 - 10:14 am

WOW!! classy start,Michelle! so impressed!

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meggie February 15, 2012 - 10:58 am

oh mom it looks fabulous! We wish we were there! Love you! xoxo

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Christie February 15, 2012 - 11:28 am

Can’t wait until Friday night! I’m glad that your first night went so well!

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sheila February 15, 2012 - 12:15 pm

It looked like fun.

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Tanya February 15, 2012 - 12:25 pm

Michelle, I am so happy things went well for you! I am sorry Greg & I had to miss it…things with kids and sitters just didnt happen, but we will definately be coming to check things out soon!! Hurray for you and your team 🙂

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Joe Chase February 15, 2012 - 1:05 pm

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Diane February 15, 2012 - 4:41 pm

Can hardly wait till Friday. You’re the best.
Congratulations.

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tofu sucks | bite April 26, 2012 - 9:53 am

[…] I wrote the menu for IbN, I included a few of my family’s favorite […]

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Cooking for the Boys and Girls Club | bite May 4, 2012 - 9:50 am

[…] Last year I had the complete delight of cooking with Chef Axel Begner . This year I am thrilled to be cooking with my partner in crime Chef Andrew Brewer . […]

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Fresh Raspberry Pie and choosing happiness | bite July 23, 2012 - 6:42 am

[…] busy! I remodelled our farmhouse. I designed a new Italian restaurant menu. I helped open the new restaurant. I have continued to live my life as I always have but in a vacuous longing […]

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back on the line… | bite September 6, 2012 - 6:50 am

[…] found me. I am the Italian Food Artist – a title created for me because I am not a chef – for Italian by Night. I lead a small team of passionate cooks who totally get my concept of ‘loving what you […]

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“cinnamon roll” cookies | bite October 5, 2012 - 9:21 am

[…] poorly, was up early and worked a long day. I’m getting ready to launch the fall menu at Italian by Night which causes me to be as friendly as a barracuda. Being a perfectionist has it’s drawbacks! […]

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parmesan crunch roast potatoes | bite November 25, 2012 - 8:22 am

[…] coming Wednesday we launch the Christmas menu at Italian by Night. I love creating new and creative dishes for each season. Creating a special menu, offered only […]

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baby bok choy with ginger and chilies and to dare… | bite February 12, 2013 - 12:06 am

[…] can’t believe that it’s been a year since we launched Italian by Night. It was two and a half years ago that Liz sat in my living room sharing her dream of one day […]

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my day job | bite February 20, 2013 - 9:48 am

[…] I took these photographs during a staff tasting of the new dishes I’m featuring on our ‘midwinter’ menu. The tastings let the kitchen work out any glitches with plating and gives the servers a chance to taste and understand the new dishes. This tasting turned into an eleven hour work day for us cooks. […]

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raspberry amaretto sorbet – a tongue wash | bite March 28, 2013 - 7:59 am

[…] Boys and Girls Club. We offered to prepare a seven course Italian feast for eight dinner guests. Italian by Night owner Liz Rowe bought the groceries, server Fran Menton acted as sommelier and server and Andrew […]

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BITE by Michelle {Post #1} | Volpe Life April 7, 2013 - 5:39 pm

[…] Boys and Girls Club. We offered to prepare a seven course Italian feast for eight dinner guests. Italian by Night owner Liz Rowe bought the groceries, server Fran Menton acted as sommelier and server and Andrew […]

Reply

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