|
"The team works overnight to remodel the restaurant."
This page is under construction.
|
People[]
Mike-Owner/Chef
Lou-General Manager
Daniel-Sous Chef/Mike's cousin
Samantha-Waitress/Mike's daughter
Lexi-Hostess/Mike's daughter
Jeanine-Waitress
Before Gordon's Arrival[]
Mike opened Mike & Nellie's with his father, Nelson aka Nellie. Mike was the chef, and Nellie ran the front of house. With that structure, the restaurant was a success. But when Nellie passed away, Mike has been unable to succeed without his father, being the only owner. The restaurant has fallen into disrepair and the food has suffered, except Mike doesn't know about the latter. Lou and the rest of the staff think Mike has stopped caring. Mike also has started to drink a lot while cooking.
First Impressions[]
Gordon has Samantha pick him up so she can talk to him. She says they need a lot of help. Gordon asks what the biggest problem is. Samantha says the loss of her grandfather has changed everything, and it's all too much for Mike. Gordon walks in and is greeted by Mike's other daughter, Lexi. Gordon immediately notices a foul odor. Gordon asks to meet Mike, and he also encounters Lou. He asks Mike when the dining room was last changed, to which Mike says it's been the same all along. Gordon, as he often does, asks Mike how he would rate the food on a scale from 1-10. Mike says "in the upper 9s", and offers that the problem is not the food, but possibly other things, such as the atmosphere, ambience, or service. Gordon says the menu lacks identity.
First Meal[]
Food Ordered[]
Linguini with Shrimp Sauce, Chicken Murphy
Impressions of the Food[]
Linguini with Shrimp Sauce-Gordon says it's bland and the sauce is watery, and the shrimp is rubbery
Chicken Murphy-Before even eating it, Gordon gathers Lou, Jeanine and both daughters, to prove it looks horrible. They all agree. Samantha opines, "I call it the hot mess", to which Gordon retorts, "I call it the hot joke"
Steak Nellie-Gordon says it's overly charred
First Dinner Service[]
Gordon wants to talk to Mike. Gordon says the menu is dated and too big. Mike defends his food, and Gordon says he's in denial, and to Mike's 9/10, he says it's more like 2/10. Mike has a beer before the service. Mike typically makes everything, and Daniel merely plates it. Mike works fast, but the customers don't like the food, and Mike doesn't understand why. Mike gets frustrated quickly, and continues to drink beer. Daniel says Michael is beat up. Lexi agrees that Mike needs to learn how to delegate. As the service ends, Mike wants another beer. Gordon talks to Mike and Daniel, and says they act like they're soldiers, as if they're fighting a battle and just want to get to the end of it. Gordon asks Mike if he's been drinking. Mike admits he has been. Gordon says he needs to stop, and that it's hampering his cooking. Mike knows he's right, but it's hard for him. Gordon sympathizes with him, as well as for the loss of his father, but he implores him that he needs to stop drinking like that, or it'll be the beginning of the end.
Reflections[]
TBA
Remainder of the Visit[]
The next morning, Gordon visits Mike's house but to talk to his daughters. Gordon relays his concerns about Mike's drinking. Samantha tells Gordon that when her grandfather died, Mike took no time off, and just threw himself right back at the business. Gordon tells them the previous night's service was a cry for help. Suddenly Mike appears. Gordon challenges the girl's to tell Mike how they feel, and leaves them to talk to him, telling them to meet him at the restaurant afterwards. Both girls in tears tell Mike that he needs to trust his staff more and be more open. Mike says he is willing to try to change. Back at the restaurant, Gordon wants to work with Mike and Daniel in the kitchen. Unfortunately, the kitchen is not exactly clean, and the more Gordon sees, the worse it gets. Daniel says he knows about it all, but Mike doesn't listen. Gordon demands that they call the staff in early and all clean. Later, Gordon tries again to work with Mike and Daniel. Daniel is star struck and even Mike feels inspired, as if his passion is back. The staff enjoys the steaks that they made.
Restaurant & Menu Remodel[]
Gordon goes to a carpet store and orders a new carpet to replace the old, musty one. Gordon's design team does the rest. Gordon reveals a new sign, and slightly changes the name to Mike & Nellie's Steakhouse. Everybody is visibly moved by the new decor and emotional. Gordon redesigns the menu, leaning into steak. The staff is excited to try Gordon's new items. Even Mike admits it's better than his menu.
Final Service[]
The customers arrive and also love the new decor. Gordon challenges Daniel to step up and Mike to let Daniel do more. Daniel will expedite and Mike's duties are reduced to grilling. But just an hour in, Mike starts expediting out of nowhere. Gordon tries to stop it, but Mike isn't listening, so Gordon asks again more firmly. This time it works. Mike even takes some time to greet the customers, and it makes him happy to see a happy dining room. The service is a success. Gordon talks to Mike and his daughters, saying to keep Nellie's spirit alive.
After Gordon's Departure[]
Business picked up and they stick with Gordon's changes, Daniel thriving well with added responsibility. Mike & Nellie's closed in 2012, but Mike is still a successful chef for a catering company. Daniel is still a chef, too.
Production Notes[]
TBA
Trivia[]
TBA
References[]