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Butler training Newsletter

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Recent Hospitality Graduates

IIMB logoRecent Hospitality Graduates

Read some of the graduates’ feedback elsewhere in this newsletter, in the column In Their Words.

 

In the picture below, IIMB’s president Mr. Amer A. Vargas is shown with part of the butler team, as well as the Training Directors, Front Office Manager and the General Manager, at Raffles Meradhoo in the Maldives, following the refresher training they finished last month.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.”

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Amer A. Vargas Butler standards Newsletter

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Why Butlers Pay Attention to Details

MickeyWhy Butlers Pay Attention to Details-Christmas Special

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people- skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Amer A. Vargas Mixology Newsletter

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Let’s Talk about Mixology

Amer A. VargasLet’s Talk about Mixology

by Amer A. Vargas

PART 74: Santa Clausmopolitan

Picture courtesy of Tijana Drndarski

Ho ho ho, dear readers!

Christmas is around the corner and Santa Claus and his helpers are working hard at preparing the presents for all children everywhere!

On this occasion we will pay tribute to the big man dressed in red with his own cocktail. As you will see, the Santa Clausmopolitan is not only delicious, but also reminds us of Father Noel’s outfit. And, as is often the case, it is really easy to prepare, and much easier even to enjoy!

These are the ingredients you will need for approximately 4 servings:

To rim the cocktail glass:

  • A lime wedge
  • Granulated sugar on a plate

And for the cocktail:

  • Some ice cubes
  • 8 oz./ 235 ml. vodka
  • 12 oz./ 350 ml. cranberry juice
  • 2 oz./ 60 ml. triple sec
  • oz./ 60ml. lime juice

Plus some fresh cranberries for the garnish.

Preparation is very easy, as I mentioned above: first, rim the glasses with the lime wedge and then dip in the granulated sugar. For the drink itself, fill a shaker with ice and add all the liquid ingredients, then shake for a few seconds.

Pour the mix into the rimmed glasses and garnish with some cranberries for a more eye-catching presentation.

If you want to make a sugar stick as shown here in the picture, best to do so a few days in advance. You can watch a video on how to create these snazzy sugar sticks (which also work for coffee, tea or any other drink that benefits from extra sugar), by clicking here.

I wish you the very best December, Holiday Season, Christmas and a wonderful end of 2021, wherever you are. May we meet again in 2022 on Linkedin!

Ho ho ho and cheers!

Mr. Vargas is the Institute’s President—feel free to contact him via email, AmerVargas @ modernbutlers.com

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Julius Smith Newsletter

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, My Butler Julius

Julius SmithMy Butler Julius

by Julius Smith

Christmas for Butlers

As we approach the holiday season, please spare a thought for all the butlers and private staff who will be working over the festive period. I am not so sure it’s the most wonderful time of year for us who are responsible for making it a magical time for our principals. I am sure I am not alone in missing out on spending time with my own family because I have to serve another at Christmas, not to mention birthdays and anniversaries etc.

However, this, to use a cliché, is what we signed up for.

On the other hand, there is a tremendous sense of satisfaction when everything passes off smoothly and your principal and guests have truly had the most wonderful time of their year.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Koby Gutman Newsletter Rick Fink

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Creative Corner

IIMBCreative Corner

Featuring Butlers who Apply their Creative Talents to their Art and their Profession

 

 

 

 


Rick Fink

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copy of National Geographic magazine’s green-eyed “Afghan Girl.”

Mr. Rick Fink has been in the butler profession for over six decades, is the principal of the Butler Valet School in England, and a venerable member of the International Butler Trainer Alliance. He started painting four years ago and before that, when he was in his 20‘s—during the time in between those years, he was too busy butling to paint!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
Kobi Gutman
 
 

 

 

 

 

With the winter holiday season upon us, Mr. Gutman naturally provides guests with classic motifs to elevate their experience with his creative touches. This Father Christmas is a tree ornament, the water melon needs no explanation; and the relief of the reindeer started with a base made of tree bark to create the general shape, a clay cradle added on top to support the relief, and then a mold created of the whole piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Kobi Gutman is one of  the most accomplished hotel butlers in the world, currently working as the head butler at a private resort in Florida; he can be reached via the Institute.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Newsletter

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Experienced Head Butler Sought for Resort in Bora Bora

IIMB logo

Experienced Head Butler Sought for Resort in Bora Bora

A luxury resort in Bora Bora is looking for a highly experienced HB. The ideal candidate is expected to have:

A high level of knowledge of Butler Services, both implementation and staff training;
Excellent reading, writing and oral skills in both English and French. Proficiency in additional languages is a huge plus. Resort offers a very interesting salary and accommodations package for the right candidate.
You will be required to start as soon as possible. Contact us to find out if you are eligible, depending on your vaccination status.
E-mail your résumé and an introduction letter to amervargas@modernbutlers.com.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.”

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Christopher Carter Sanderson Culinary Tips for Butlers Newsletter

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Culinary Tips for Butlers

IIMBCulinary Tips for Butlers

by Christopher Carter Sanderson

As breakfast is the purview of the butler, I retain an interest in it beyond general cookery as I am sure we all do. By this time, for instance, I am sure that all of my sister and brother butlers have been instructed by Sir Ian McKellen’s excellent short instructional video on the perfect scrambled egg.

And I may be late to the party on this tip, but I have recently found that gently warming the cream cheese before serving it, either on the side or on a bagel directly, has an extraordinary impact on the flavor.

Since I have been bringing cheeses of various kinds to room temperature to serve for decades, I suppose I should not be surprised. I never had applied this dictum to cream cheese. Now that I have, I find the effect on the flavor, subtle though it is, makes a big difference. There is also the added benefit to the palate of the residual warmth being transmitted to the smoked fish, if that is being served on top of the cream cheese.

My technique is to place the requisite amount of cream cheese into a ramekin and then microwave it at a high setting very briefly. 10 seconds seems to do the trick for most microwave ovens. The texture of the cream cheese is also affected, making it easy to spread evenly or to mix in order to distribute the warmth before service.

With the usual fresh dill and/or capers, the effect of warming the cream cheese when served with smoked fish can bring the whole together in a way that the refrigerated ingredients just can’t when served cold.

Bagels and cream cheese are a very American dish, I know. Since I have seen them served in breakfasts and very lux breakfast buffets as far afield as Dubai, the UK, and California, I thought that a note concerning their service might be of use.

All my best wishes now and throughout the holiday season.

Mr. Sanderson is a butler and longterm member of our Institute and profession.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Newsletter

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021


Message from the Chairman

by Steven Ferry

Steven Ferry

This is not a goodbye… for two truisms come to mind when I sit down to write this last edition of the Modern Butlers’ Journal: Without change, life would be boring; and the more things change, the more they stay the same. The fact is that the Journal has been published without break for 15 years, well into the age where quick and easy-to-assimilate information delivered on smartphones and social media has become…

Read more »


Butlers in the Media

by Steven Ferry

No mentions of note about butlers in the media this month, but a noteworthy web site has appeared from Mr. Jim Grise, well worth a read…

 

.

 

Read more »


Letters to the Editor

Serveral letters from our readers this month!

“I still had this [encouraging Chairman’s message about dealing with hostile environments] in my inbox and I am so glad that I did, as I needed it today! Thank you for all of the invaluable insight and advice you share with us.” AH; Ed: So glad it proved useful—and you are welcome;

“I returned from a 6-month contract on a cruise ship and currently…

Read more »


The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 55: Proper Behaviour

by Steven Ferry

Proper etiquette at the kitchen table for staff meals was covered in the last issue, and the book then swings into 22 pages of how staff should behave toward each other, as well as with family and guests. The advice begins with sentiments that we would find most acceptable today, and which are most timely as we enter the holiday season of good cheer: “The more you endeavour to promote the happiness of those around you, the more you will secure your own. Consider that you must live with fellow…

Read more »


Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 74: Santa Clausmopolitan

by Amer A. Vargas

Ho ho ho, dear readers!

Christmas is around the corner and Santa Claus and his helpers are working hard to prepare the presents for all children everywhere!

On this occasion, we pay tribute to big man dressed in red with his own cocktail. As you will see, the Santa Clausmopolitan is not only delicious, but also reminds us of Father Noel’s outfit. And, as is often the case, it is really easy to prepare, and much easier even to enjoy! These are the ingredients you will need for

Read more »


My Butler Julius: Christmas for Butlers

by Julius Smith

As we approach the holiday season, please spare a thought for all the butlers and private staff who will be working over the festive period. I am not so sure it’s the most wonderful time of year for us who are responsible for making it a magical time for our principals. I am sure I am not alone in missing out on spending time with my own family because I have to serve another at Christmas, not to mention birthdays and anniversaries etc.

However, this, to use a cliché, is what we signed up for…

Read more »


Paying Attention to Details

Because one image can say more than a thousand words, click on “read more” below to find out how good (or not so good) someone’s attention to detail can be, and be left speechless….

.

 

Read more »


Care of Leather Goods, Part 14: Leather Furniture

by Steven Ferry

Steven Ferry

Leather furniture either has a protective layer or is unfinished: Unfinished (aniline) leather is full grain leather that has been dyed the whole way through and does not have a protective coating on it, so while on the plus side it ages well, developing a patina, it can stain more easily.

This is simple enough to manage: Apply saddle soap with a damp cloth to any lighter stains; heavier ones, such as ballpoint marks…

Read more »


Coming Soon… Online Hospitality Butler Course!

by Amer A. Vargas

IIMBBeing a butler is not just a profession. Some say it’s almost an art; it’s definitely a philosophy and a way of life.

Whether your company be a hotel, a resort, a cruise ship, rental villas or time-share properties, if you require training of your butlers, the new IIMB Online Hospitality Butler Course could help improve your butler team’s skills. The course provides a deeper look into the butler’s soft skills, including how to manage themselves as a true butler would. It teaches butlers new and old skills such as the right demeanor, proper communication, the right way to approach service, the butler’s Etiquette & Protocols…

Read more »


Culinary Tips for Butlers

by Christopher Carter Sanderson

As breakfast is the purview of the butler, I retain an interest in it beyond general cookery as I am sure we all do. By this time, for instance, I am sure that all of my sister and brother butlers have been instructed by Sir Ian McKellen’s excellent short instructional video on the perfect scrambled egg. And I may be late to the party on this tip, but I have recently found that gently warming the cream cheese before serving it, either on the side or on a bagel directly, has an extraordinary impact on the flavor….

Read more »


Creative Corner

ft. Rick Finck & Kobi Gutman

We continue featuring butlers and ex-butlers who, not surprisingly, given the level of creativity the position requires, enjoy skills in the fine arts. If you, or any butler you know, are a creative artist in no matter what genre, please feel free to submit your/their works to the editor of the Modern Butlers’ Journal. This month we include a new creation by Mr. Rick Fink, a retired butler with over 6 decades of experience and currently the principal of the Butler Valet School in England, and a venerable member of the International Butler Trainer Alliance….

Read more »


Update on SABA

Legal actions being taken by Ms. Yang Lin and 18 students against the South African Butler Academy (SABA), Mr. Newton Cross, Guild Recruitment (GR), Mr. Willem Adriaan Coetzer, Butler Training Pty Ltd, and Butler Holdings Pty Ltd, have attracted overwhelming response from the hospitality industry around the world.

Ms. Lin provides an update stating that, after her attorney served…….

Read more »


Experienced Head Butler Sought for Resort in Bora Bora

High level of knowledge of Butler Services, both implementation and training.
Excellent reading, writing and oral skills in English and French. Additional languages are a big plus.
Candidates on this position will be asked to start as soon as possible. Consult with us to find out if you are eligible for the position, depending on your vaccination status…
 

Read more »


Recent Hospitality Graduates

In this edition we say hello once more to the butler team from Raffles Meradhoo in the Maldives. In the photo featured in this article, IIMB President Mr. Amer A. Vargas is shown with some of the butlers, as well as the Training Directors, the Front Office Manager and the General Manager, following the refresher training they completed last month.

To all of you, thanks for all your positive energy and support!

Read more »


In Their Words: How Those Trained by the Institute’s Trainers Feel about Their Experience

To end the year on a happy note, we feature the inspirational feedback from the Jadugars (butler “magicians”) from Joali Maldives and Joali Being in the Maldives, as well as the butlers from Rosewood Little Dix Bay, following the training delivered there by Mr. Vargas, who is rapidly becoming internationally recognized for his work and the positive motivational effects his training has on the staff who attend his courses. Read some of his students’ comments here…

Read more »


The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world. Contact us for all your training needs via email at enquiries@modernbutlers.com or via telephone: USA 1-813- 354-2734. We invite you to also visit our website www.modernbutlers.com for more information.

Please email the editor of The Modern Butler’s Journal at newsletter@modernbutlers.com with any article ideas, concerns, comments, or suggestions.

Categories
Butler training Newsletter Online butler training Training

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, In Their Words

IIMB logoIn Their Words

How those trained by the Institute’s Trainers feel about their Experience

Hospitality Service Graduates

Asked: “What did you like the least of the training?”: “N/A, but we want more training from Mr. Amer A. Vargas!  10+” C.W.O’N

“The training was very deep and detailed. Amer took his time to make sure we learn everything.”

“(The course) was very informative. It provided information & practical things that I did not have in mind (before). I especially liked the training session on the different types of ties, table settings, ways to use positive language & how to face things that can be negative in a positive light; how to respond to impractical/illegal guest requests in a very professional manner that does not affect your integrity, wine pouring, packing, unpacking…” U.G.

“I liked how in depth the training was. Mr. Amer made sure that I actually understood and learned what he was explaining. I really enjoyed the packing and unpacking training, as well as the wine pouring and the table setting sessions. 10/10: Mr. Amer was an amazing teacher/butler.” A.B.

Asked: “What you liked the least about the training?”: “In all honesty, I liked everything. The concept of “least liked doesn’t fit in my training vocabulary. (It was) neatly organized, perfect timing and successfully balanced. (Almost) too good to be true. Deeply appreciated. Great personality… 10!” H.H.

“The training was very informative and I would say I like the unpacking and organizing best. Mr. Amer was very transparent with his teaching, which made everything very easy to understand.” K.P.

(The training) was very interactive and everything was explained in detail. Very inspiring: I loved how what was explained could be used not only at work, but can be applied in our personal life and self growth.” A.Z.

“I liked everything about the training, especially because this was something new for me. What I liked the most is that everything was very well detailed: from the point where you learn the theory part to the practicals where you apply everything hands on. 10” F.G.

“Interactive, funny, approachable trainer. Absolutely loved the training! It was absolutely perfect: I wish it would be longer… 10!

(I particularly liked) “how Mr. Amer explained how to do everything. This is the best training I ever did in my entire hospitality life. Thank you to Joali Being for this training, and also thanks to Mr. Amer: he is the best of the best. A 10 for sure!”

“I loved how everything was explained in detail and (we were given) real-life of scenarios about how to perform in both difficult and easy situations. Mostly, Mr. Amer helped us improve on all the weak points we needed to improve on. It was a lovely experience to have been part of this training. M.R.

“Being a newbee I would say I loved how the training started. It wasn’t only about learning how to be a butler, but also important things like how to work as a team or how to study altogether. Also, to our trainer: thank you for making things interesting with visual images, video clips… and blending in so well with all of us. You have an excellent personality and thank you again for the knowledge you shared with us. I wish we would have gotten more time (for this training). I rate the training) a 9.5 out of 10: come again and let’s learn more so that I can grant it a 10!” S.

“I really liked that we were engaged all throughout the training. It was unique and the theory classes were also really fun and easy not to lose focus despite the long hours. Practicals were also very easy to follow, in spite of not having any prior experience as a butler. Everything was simplified and easy to learn and had a good flow and sequence to it.”

“The best part of the training would be the amount of details provided.  Mr. Amer focused on every part of the training. I love the fact that the training was not set out to work on a robotic style (rigid standards, verbiage, postures…) and personalizing to each and every guest differently. Learning the guests emotional state and how to interact with them was a major plus point. Overall the training was splendid: enjoyed every moment! 10/10, and I would go beyond if I could :-)” A.A.

“10/10: It was a honor to be trained by Mr. Amer.”

“It was very fast! Would like to get longer hours next time! 10000% 10 out of 10!” A.S.

 

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Message from the Chairman

Steven FerryMessage from the Chairman

This is not a goodbye….for two truisms come to mind when I sit down to write this last edition of the Modern Butlers’ Journal: Without change, life would be boring; and the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The fact is that the Journal has been published without break for 15 years, well into the age where quick and easy-to-assimilate information delivered on smartphones and social media has become the general preference.

At the same time, Mrs. Ferry and I are not just well past retirement age—like so many of the leading lights in our profession—and needing to turn over to the next generation to carry the torch of knowledge, but we are also heavily involved in supporting human rights organizations as well as developing real artificial intelligence that can be used to improve our lives, rather than replace us with cyborgs and control us within an inch of our lives.

While these are amongst several projects vying for our attention, we will always remain a part of the butler community and help out where we can.

That is why Mr. Amer Vargas, who has been with us almost from the beginning, has been taking over the reins of the Institute and bringing it up to the 21st Century. He will also be the editor for the MBJ. Yes, the MBJ will live on, not as a journal but as a regular series of short posts on LinkedIn and other social media where appropriate.

You will see some of the same columns, including from myself, from time to time. And you will see new material.

Why?

Because the Institute is opening up the MBJ, as the longest running publication in the profession, to the Alliance of Professional Butler Trainers, to be the journal that represents the entire profession, not just the Institute. That means you will receive the benefit of the wisdom and perspective of multiple professional butlers and trainers and be part of a much larger community as the members of the Alliance send out posts to their members, too.

If you have not already done so, follow the International Institute of Modern Butlers in Linkedin so you can receive notice of the posts as they are published and remain part of this privileged community of butlers and household/estates managers.

With gratitude for those who have walked this unique road for so long with us and wishing you continued success and happiness—starting with the 2021 holiday season and your decisions for 2022 and onwards.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people- skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.