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Butler standards Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021, The Wisdom of Butlers Past

Steven FerryThe Wisdom of Butlers Past, part 54

by Steven Ferry

 

 

Kitchen Meals

These meals were for the staff in the kitchen and required all staff to be present unless engaged in work for the employers. Anyone not arriving on time for grace to be said, had their food returned to the kitchen. The table was laid by the Hallboy, the entry level position for males. The manservants were expected to draw the beer for the meal, but not too much, as “shameful waste often brings wo[e]ful want to those who are so sinful as to be careless and extravagant in the provisions committed to their charge.” Any beer taken from the keg and not used was to be poured into a bottle and mixed in with the next day’s beer.

As for what to do during the meal, “talk but little while eating; I have known some who have been so rude as to talk all manner of filthy conversation at such times, which is a disgrace to any human being, and ought not to be suffered in any place, above all in a gentleman’s house. Some likewise cannot sit a moment without lolling upon the table, or cutting and chipping a bit of bread, or something of that kind, or rubbing the tablecloth with their fingers, or else knocking the knives against each other: avoid all such foolish actions. If you have done eating first, sit upright and behave respectfully, and never get up till all have done, unless your business calls you. Do not abuse the plenty you may see before you by suffering it to tempt you to eat and drink till you can do it no longer, or till you feel uncomfortable: this is a hoggish practice, and frustrates the designs of Providence; for, when the stomach is overcharged, it does harm instead of good, as it cannot digest well, particularly if you have not much exercise, as you cannot then require so much support; and gluttony and excess not only unfit the body for exercise, but likewise clog the wheels of the mind, and make it seem a trouble to read, move, think, or do anything else.”

Furthermore, arguments and complaints were not tolerated; it was thought these were engaged in by those who had not enjoyed a good meal before being employed.

While the staff were not allowed to enjoy themselves at table, nor to eat their fill nor even talk, for some reason, the exact opposite applied to employers and guests when they were eating.

 

 

Extracted from the 1823 book, The Footman’s Directory and Butler’s Remembrancer, re-published in hardback by Pryor Publications. You may obtain your discounted copy (with free s&h) by emailing the publisher: Mr. Pryor (alan AT pryor-publications.co.uk).

 

 

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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Butler training Newsletter Online butler training Training

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

IIMB logoIn Their Words

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

Hospitality Service Graduates

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

“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. I especially liked the training session on the different types of ties, table setting, ways to use positive language & how to fase things that can be negative in a positive light; how to respond to impractical/illegal guest requests in a very professional manner that not affect your integrity, wine pouring, packing, unpacking…” UNDREA GEORGE

“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.” ALLAN BOUTIN

About “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 succesfully balanced. Toog good to be true. Deeply appreciated. Great personality… 10!” HUBERT HALL

“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.” KHOY  PENN

(The training” was very interactive and everything explained in details. Very inspiring: I loved how what was explained can be used not only at work, but can be applied on our personal life and self growth.” ANGELICA ZARAFA

“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” FLORENCE GIDUDU

“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 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 details and gave real-kind of scenarios about how to perform in both difficult and easy situations. Mostly, Mr. Amer helped to improve on all the weak points we need 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 imporant 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 lets learn more so that I grant it a 10!)” SHADES

“I really liked that we were engaged all throughout the training. It was unique and the theory classes were aso 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 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!” AKBOTA SEIL

 

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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    Butler training Newsletter

    The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 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 Amer A. Vargas is shown with the butler (jadugars – magicians) graduates at Joali Muravandhoo in the Maldives following the training they finished last month. The students proudly show off their well-earned certificates after several weeks of hard work, high energy and positive karma!

    In the British Virgin Islands, this resort in paradise is all set to deliver the best service to their guests following the training Mr. Vargas delivered to their butlers and some other key staff members: Rosewood Little Dix Bay. The photo below shows the course graduates in the presence of the Honourable Vincent Wheatley, BVI’s Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, who presented Mr. Vargas with a BVI Coat of Arms pin as a symbol of the brotherhood between the IIMB president and the country.

    A bright future is ahead! Back in the Maldives, a new batch of jadugars, this time in Joali Being, a new resort with a complete different vision: transform the guests into the best self one can be. To all of you, thanks for the amazing imprint you made on this humble trainer. Wishing you all much success!

    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, November 2021, Let’s Talk about Mixology

    Amer A. VargasLet’s Talk about Mixology

    by Amer A. Vargas

    PART 73: Maldivian Sling

    Picture courtesy of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

    This butler’s most recent trip to the Maldives is coming to an end at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, a beautiful resort located south of the capital city of Male, and just about 59 km/37 mi north of the equator.

    Upon arrival at the resort, the Raffles butlers prepare a welcome drink for their guests called the Maldivian Sling, a cocktail created at the Long Bar (the famous Long Bar, which is a feature of all Raffles properties). In fact, the Maldivian Sling is a variation of the well-known Singapore Sling, a cocktail originally created at Raffles Singapore, but with a wonderful twist of added Maldivian ingredients, such as Maldivian chili, curry leaves, banana and watermelon.

    The result is a refreshing cocktail with a touch of curry mixed with banana and watermelon, and a remarkable kick provided by the gin and the chili!

    These are the ingredients needed for a single serving:

    • 30 ml./ 1 oz. Premium Gin
    • 15 ml./ 0.5 oz. Pineapple juice
    • 15 ml./ 0.5 oz. Coconut water
    • 20 ml./ 0.7 oz. Lime juice
    • 30 ml./ 1 oz. Watermelon juice
    • 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
    • 10 ml./ 0.3 oz. Luxardon Sangue Morlacco Liqueur
    • 10 ml./ 0.3 oz.Velvet Falernum liqueur
    • 50 ml./ 1.7 oz. Banana syrup
    • 1 roll of Cinnamon
    • ¼ Maldivian chili
    • 1 bunch Curry leaves
    • And a slice of lemon, pineapple and a curry leaf, skewed together for garnish.

    To prepare this cocktail, simply put all ingredients (except those you’ll use for garnish) in a shaker together with loads of ice and shake vigorously until the mix is homogeneous and cold. Pour this mixture in a highball glass that has first been filled to the brim with ice cubes, add the garnish and enjoy!

    If you would rather try the non-alcoholic version, just skip the gin, the Luxardo and the Velvet Falernum liqueurs and increase the amount of pineapple juice and coconut water by 15 ml./ 0.5 oz. each.

    Simple, spicy and delicious…! 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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    Amer A. Vargas Butler standards Newsletter

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

    MickeyWhy Butlers Pay Attention to Details

    Unknown author

    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, November 2021, Temporary Butlers Sought

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    TEMPORARY BUTLER ASSIGNMENT

    Experienced hotel or private-service butler needed to service one family of two for 4-6 weeks in a villa in a five-star hotel in Northern California. 8-hour split shifts, light duties including food and drink service; assisting other staff in the principals’ villa as needed; a small amount of entertaining anticipated; acting as a liaison between the principals and the hotel staff/the two-dozen private staff in nearby villas. Clients request the butlers be vaccinated and submit to regular testing. US work-permit required, travel covered to/from the location, room and board in the hotel, 7-days a week at $400 per day. Clean driver’s license required for short errands locally.  Contact us with your current resume and photograph if interested and qualified.

    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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    Butler standards Newsletter SABA South African Butler Academy

    The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021, SABA Update

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    The South African Butler Academy Update

    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 the defendants with a written demand to produce discovery evidence, the defendants finally provided a list that includes inadmissable documentation from a classmate, Dane Fair, yet omitted the most important evidence, such as Newton Cross’ credentials and SABA’s accreditation. Ms. Lin’s attorney has demanded the defendants produce this evidence by the first week of November 2021.

    Some readers have asked what a Security for Costs is (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_for_costs ), and how the defendants could launch an interlocutory application for Ms. Lin to put up such a Security for Costs and why the defendants then withdrew that application. The reason is that the High Court ordered it be withdrawn.

    Ms. Lin has offered to share her affidavit to answer any questions about why a Security for Costs would not be granted, and the true nature of SABA.

    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 Newsletter

    The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021, Coming soon!

    IIMB LogoComing soon… Online Hospitality Butler Course!

    The new Online Hospitality Butler Course

    The New IIMB Online Hospitality Butler Course; picture courtesy of Piqsels.com

    Being 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 property, 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 oneself 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, a butler’s Etiquette & Protocols and even how excellent butlers expertly handle very difficult situations with their guests.

    The new IIMB Online Hospitality Butler Course allows butlers and butlers-to-be to study at their own pace at any time of the day or the week. The course consists of more than 12 hours of short video-lessons and we will test their understanding with multiple, automatically corrected exercises and instructor-graded assignments.

    If you would like more information, contact us at the International Institute of Modern Butlers; we will be happy to respond to your queries and answer all your questions.

    Mr. Vargas is the Institute’s President—feel free to contact him via email, AmerVargas AT 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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    Newsletter

    The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021

    Message from the Chairman

    by Steven Ferry

    Steven Ferry

    A meme recently caught my eye, as it is particularly germane to butlers caring for their employers and the property of their employers—just as much as it is to familial relationships, friendships, and vintage cars. And with so much that is worrisome today, it helps to sit down with a cup of tea (or coffee) every now and then and remember these words…

    Read more »

    Butlers in the Media

    by Steven Ferry

    An almost complete black-out on butlers in the media this month, with just one mention of a resort chain that should know better, because they have proper butlers and yet are now downgrading that concept for their guests by introducing “pizza butlers.”…..

    .

    Read more »

    The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 54: Kitchen Meals

    by Steven Ferry

    These meals were for the staff in the kitchen and required all staff to be present unless engaged in work for the employers. Anyone not arriving on time for grace to be said, had their food returned to the kitchen. The table was laid by the Hallboy, the entry level position for males. The manservants were expected to draw the beer for the meal, but not too much, as “shameful waste often brings wo[e]ful want to those who are so sinful as to be careless and extravagant in the provisions committed to their charge.” …

    Read more »

    Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 73: Maldivian Sling

    by Amer A. Vargas

    This butler’s most recent trip to the Maldives is coming to an end at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, a beautiful resort located south of the capital city of Male, and just about 59 km/37 mi north of the equator.

    Upon arrival at the resort, the Raffles butlers prepare a welcome drink for their guests called the Maldives Sling, a cocktail created at the Long Bar (the famous Long Bar, which is a feature of all Raffles properties). In fact, the Maldives Sling is a variation of the well-known Singapore Sling, a cocktail originally created at Raffles Singapore, but with a wonderful twist of added Maldivian ingredients…

    Read more »

    My Butler Julius: The Difference Between a Butler and a Waiter

    by Butler Julius

    I was once asked, “What is the difference between a butler and a waiter?” It made me think, because to those of us in private service the answer is obvious, but is it really?

    We could argue that we look so smart in our three-piece butler suit and hopefully polished shoes, and that we have a high knowledge of etiquette, and discretion and other qualities run through our DNA. I am not for a minute downplaying the wonderful…

    Read more »

    Paying Attention to Details

    Because one image can say more than a thousand words, click on “read more” 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 13: Suede

    by Steven Ferry

    Steven Ferry

    While leather is the outside of an animal’s hide, suede is the inside of the hide and thus porous, so one does not use any polishes on it. Instead, use a rubber/eraser or even fingernail file to rub down any oil or stain and try to reveal the fabric again.

    To remove dust and dirt, you need to raise the nap/surface of the fabric, the direction of the fibers, either by applying steam from about 10 inches away or by using a…

    Read more »

    Coming Soon… Online Hospitality Butler Course!

    by Amer A. Vargas

    IIMB

    Being 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, the proper communication, the way to approach service, the butler’s Etiquette & Protocols…

    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 »

    Temporary Butlers Sought

    Experienced hotel or private-service butler needed to service one family of two for 4-6 weeks in a villa in a five-star hotel in Northern California. 8-hour split shifts, light duties including food and drink service; assisting other staff in the principals’ villa as needed; a small amount of entertaining anticipated; acting as a liaison between the principals and the hotel staff/the two-dozen private staff in nearby villas. Clients request the butlers be vaccinated and submit to regular testing. US work-permit required, travel covered to/from the location, room and board in the hotel, 7-days a week at $400 per day….….

    Read more »

    Recent Hospitality Graduates

    In this issue we welcome many new butlers, from the Maldives to the British Virgin Islands. First, the butlers from Joali, just an hour north by seaplane from the capital of Male, and their colleagues from Joali Being, their sister property located just a few minutes away by boat. Last, but not least, we are delighted to introduce the wonderful team of butlers at Rosewood Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

    To all of you, many thanks for your passion and devotion, for your energy and for your positive attitude!…

    Read more »

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

    This month we feature some inspirational feedback from the Jadugars (magicians!) butler students from Joali Maldives and Joali Being Maldives, as well as from the butlers of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, following the training delivered there by IIMB’s president Amer A. Vargas. Mr. Vargas 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 now…

    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.

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    Newsletter

    The Modern Butlers’ Journal, October 2021

    Message from the Chairman

    by Steven Ferry

    Steven Ferry

    Without the silent intervals between sounds in music, we would be inundated with continuous sound. Like “bad” is needed to understand “good,” so we need silence to help understand and appreciate sound. And so it is that I have no particular message to relay to you this month, except “Take joy in the wide variety of life before you,” and I shall leave you now with silence!…

    Read more »

    Butlers in the Media

    by Steven Ferry

    Trust a psychologist to twist reality into their own negative world view, turning a butler’s ability and desire to finesse a situation into a comfortable one for all concerned, into the assertion that the butler is lying—and from this negative evaluation, creating a new term according to this Psychology Today article, of Butler Lies that are defined as “lies we tell to avoid social interaction.”

    Otherwise, there were three instances this month of the butler being used in commerce…...

    Read more »

    Letters to the Editor

    “THANK YOU for this very excellent message on Human Rights.” LW

    “Great work from Mr. Kobi Gutman—he has great talent and works with such fine detail—exceptionally amazing, thank you.” RF

    Mr. Gutman in response: Thank you kindly, I definitely take it as a great compliment coming from you, after seeing your work.

    [Regarding the article by Mr. Smith on hiring] “My experience was…

    Read more »

    The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 53: After Dinner, Protocols for Candles

    by Steven Ferry

    Candles and oil lamps were the only source of light at night and required attentive care. “Observe to have all your lamps and candles lighted up in the drawing-room a little before the guests come. If there is a glass chandelier or sconces, and if they are so high that you cannot reach them without steps, you had better have a small cane or stick with a wax-taper tied at the end, and an extinguisher; if you have this, you will be enabled to light them and put them out without having to bring the steps into the room…

    Read more »

    Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 72: Baby Yoda’s Cocktail & Mocktail

    by Amer A. Vargas

    On this occasion I present you with a funny cocktail for sci-fi lovers, particularly those who deeply enjoy the Star Wars Saga, and more precisely even, the new The Mandalorian TV series, which includes Baby Yoda as a personal favorite character for many; for example, Emilio, the 2 yo son of some friends in Los Cabos, Mx.

    I am here simplifying the preparation, but you can see an extended recipe here courtesy of Tristin, from Home Cooked Harvest. These are the ingredients you will need for a single serving…

    Read more »

    My Butler Julius: If Butlers Ruled the World

    by Butler Julius

    As we witness the world becoming increasingly fractured and common courtesy disappears, I find myself wondering what would happen if butlers were to be in charge of a country. You may laugh at such a thought, but I feel we are perfectly qualified!

    We have excellent organizing skills; We give clear and precise direction and communication to our team members; We are always careful to listen to, and have empathy for, those with whom we communicate…

    Read more »

    Paying Attention to Details

    Because one image can say more than a thousand words, click on “read more” 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 12: Exceptions & Hacks on Cleaning and Polishing

    by Steven Ferry

    Steven Ferry

    For patent (high gloss) leather, apply the white cream designed for patent leather with a cloth and wipe off—do not use a brush or regular shoe polish cream or wax; If multi-colored shoes, such as in the case of some ladies shoes or golf shoes, use a neutral-colored polish; Shoes made of snake, alligator, ostrich, etc. skins need to be handled delicately with gentle motions using soft cloth—as their surface can be harmed by brushing/rough brushing. Also, they may require their own polish…

    Read more »

    Coming Soon… Online Hospitality Butler Course!

    by Amer A. Vargas

    IIMB

    Being 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, the proper communication, the way to approach service, the butler’s Etiquette & Protocols…

    Read more »

    Creative Corner

    ft. Rick Finck & Kobi Gutman

    We are expanding this monthly column to include other 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 creations 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

    The case is making slow progress, after starting a year ago, hampered by continued failure by the defendants at SABA to provide the requested information, such as evidence of Mr. Cross’ claimed education and employment credentials.

    Meanwhile, the defendants are still actively advertising fake jobs to scam unsuspecting consumers into enrollment; according to Ms. Lin, “Consumers wishing to better their lives through learning employable skills, especially those from under-privileged…….

    Read more »

    Temporary Butlers Sought

    Three experienced hotel or private-service butlers are needed to service one family of two for 4-6 weeks in a villa in a five-star hotel in Northern California. 8-hour split shifts, light duties including food and drink service; assisting other staff in the principals’ villa as needed; a small amount of entertaining anticipated; acting as a liaison between the principals and the hotel staff and their two-dozen private staff in nearby villas. Clients request the butlers be vaccinated and submit to regular testing. US work-permit required…….

    Read more »

    Recent Hospitality Graduates

    In this issue we say hello again to the butlers and majordomos of the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal in Baja California Sura, Mexico. A great team of surpassing expectations staff members that help the property to stay at the top of the best hotels in Mexico…

    Read more »

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

    Excellent feedback from the Butlers and Majordomos of the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal after the training delivered by IIMB’s president Amer A. Vargas…

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    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.