Message from the Chairman
by Steven Ferry
We have a variety of interesting topics this month, including feedback from the many with much to say about the ongoing South African Butler Academy court cases, the reported excesses of which have galvanized the butler schools of the world into forming an alliance to set standards for what is acceptable business practice for the profession and thus protect the reputation of all member school, and provide future students with choices that will actually deliver on the promise rather than disappoint them and even betray their trust. There is a silver lining in every cloud, it seems, or as Henry Ford once…
Butlers in the Media
by Steven Ferry
Both mentions of butlers in the media this month referred to gadgets called butlers: An improved robot butler which is essentially just one arm, can help with various chores around the house, such as loading a dishwasher or pouring a glass of wine. It also has eyes that change shape to mimic emotions. This butler is obviously vastly superior to a Wall Mounted Bar Butler shot dispenser, which has no arm, no eyes, and is not programmed with any artificial intelligence that enables it to pretend to have an emotion….
Letters to the Editor
“I wish I had known Dr Maniku and his empire. I wish I had been a guest at his resort and ordered a specific Danish open-faced sandwich and then had to help him out. I also wish I had been there and ordered a surf and turf and leaned back to watch the magic. Thank you Dr M for what you did in this world. May your God be with you.” BK
Ed: Thank you for the kind words about Dr. Maniku. Magic is the right word for what he accomplished—and I can say that I am sure…
The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 45: Waiting at Table
by Steven Ferry
It is encouraging to see that the same advice we dispense today on how a butler “waits” was given two centuries ago. If some accident occurs, keep yourself as “quiet and cool” as possible in the event the principal blames you for it publicly; and if it was not your error, pick a time later on to defend yourself in private with the principal.
Accidents will occur if one serve with the left hand from the right side, or the right hand from the left side…
Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 64: Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
by Amer A. Vargas
Following a great beginning of the year, we continue “cocktailing” to entertain our palates and have fun discovering new eye-catching concoctions and beautiful tastes. On this occasion we are reviewing the Blue Hawaiian cocktail (not the Blue Hawaii, which is a different cocktail using sour mix instead of cream of coconut) as presented by our colleagues at The Spruce Eats in their website. And funnily enough, depending on how the light falls on the cocktail, you may see it green instead of blue! The Blue Hawaiian is a delicious tropical drink, as you can infer by the ingredients…
My Butler Julius: Working in a Formal or Informal Event
by My Butler Julius
From beleaguered London, I offer the following to rise above the continued craziness we are experiencing, particularly these days when we are being asked to stay at home yet again. It’s nice every now and then to do something special, and with Valentine’s day coming up, what would be better than to show our appreciation for that very special person, yourself? Many of us in private service won’t be on duty that day, so why not use the day as an excuse to dress our dining table beautifully and push the boat out. As Valentine’s day is about love, let’s set the mood and put cards and photographs…
Paying Attention to Details
Because one image can speak a thousand words, click on “read more” to find out how good (or not so good) attention to detail can be, and be left speechless…
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Consulting the Silver Expert: A Word from our Silver Expert
by Jeff Herman
I would like to thank Steven and Monica Ferry for allowing me this forum to express my love of educating others on the upkeep and storage of silver. It’s been an absolute joy working with them.
Should anyone have questions about anything silver-related, please don’t hesitate to visit my Web site hermansilver.comx or to send me an e-mail jeff@hermansilver.com.
Have a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year…
Care of Leather Goods, Part 4: Nurturing the Patina
by Steven Ferry
Cosmetics companies keep telling us that skin wrinkles and sags if allowed to become dry and lose its elasticity/collagen; full-grain leather is no different, being the skin of an animal. Obviously, the more exposure to the elements, the more care is required, and vice versa. This is not to say that all leather must be highly polished, no more than all paint must be high gloss. The patina (the way something looks as a result of natural wear and tear over time while being properly care for) of a well-used leather bag or jacket is half of the magic of leather—one hand-made leather cowboy belt dating…
Special Notice: SABA
As the two cases continue against the South African Butler Academy, many reports are starting to surface on social media from those who feel aggrieved by the training they have received, thus allowing potential students to find something other than the streams of self-aggrandizing promotion that SABA puts out about itself or reportedly compels students to post. Many letters came in to the editor this month on SABA, and one ex-student sent a copy of a letter (quoted in part at the bottom) she wrote to Mr. Cross that gives some idea of the unprofessional level of training being offered…….
Placement and Job Vacancies: Live-in Butler/Estate Manager Miami Area
20,000 sq. ft. residence, 2 months a year the family of 4 (2 adults, a 14- and 20-year old) is in residence. Responsible for the running of the estate, managing vendors, light cooking, chauffeuring, shopping, organizing parties, etc. Vendors manage all physical elements such as pool and landscaping; housekeeper and any other help needed will be brought in during these two months. Otherwise, remaining ten months, the estate manager acts as a caretaker for the property, light schedule and duties including housekeeping. Live-in studio apartment, usual benefits, salary DOE…….
In Their Words: How Those Trained by the Institute’s Trainers Feel about Their Experience-Online Training, Private Service Graduate
All my life I have had a secret fascination with the life, role, art, and skills of the traditionally trained British Butler—the refinement of character, sense of morals and ethics, integrity and decency, and a good grasp of taste and personal refinement. I wanted to integrate everything about being a butler into my personal and professional life, to use the valuable skills and knowledge on an everyday basis and to grow as a person. I could not afford to go to a bricks and mortar school in another country, so I decided to look at one of Mr. Ferry’s books that had been in my library for 15 years and then do an internet…….
Creative Corner
featuring Kobi Gutman
Continuing to improve on his technique as he wows guests with his creations, Mr. Gutman copied master sculptor Philippe Faraut’s statue using Monster Clay, an oil based, wax infused clay. He then made two casts using a mixture of resin and plaster, adding bases that he also molded and cast. The base that looks like marble is simply not painted. He then colored the jewelry of one of the sculptures with some gold powder to provide an accent. For another guest, research showed that she owned a bakery/confectioners. Mr. Gutman had planned to make the logo of her company…
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.