Message from the Chairman
by Steven Ferry
You may have started to notice news reports in the mainstream media about the Wuhan coronavirus, also referred to as CoVid-19. We have been following it for the last 5-6 weeks through independent media. The lack of verified information and the influence of political persuasions of one stripe or another make it hard to gauge the actual situation accurately. Certainly there is panic and confusion, as well as multiple actions taken that, in hindsight (or appearing obvious while events are unfolding, to anyone with two brain…
Butlers in the Media
by Steven Ferry
Very little in the news about butlers this past month: the BBQ Butler is alive and well in the United States of America, and that’s about it…
..
.
Letters to the Editor
“I can relate to your wise message and I am grateful for the insight. Thank you. This definitely should be the tone for 2020. I believe it is only fair that people be given a chance: When I started as a Guest Relations Officer here, the news was not well received by some. But I proved myself to be more-than-capable in the following months. When I was then given the opportunity to become the first butler, the idea was sadly almost dismissed. Now, after throwing myself into self-development, I can say with pride…
The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 34: Dinner Service
by Steven Ferry
The idea of dinner service being the jewel in the crown of the butler’s duties has existed for centuries: “If one part of a servant’s business calls for greater attention than another, it is waiting at table; it is a branch, likewise, wherein he can show more of his ability than in anything else he may have to do, as many make great pretensions to cleverness in conducting a dinner, who yet never knew the first principles of properly waiting at table.” The author goes on in the same vein, faulting untrained butlers and footmen, and…
The Butlers Speak: Managing Individuals with Bad Attitudes
by Steven Ferry
This is a subject that, unless we are living in a tent in the middle of the Sahara desert, we have all experienced at one time or another. Thanks to those who were willing to share from a professional point of view. I know sometimes these subjects make butlers and household/estate(s) managers clam up for reasons of discretion, but if both butler and the person they are discussing remain anonymous, then no harm done, no foul, no penalty. Discussing this elephant in the room helps members know what to expect and how…
Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 53: Peppermint-Lemon Gimlet
by Amer A. Vargas
As Spring is about to arrive in the northern hemisphere, the days are becoming longer and temperatures warmer. It feels nice to go out wearing fewer layers of clothing and even nicer to spend some time outside with friends and acquaintances, enjoying the clement weather. This month’s cocktail is one of the simplest one can find, as it only mixes a few very basic ingredients, but we are going to give it a creative final touch by adding a common garnish as well as an uncommon one. As I said, the recipe…
Consulting the Silver Expert: Staples Crystal Clear Wax for Porous Attachments
by Jeff Herman
It’s critical to retard both rot and the drying out of porous attachments such as ivory insulators, wooden handles, wooden bases on wine bottle coasters, etc. Staples Crystal Clear Wax should be used and applied with a soft, flat sable-type brush. Do this in a well-ventilated area. Paint a thin layer on the attachment then use a paper towel or cotton towel to buff the surface until hard to the touch. Repeat with a second and third coat. The wax should be fully cured within 24 hours—by that time, the solvent will have evaporated…
Creative Corner
featuring Kobi Gutman
Successfully cast by the butler and finished with gold powder—something to wow employers and guests at turndown or on a special occasion….
..
In Their Words: How Those Trained by the Institute’s Trainers Feel about Their Experience
On this occasion, we’ve received kind feedback from members of the butler department from the Royal Island Resort in the Maldives. To all of you, thank you for your commitment to the training and we wish you a future full of success!
“The trainer is very likable, first providing suggestions on how to manage areas of difficulty. He is understanding because he has experienced these kind of situations himself as a Butler, so he helps you not only like a friend, but also…
Recent Hospitality Graduates
The Royal Island Resort in the Maldives now has a team of newly trained star butlers! Here they are depicted with their trainer, the International Institute of Modern Butlers’ Vice President for Asia, Mr. Budi Prihardjanto. Congratulations to all!.
..
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.