Message from the Chairman
by Steven Ferry
As Mrs. Ferry and I hit the big 65, you might think we would start thinking of retiring, as many of our colleagues are doing, gradually or suddenly.We have no such plans, because we see that work gives purpose, value, and meaning to life, and because for us, work has always been fun and how we like to spend our “time off.”
Butlers in the Media
by Steven Ferry
The Guardian offers a brief look at what it finds of interest about the world of the butler 50 years ago. An interesting article on the true state of robots in service industries—and one refreshingly not called a robot butler for once. And here’s another one for the books: An “Instagram Butler” —meaning a…
Letters to the Editor
“Thank you for the recent article: It’s nice to know I’m not alone in my experiences with guests—I have found some older guests prefer me to be more conversational/helpful.”
AKH
Professional Standards of Performance: Applications #5. Butlers and Kitchens and Chefs: Oh My!
by Prof. Richard Ratliff
Scenario: Cookery has become something of a glamorous profession in recent years. A growing affluence has promoted a more informed palate for gourmet foods in general and cheffing more specifically, making fine dining more accessible in a growing number of gourmet restaurants and at estates in…
The Wisdom of Butlers Past
by Steven Ferry
The next duty in importance for the butler two hundred years ago, was something that simply requires we flip switches today—the trimming of lamps to keep them clean and illuminating well. Failure to trim the cotton wicks to the right length resulted in soot, the smell of oil, and black smoke. Cleaning involves the use of boiling water and pearl ash to remove…
The Butlers Speak: Dealing with Difficult Employers
by Steven Ferry
Some very interesting responses to this topic. Thanks, as always, for those who cared to share.
“I work with an incredible family – no issues here!” NS. “In 35 years of service, I have had four clients I worked with who had high turn over, expected unrealistic work hours, and…
Staff Training: The Argument for Training
by Frank Mitchell
Most household training strives to improve attention to detail, teach the correct technique, or increase the speed and quality of service. Savings are also achieved through reducing food waste, chemical usage, and damage to delicate linen, silverware, art and antiques. As the workforce becomes older, training can also help…
Creative Corner: Wood Photo Transfer
by Kobi Gutman
Here is an easy and a very special creation you can make for your guests to take home some memorable moments of their vacation, or as a personal touch to decorate their room and make them feel at home, and much more – a wood photo transfer. For this project you will need a computer and printer…
Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 32: Melia Caribe’s Signature Cocktail: the Havano
by Amer A. Vargas
For those who like to try new things, you might want to prepare this eye-catching and wonderful cocktail.
During my last visit to Varadero, Cuba, Paradisus Varadero’s Resident Manager Carlos Martínez-Almoyna shared the following video and suggested we make it known in the MBJ.
Consulting the Silver Expert: Protecting Carbon Steel Components from Rusting
by Jeff Herman
Flatware containing carbon steel components (blades and fork tines) can be guarded against rusting by hand wash the knives in warm water after the meal and drying immediately. Then applying a very thin layer of Burt’s Bees Lip Balm and wiping with a paper towel until there is no residue remaining. As this…
In Their Words: How Those Trained by the Institute’s Trainers Feel about Their Experience
“Wide ranging and useful information, lots of examples given based on real experience; I appreciated the concepts and tools covered for dealing with different situations and on a daily basis, and the role playing gave a better understanding.” Front Office Manager. “Very important and very useful training conducted in an interesting…
Recent Hospitality Graduates
Surprisingly, Cuba offers wonderful butler service. Our Vice President, Mr. Amer A. Vargas, had the pleasure this month of refreshing butler concepts for the Royal Service and Family Concierge sections of Paradisus Varadero and Paradisus Princesa del Mar, both run by Melia Hotels International…
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.