Endless Remodeling

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you are running but not going anywhere?

When we reopened he restaurant all of or casual labor went back to work, leaving just me, David. So many dribs and drabs. David is tired.

We rushed opening the bar before the finish had cured and then had to sand it all off and start over.

Master Woodworker, Adam, went out of town so having appointed myself Apprentice No. 1, I took over the finishing. Master Adam regretted his decision. After a few feints and starts we decided to sand to bare wood for the third time.

We applied a couple new base coats, two days between coats. We are applying the third topcoat as I write this, on Sunday the 16th. The manufacturer says the finish will achieve 98% cure in seven days. I would try to rush this but I have lost all leverage in that conversation. Adam says we’re giving it ten days to cure so we lose just one more weekend. The bar will open on the 25th.

The lingering details on this project taunt me. The water connection with an impossible fitting; the AC units on the roof that need to be rewired; the hood that only runs full speed, speaker wiring.

Trudge, trudge, trudge.

I’ll give it one more week and then I’m taking a long road trip. The restaurant reality show needs a break

It is noteworthy how I carry this imagination that I will ever be done building this restaurant. Certainly this latest adventure has been a binge, but I’ve been fixing this place up for 14 years. Many customers have been here for every step and stumble and they come in now beaming with the pride at what their steady, longstanding support has created.

Mother’s Day Heads-Up

We decided to host brunch this year and forego dinner service. Janet is wraping up the menu and we will send you a notice soon with all the details.