Happy Birthday, Gunk Haus ...

Last year, on this day, we threw open the doors to Gunk Haus, not knowing what would happen.

We had not advertised at all, except for a mention on this blog. Nevertheless, we were packed the first weekend. We were scared we would get run over the first week, that I (foolishly) suggested, and later announced, that we would be open by reservation only for a week.

Well, the onslaught didn't happen, and in hindsight the whole idea was stupid, but heck, this is our first restaurant, and we are learning, every day, still.

It was an interesting time. Long days, short nights, this part actually hasn't changed. We got up to speed on a lot of things very quickly, because we had to.

Our original menu featured only five items (actually six, but we had to take the french fries off the menu, because our fryer broke the day we opened): Currywurst, Haus Burger, Weisswurst, Portobello Paprikash, and Elia's Famous Hot Dog. All of these items are still found on our menu today.

Of our original staff only one is left still working on a regular basis, which may be in part because we did not beat the drums too much, and the beginning was slow and unsteady.

Much has changed since last year, but at 12:10am on a Saturday morning I am too tired to remember everything.

I miss blogging, but I hope I will find the time again soon, because there is so much to write about, what it takes to run a restaurant, being an employer of people, and in general behind-the-scenes information.

I want to thank all of you, who have cheered us on and up, patronized our restaurant, spread the word for us, or simply read this blog.

On to our second year ... :-)

Dirk

ZAGAT Rated!!! ...

Looky, looky, what we got in the mail today: Our official ZAGAT Survey Certificate!!!

We received a 24 for food, 22 for decor, and ... *drum roll* ... a whopping 26 for service!!!

A big Thank You! goes to all of you, our friends, neighbors, family, and patrons of our restaurant for making this happen, but of course also to our awesome staff.

Now, kids (yes, you, dear staff), don't rest on those accolades! The bar has been set, it can only go up from here, never down!!!

Dirk