Tis the Season of Self Promotion
This is definitely the season of self promotion. And, from people in some very high places. It may seem hard to believe that someone in high places have taken the hospitality drug, become addicted to it, and suddenly find themselves talking about their new property every chance they get.
Take Graydon Carter, for instance. Probably the best mag editor in modern times, Carter has long had the restaurant bug within. He probably never realized what the problem was. But, living and working in Manhattan, surrounded by burger saloons and corner watering holes, carter took to the restaurant scene way back when he was a Spy Magazine founder.
For those less familiar with the literary scene of the 80's in NYC, Spy was the irreverent publication that set Carter on his current path. I can't recall if it had any food related articles within its pages, however, I do know from experience that much of the publication was thought of, discussed and created over libations for the soul.
Of late the editor has found fame, not only within the pages of Vanity Fair which he so diligently and tastefully directs each month, but Carter has become known for the magazines famous Oscar parties which he has a very strong hand in organizing, promoting, planning and pulling off. You, see, one can tell by his style that he has an eye for food and that buying drinks for fellow friends at bars is one of the joys Carter gets out of life.
It was no surprise then he jumped into the world of restaurants head first. Reopening the Waverly Inn was one of Carter's greatest scoops. The famed tavern shouted his moniker on many called, dark nights before he charged to the tavern's rescue as though it were a celebrity interview of unimaginable proportion.
The last thing, I am sure that Crater needed in his life was a place to revel, roister, and share stories over cocktails with cronies on late nights after the mag had been put to bed. Much less, that is the last thing anybody needs when you have to sign the paychecks, pay the vendors, and keep the lights and heat on. Yet, he managed to pull it off in a big way.
That of course doesn't matter, the place is packed on almost every night and to attempt to get a reservation is pointless unless you either know the editor or can sneak in as an employee.
That matters not to Carter. He is the constant promoter. Whether a magazine or restaurant be, Carter is continually in the limelight.
This month, Carter does an opening video shtick, as he does each month, on line for Vanity Fair. In this month's preview of the mag's content, carter is seen at his desk, on the phone, supposedly taking a reservation from Bono. And although we don't know if it was real, staged, or fantasized, one thing is sure. Bono will not be on the banquette.
For the whole story, go to www.vanityfair.com .
And then, go think of ways to promote your restaurant.
No matter who you are you need to be promoting constantly. Your neighbor may have an Inn and a magazine.
