Trellis Kitchen

Communication with your bartender is important, and the relationship that you have with them will be enhanced immediately if you let them know when you are ready to order. You would never flag down a bartender only to stammer or to not know just what it is that you want. If the bartender comes over and you don't know what you want, or you simply need a moment to decide, communicate that. Good bartenders work with their eyes up and are always scanning the bar for new arrivals or for those who need them for another round, the check, etc., so it shouldn't take long to get their attention.

Keep in mind, it is never well received should you choose to point at the bartender, click your fingers, or make exaggerated waving gestures to get attention. If the bartender doesn't see you within a reasonable amount of time and you have taken into consideration just how busy the bar is and you feel neglected or ignored, simply ask for the check (if you have one) and drink elsewhere. It's not worth your money or your aggravation to suffer bad service. Drinking at a bar should be relaxing, not a contest of wills or a test of your patience.

Just because you arrived at a particular time doesn't mean you've earned the right to hold barstools, especially when there are others who are there at the bar who may want to sit too. It's disrespectful to your fellow imbibers. It's also important to keep in mind that the bartender makes money from people who are actually sitting at the bar, and that time lost can't be regained.

Keep your items like coats, purses, and laptops in front of you and don't hang your things over any stools you aren't using. Just because the bar might seem empty at that moment doesn't mean it won't fill-up while you are there. Use common sense and you'll be appreciated by everyone.

This happens more often than one would think and it just shows a lack of caring for the people serving you. Also, if you have a cold, as many people have had during this already long winter, don't blow your nose with a beverage napkin and leave it or piles of them on the bar. It's one of those things that people don't do purposely, but it is unsanitary and compromises the health of the bartender and everyone at the bar. Simply put them in your pocket or somewhere where you can dispose of them later.

Tipping is a somewhat complicated subject and the mention of it at anytime is a big no-no. Yes, bartenders rely on tips; and yes, you should tip unless the service is insulting or god-awful, but statements like, "I'll take care of you" or "I'm a good tipper" I have found generally produce the opposite result. If you want to appear to be a rube, by all means, go ahead and mention it, but don't expect a pleasant response. There is an implied contract between bartender and customer that doesn't need amplification. It is a gift, and an acknowledgement of good service, and it should always be discreet. It is a private transaction and requires a level of sophistication that ensures that privacy.

If the bartender decides for whatever reason to buy you a drink, it is up to their discretion and also it is up to the "house rules" to dictate what, if anything can be bought. Some houses don't allow for buybacks, so you should never put that out to your bartender. In some houses or areas of the country, there are rules such as a free round per every so many rounds. That isn't an industry standard and therefore should not be expected. You have to ask yourself, why you would ever mention it. Are you short of cash? Is the place too expensive? If so, it's time to go, not time to "work the bartender."

While tipping is discretionary, you have to realize that sometimes you have to take better care of your bartender. Scenario: you or you and your companions have been sitting on stools for a long time. People have come and gone, and you have remained. Be mindful of the time spent in that stool and especially if you haven't consumed anything in a while. The stool has its price, and that is something you should be aware of. I once had someone come into a bar where I was working and was aghast that he had to purchase something when we were jammed and there was a high demand to sit at the bar. A barstool is not a park bench, nor is it a couch in your apartment. Enough said I think.

Many times people come to a bar to get a bit of peace and like to have a drink in solitude. But, if you are feeling gregarious and want to connect with people, do so. Try to "read" them so that you don't overstep your bounds. Most people at bars will be somewhat convivial and will respond to your entreaties for conversation, so dive in and be gracious and hopefully charming. Bars are one of the rare places in life where one can meet new people in a chance encounter. It is to me, the greatest reason for not only entering a bar, but for having bars period. I have had some great chance meetings with some amazing people and have also been witness to the same from behind the stick. Just remember to listen as well as talk, and to know when its time to back off if need be. Space in a bar has to be respected, and not respecting each other's space is unacceptable. If someone doesn't want to be bothered past a certain point, acquiesce to that and move on.

I think that buying drinks for others is a nice gesture, but only when it is acceptable to the recipients. If someone you just met doesn't want that chilled shot of Patron, then they don't want it. The best buy is getting them another one of the same cocktail, glass or wine, or spirit that they have been drinking. They might have been there for some time, or they might be at their limit, so be respectful of that by simply asking them if you may buy them a round. Buying a round doesn't mean someone owes you anything, because it is a gift from you that is not expected to be paid back. That being said, caveat emptor to the recipients of such gifts because not everyone subscribes to my beliefs regarding this practice of buying drinks. Many "buyers" think it comes with some obligation from you to engage them and that engagement may be limitless in their minds.

Speaking of shots, we all know that there is only one purpose to requesting them and that is to speed up the effects of alcohol. I subscribe to the philosophy that doing shots should be a journey that should be short and sweet. If you are at home, go for it if you must, but out in public it isn't pretty to be inebriated past a certain point, and shots will wreak havoc on your decorum and your liver. Be careful with them, and respect their power.

It is always classless, (and this comes from someone who can curse) and never looks good on anyone. If you use profanity with a bartender, you will generally get the eject button and most likely won't be welcomed back. Anger is always something to be avoided in drinking, and when you feel that coming on, it's time to take a breath and put down the drink. Anger and drinking never pair well together, and oftentimes lead to disaster. Anything that triggers your anger should be well-known to you and should be avoided while sipping your martini. Keep in mind that while in a public place meant for happy gatherings and socializing, nobody is obligated to hear out your deeper issues.

Finally, if for some reason you have been cut off by the bartender, just accept it, drink water and sober up -- or go home. Good bartenders should have your and their customers' best interest at heart and will have tact and diplomacy that won't needlessly humiliate you for getting in that socially challenged state. Just go with the flow and accept the cessation of alcohol service. Think of it, even in that state, as a service provided by one who should know best, the bartender. In the moment it may seem difficult, but as the sugar high relaxes, you will be grateful and realize that, yes you too can over-imbibe. No harm, no foul right?

From the time we became legally eligible to drink, we realized that part of being an adult meant that one had to know one's limits and that part and parcel of making one's way in life is knowing how to drink well and to be a class act. To enjoy alcohol is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Monitor yourself, and always stay mindful of your responsibilities. Knowing how to drink and how to be a lady or a gentleman will help guide you through life and may in fact teach you something about yourself in the practice. No one said it would be easy, but we are all in this mess together, so respect yourself and others at the drinking establishments that welcome you as a member.

From: "Alex Wilks -- Avaaz.org" <avaaz@avaaz.org>

Date: January 18, 2011 6:16:28 PM GMT-04:00

To: "jwright@surfbvi.com" <jwright@surfbvi.com>

Subject: Save the bees: 1 million by Friday

Petition exploding, almost 1 million -- delivery to key international meeting on Friday. Forward to friends!

Dear friends,

Bees are dying off worldwide and our entire food chain is in peril. Scientists blame toxic pesticides and four European governments have already banned them. If we get the US and the EU to join the ban, other governments across the world could follow, and save bees from extinction. Sign the petition and forward this urgent appeal:

Silently, billions of bees are dying off and our entire food chain is in danger. Bees don't just make honey, they are a giant, humble workforce, pollinating 90% of the plants we grow.

Multiple scientific studies blame one group of toxic pesticides for their rapid demise, and bee populations are recovering in countries where these products have been banned. But powerful chemical companies are lobbying hard to keep selling these poisons. Our best chance to save bees now is to push the US and EU to join the ban -- their action is critical and will have a ripple effect on the rest of the world.

We have no time to lose -- the debate is raging about what to do. This is not just about saving bees, this is about survival. Let’s build a giant global buzz calling for the EU and US to outlaw these killer chemicals and save our bees and our food. Sign the emergency petition now, and send it on to everyone and we’ll deliver it to key decision makers:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_the_bees/?vl

Bees are vital to life on earth -- every year pollinating plants and crops with an estimated $40bn value, over one third of the food supply in many countries. Without immediate action to save bees many of our favourite fruits, vegetables, and nuts could vanish from our shelves.

Recent years have seen a steep and disturbing global decline in bee populations -- some bee species are already extinct and last week we learned that some US species are at just 4% of their previous numbers. Scientists have been scrambling for answers. Some studies claim the decline may be due to a combination of factors including disease, habitat loss and toxic chemicals. But increasingly independent research has produced strong evidence blaming neonicotinoid pesticides. France, Italy, Slovenia and even Germany, where the main manufacturer Bayer is based, have banned one of these bee killers. But, Bayer continues to export its poison across the world

This issue is now coming to the boil as major new studies have confirmed the scale of this problem. If we can get European and US decision-makers to take action, others will follow. It won’t be easy. A leaked document shows that the US Environmental Protection Agency knew about the pesticide’s dangers, but ignored them. The document says Bayer’s "highly toxic" product is a "major risk concern to non target insects [honey bees]".

We need to make our voices heard to counter Bayer’s very strong influence on policy makers and scientists in both the US and the EU where they fund the studies and sit on policy bodies. The real experts -- the beekeepers and farmers -- want these deadly pesticides prohibited until and unless we have solid, independent studies that show they are safe. Let's support them now. Sign the petition below, then forward this email:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_the_bees/?vl

We can no longer leave our delicate food chain in the hands of research run by the chemical companies and the regulators that are in their pockets. Banning this pesticide will move us closer to a world safe for ourselves and the other species we care about and depend on.

With hope,

Alex, Alice, Iain, David and all at Avaaz

MORE INFORMATION

Bee decline could be down to chemical cocktail interfering with brains
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/22/chemicals-bees-decline-major-study?INTCMP=SRCH

Bee briefing
http://www.soilassociation.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=RXLEm9WXrHk%3D&tabid=439

$15 Billion Bee Murder Mystery Deepens
http://www.businessinsider.com/colony-collapse-disorder-still-unsolved-lead-researcher-had-connections-to-bayer-2010-10

“Nicotine Bees" Population Restored With Neonicotinoids Ban
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/05/nicotine-bees-population-restored-with-neonicotinoids-ban.php

EPA memo reveals concern that pesticide causes bee deaths
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=79910

Beekeepers want government to pull pesticide
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/beekeepers-want-government-to-pull-pesticide-1107701.html

Bees in freefall as study shows sharp US decline
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/03/bumblebees-study-us-decline?INTCMP=SRCH

Pesticide industry involvement in EU risk assessment puts survival of bees at stake
http://www.corporateeurope.org/agribusiness/news/2010/11/16/pesticide-industry-future-bees

Vanishing of Bees provide details on the EPA leaked documents

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Avaaz.org is a 6.5-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 13 countries on 4 continents and operates in 14 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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                Trellis Kitchen/ Cybercafe Menu.

Breakfeast from 7.30am to 7pm.

Freshly squeezed Orange or Grapefruit juice,ask for our local juices  $4

Filtered Columbian Coffee.$1.50.Cappucino $3 Espresso $3 

PG Tips,Earl Grey,Hibiscus,Ginger, GreeBush tea,n,$1.50

Porridge with honey or brown sugar coating $5.75.

Cereals,Frosted Flakes,Cornflakes,Special K,Fruit loops $3.75

Toast,Bagel or Croissant with jam,cream cheese,marmalade or honey $3.75

Pancakes and maple syrup,$5.75 w/bacon add $2 with 2 eggs $2.

The Full Monty,bagel or 7 grain toast with grilled cheese,mushrooms,eggs,name your style,Heinz baked beans,bacon,grilled tomato $11.75 with sausage $12.75

Trellis Bay Omelette with  red,green and yellow peppers,cheese,ham,you choose,with toast or home fry potatoes.$11.75

Flying Fish Omelette,  sauted peppers , onions and tomato,with toast or home fry potatoes.$15.75

All Day Specials

Famous Awesome Sandwich with fresh 7 Grain bread (custom baked for us).Toasted with grilled cheese,choose one of the following:

Mahi Mahi ,Flying Fish, Grouper,Snapper,Smoked Wahoo, Calamari, $11.75,Tuna , $13.75,Local Lobster ,rolled  in a Hennessey  sauce if you like.. $18.75 Chicken, Turkey, Ham,Veggie. $10.75  Includes lettuce,tomato,cucumber, with a spread ,mayo ,ketchup  and a special sauce called Kuchela from Trinidad

Croque Madam,1 slice open faced ioasted 7 grain,grilled ham,fried egg with a smothering of Gruyere cheese,$9.75

Croque Monsieur ,grilled ham and Gruyere cheese no egg monsieur,$8.75

Locally made,Guyanese style” Rotis”,Chicken or Veggie $ 10.75.

Mahi Mahi $13.75.  Goat $14.75.

Chicken Salad with or without mayo $10.75,Calamari Salad  $14.75

Lobster Salad  $18.75  Chicken Stir fry  $13.75 

Chicken curry pastries with smothering of cheese $6.75.  

  7” Pizza , Ham,Pepperoni  $10, or Veggie $7.