Taking a Deep Breath

With a little less than an hour to go to one of the most important events we’ve ever hosted, the nerves are starting to creep up. There is so much on the line that it’s difficult to put into words the insurmountable pressure I feel to validate the creation of the newest space at Hacienda de Vega - The River Lounge.

Food, drinks, staffing, rentals, valet, rsvp’s, giveaways, security, music. Who is doing what?

This is the first time that we host an event of this size while, simultaneously, running our regular restaurant operation. What’s gonna be the tally? Five hundred, six hundred covers tonight? I am very worried about our kitchen being able to handle the volume! But then again, this is just another “first” in a very long line of “firsts”. I still remember having to figure out how to hold a wedding for 150 guest. We were stressed out but, somehow, we made it happen. My unbelievable staff has never let me down before so I should just trust them, right? Trust that I’ve done all I can do today and in all the days leading up to today training them and setting up the procedures that will make everything ok.

Tonight is all about thanking the people that have helped us get to where we are today. Our regulars, our fans, our most treasured and valuable commodity.

It is now 5:30pm and everything is starting to take shape. It is now time for me to get out there and do what I do.

P.S.

I’ve got this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that there is something BIG that I forgot to do. Of course that could just be that annoying AAA personality of mine that makes people look at me and think: “have a drink Alonso”…