Rachelle's Reading List: Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Goodbye, Balthazar Bathroom Attendants

[Photo via] It's the end of an era. New York's staple downtown brasserie Balthazar is putting an end to its practice of employing bathroom attendants in the restaurant. Though many may feel nostalgic for the days of old, some, particularly the editor-in-chief and proprietor of Business Insider, Henry Blodget, are happy to see the practice go. In a post on his own site, Blodget wrote against this tradition:

“Then I think, ‘And after that will come the worst part. I will have to walk over to the sink and watch him turn on the water for me before I get there. I will think, ‘Thanks, but I actually don’t need someone to turn on the water for me. First of all, it wastes water. Second, it makes me feel like I’m the kind of guy who dreams of being rich enough to be able to pay someone to turn on the water for me.’”

Balthazar owner Keith McNally, initially agreeing to end the practice, responded with displeasure to Blodget's "bullying," insisting that he will be keeping the employees, but in another capacity. McNally emailed First We Feast the following comments: [First We Feast] (FOSTER KAMER FTW)

Not content that I’ve agreed with his rather aggressive suggestion that I relieve my bathroom attendants of their jobs, Henry Blodget is now asking me to “hire and train as dining room staff” the people he yesterday petitioned me to fire. Surely, as Balthazar is my restaurant and these are my employees (whom I adore as it happens) I should decide matters myself without the bullying intrusion of Mr Blodget’s high-pitched and high-minded advice. What’s more, to receive such high-minded advice from a man who’s been charged with civil securities fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is a bit like receiving a lesson in business ethics from Bernie Madoff. Of course, those who have had business dealings with Mr Blodget may say it’s slightly worse.