The other Saks!

If there is one thing that ALL Mexican people seem to share it is their astounding work ethic.  Everybody works hard.  You hear the loudspeaker from the bicycle of the tamale man early in the morning.  You hear the whistle of the yam man late at night.  No matter how early you arrive at the mercado, all of the fruit is already beautifully arranged.  Restaurants open early in the morning and stay open until late at night.  The pesero drivers stop for every single fare and never get annoyed or impatient.

Nowhere is this incredible work ethic more visible than in a fine restaurant.  On Saturday morning, Ken and I went to the San Angel branch of  SAKS.  (no relation to SAKS 5th Ave.)

I had visited the restaurant once before and noticed the excellent service.  However, this time Ken and I opted to sit inside.  We were immediately asked to choose any table we wanted.  Once we chose, and indicated that we wanted coffee, it was perfectly served  almost at once.  The waitstaff and busboys wear the most crisp white uniforms I have ever seen.

The breakfast menu is filled with wonderful choices, and you get so many extras with your entree that breakfast can fill you for the day.  We each had a carafe of freshly made mixed juice; a fruit plate (papaya, banana, and mango with yogurt, honey and homemade granola); our entrees, rolls and coffee, and a choice of sweet rolls.  We both chose the house specialty, organic corn muffins.  Naturally, as we had so much to eat, we spent a lot of time at SAKS.  Our table was right in front of the busboys' stand, so we were able to watch them up close.

I have never watched young men work so hard and so fast and yet maintain complete cool.  These guys were zipping through the large dining areas.  Every time you were done with a fork, whoosh, it was gone and replaced with a fresh one.  The moment you finished your fruit....plate gone!  They were like dancers gliding over the slick, smooth floor.  I noticed, too, that they had the time to smile, laugh, and speak to all of us.

I can't wait to return to SAKS....I can't wait to bring my U.S. friends to this wonderful restaurant, either.  I often wonder why it is so satisfying to take a pesero or go to a restaurant here.  But I think the only difference is the attitude that these Mexican workers have.  They are thankful for their jobs.  They have tremendous pride in their performance. They want you -- the customer -- to be happy.  And boy oh boy...they succeed every time with me!