How does a popular restaurant-bar expand its business beyond the lunch and dinner crowd? Though adding a breakfast menu might sound logical, how do you get the word out – and, how do you convince your customers to start their day with you — as well as end it?
Looks like Damon Thompson, manager of Sena on Myrtle, has found a unique answer: convince a local dignitary to not only share a special recipe with you, but to spend a morning in your kitchen cooking it as well! Last Saturday morning Monrovia Council Member Becky Shevlin worked the grill in Sena’s kitchen alongside Chef Antonio, and prepared her famous blueberry buttermilk pancakes which those lucky enough to have tasted them know, are not like any pancakes you have ever eaten. Somewhere between a crepe and a pancake, loaded with blueberries and topped with a twist of Meyer lemon and a sprinkling of powdered sugar, Becky’s Pancakes (as they will now appear on Sena’s new breakfast menu) are surprisingly delicious.
“As for me, I had a blast”, said Shevlin. “I showed up at 7:30 a.m. and left at l: 30 p.m. I experienced the full kitchen routine, including prep, cooking and clean-up. The kitchen crew, especially Chef Antonio, were great supporters. Everyone treated me like one of the crew, including the servers. I have a new found appreciation for anyone working in a busy restaurant. This was a definite Bucket List accomplishment!”
An interesting side note: the City of Monrovia has been spending a lot of time visiting individual Old Town businesses – getting to know them, asking for their input, and letting them know how they can stay connected. Although Council Member Shevlin’s morning at Sena was not a city-sponsored event, it certainly reflects the council’s dedication to local business.
-Courtesy Photo
Add a comment