Seth Mathison
Server, Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House, 1212 Second Ave (downtown), 224-7000.
Seth has only been waiting tables for three years, but he's already had some memorable moments with a handful of famous customers--including a ridiculous interaction with a well-known politician. Seth currently works full-time at the Brooklyn, a white-collar oyster haven (they always have at least a dozen varieties available) in downtown Seattle.
So, since you guys have so many rotating oyster specials, do people constantly make stupid jokes about getting horny?
"Yeah, the whole aphrodisiac thing?... I think people actually get horny more than they talk about it."
Really? So you've witnessed the effects?
"Oh yes. It can get kind of crazy in there sometimes--people get awfully comfortable sitting there in their dark little cavelike booths. If we had any Marvin Gaye playing in the background, it would be all over."
You worked a double yesterday. How do you cope with marathon shifts?
"I try and remember the light at the end of the tunnel. And I make sure I drink lots of energy drinks, and try and remember that I'm doing it for the money."
Do you have an internal soundtrack that plays in your head while you work?
"Oh, definitely. But that can sometimes backfire if you get a really horrible song stuck in your head that just plays over and over. I've found myself walking up to tables singing [in loud, German-heavy-metal voice], 'Here I am! Rock you like a... ' in my head. You know what I mean?"
Yes, sadly I do. I'm not really an oyster girl; what else is good at the Brooklyn?
"The best thing ever is the Filet Roquefort. They lay [steak] medallions on a bed of garlic, chive, and Asiago-cheese mashed potatoes."
Yum!
"I know--and they usually throw some grilled asparagus on the side. Then they drizzle it all with this demi-glace--it is SO good: a wild mushroom and port reduction."
So I understand you had a weird run-in with Senator Joe Lieberman when you were waiting tables at a different restaurant...
"That was my old job. Yeah, I was bussing his table and he was rocking his whole entourage--you know, tough guys with earpieces talking into their lapels. After they had dinner and were walking out, he shook my hand and told me, 'Well, son, you have a very humbling job, but you do it very well.'"
What a condescending prick!
"Yeah. I just smiled, tilted my head, and imagined flipping him off."
