Joined: Jan 27, 2006
Posts: 2378
Location: Quickstepping across the ballroom, cake in hand!
Birthday: Sep 20 Gallery Supporter Member
Posted:
Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:35 am
I am getting really, really tired of delivering cakes to Dutch venues and having to deal with the arrogance, rudeness and ignorance I have encountered at every single place - grrrrrr! All the managers seem to believe that the Dutch way they are used to is the only correct way to do things - WRONG!
Today I delivered a wedding cake to a beach front restaurant. I spoke to the manager on Saturday and told him what time I would be coming. So, I arrive at the allotted time and nothing was ready - it never is!!! He proceeded to be completely obnoxious with me, telling me how he's dealt with more wedding cakes than I have, so he knows what he's doing. Hmmm, great, if we were talking about a Dutch style wedding cake, but we AREN'T!!!
The cake was due to be served outside at 1pm, I was there at 10.30am, which was the time my bride asked me to be there because they were getting married at the venue at 11.30, guests arriving from 11am, so they didn't want me wandering in and setting up during the ceremony etc (which I totally get and agree with!).
It's very warm today, so I wasn't thrilled with the prospect of my cake sitting outside for 2.5 hours, so I asked if I could set it up inside. He said they would just put it in the fridge and set it up later - uh, no I don't think so, it's a fondant cake. He was so vile at this point, treating me like I was an idiot and didn't know what I was talking about.
We finally get the cake set up on a table next to the officiants table - fine. I told him that I wasn't going to be responsible if he damaged that cake carrying it outside later, to which he said he wasn't going to be held responsible either - it was the bridal couple's problem !
Then I told him I needed to explain how to cut the cake etc, and he said- "I can cut cake", yes, I'm sure he can, but not my cake. I know for a fact that he won't be used to dowels and if I didn't tell him, how does he know how many servings he needs to cut from each tier ?!
The whole thing p*ssed me off no end - I'd like to say it was just this occasion, but it's been every wedding venue I've been to so far - what's up with that?! On the plus side, we spent so much time 'discussing' where the cake was going to be set up, my bride & groom arrived, saw the cake and loved it, but I'm still fuming over this guy's attitude
Maybe you could make a page long handout, talking about how to store fondant covered cakes, how to cut your cakes w/dowels, etc. Give it to your bride and groom, and a copy to the manager. That way if something happens your booty is covered, and you don't have to spend your time arguing with someone.
I'm just glad that desite everything you got to see the bride and groom's reaction! That is a rare treat!
I have two caterers who I often have to work with who annoy me to no end (unlike the many, many caterers I work with who I adore!). They always try to make me feel like I am "just" the cake person and they are so superior -- UGH!
bonjovibabe Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jan 27, 2006
Posts: 2378
Location: Quickstepping across the ballroom, cake in hand!
Birthday: Sep 20 Gallery Supporter Member
Posted:
Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:54 am
I've done this, and I always give a cutting diagram, but I know my instructions have been ignored in the past! Last summer I did a cake for a friend of a friend, she told me that she got a 'pile' of cake on her plate rather than a slice, there's no way that should have happened if the guy (and it's ALWAYS A GUY!!!), had cut the cake the way I spent 15 mins telling him how to, or bothered to look at the sheet I gave him!
Petit-four Frequent Member
Joined: Feb 21, 2008
Posts: 456
Location: upstate NY
Birthday: Mar 20
Posted:
Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:58 am
One thought: perhaps when meeting with your clients, impress on them that they need to "advocate" for you in terms of the cutting, location, etc. (Don't worry, I had a similar situation with a caterer too, and have amended my contract).
If they can impress on the caterer that they would like the cake served in such a way (maybe snapping a nice photo of a sliced, plated cake, or get one from Martha Stewart's site) and include a print-out might help the servers get a visual of what you and your clients would like.
BigTexinWV Junior Member
Joined: Mar 02, 2008
Posts: 84
Location: West Virginia
Birthday: Feb 09
Posted:
Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:08 pm
Gekke nederlanders!
I love the Dutch! I lived in Utrecht for a few years! I can 100% feel your pain. I can just see this super tall man saying "JA, JA, JA" really loudly over whatever you are trying to say.
If you find a way of dealing with them please let know, as my DH is Dutch and he sometimes does this to me. I just give him the *look* and he know it is time to stop discussing the topic, and go with my decision. As I am from Texas and we have own sterotypes.
Mike1394 Forum Fanatic
Joined: Feb 20, 2008
Posts: 1288
Location: Michigan
I, too, am an ex-pat and do American-style cakes in a European country. Most of the Continent, when it comes to cake decorating, is limping along at least 50 years behind the USA/GB.
I encountered this SAME EXACT PROBLEM so much at first. I was so tired of delivering cakes to butts. I now make it clear, at the consultation, that the bride and groom are responsible for informing the venue that they have a cake from me, and that the waitstaff is responsible for cutting and plating the cake. I also tell them that they need to inform the venue about this several weeks ahead of time. I find that if the staff has time to adjust to the idea, it usually flows quite smoothly.
bonjovibabe Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jan 27, 2006
Posts: 2378
Location: Quickstepping across the ballroom, cake in hand!
Birthday: Sep 20 Gallery Supporter Member
Posted:
Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:27 pm
chutzpah wrote:
wanker.
I, too, am an ex-pat and do American-style cakes in a European country. Most of the Continent, when it comes to cake decorating, is limping along at least 50 years behind the USA/GB.
I encountered this SAME EXACT PROBLEM so much at first. I was so tired of delivering cakes to butts. I now make it clear, at the consultation, that the bride and groom are responsible for informing the venue that they have a cake from me, and that the waitstaff is responsible for cutting and plating the cake. I also tell them that they need to inform the venue about this several weeks ahead of time. I find that if the staff has time to adjust to the idea, it usually flows quite smoothly.
You know, it's just as well I had swallowed my mouthful of tea before I read your post! That word was the exact same one I was muttering under my breath all the way back to the car to fetch the cake! I cannot think of a better one to describe him !
Big TexinWV - married to a Dutch bloke? - you have my deepest sympathies
pastrylady Regular Member
Joined: Nov 14, 2007
Posts: 192
Location: Philly suburbs
Birthday: Jan 31
Posted:
Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:02 pm
[quote="bonjovibabe"]Today I delivered a wedding cake to a beach front restaurant.
Where at the beach did you deliver? I've been married to a Dutchman for 21 years...as I type this from PA, he and our two kids are near the beach in Noordwijk visiting his family.
I think the Dutch can come across as arrogant because, to the Dutch, there is one correct way of doing things and there is no reason to consider any other options. Also, unlike here in the states, the customer is not always right. A restaurant does things the way they do, and if the customer doesn't like it well, then, "tot ziens".
All this talk about Holland is making me miss my DH and kids. They've been gone since last week and I couldn't go along because I had cakes booked
If you're ever in Noordwijk aan Zee visit Huis van Wely...it's my favorite pastry/chocolate shop in the world...
BellaSweet Regular Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2006
Posts: 131
Location: AUSTIN TX
Birthday: Nov 13
Posted:
Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:32 pm
You know I didn't deal with a snooty vendor but another cakerator. I did a grooms cake in the shape as his ass that he plays. So when I delivered it, the wedding cake lady came to deliver hers while I was setting up. As I set my cake up, she just stood there with her arms crossed giving me major stink eye!!! I mean come on! So when the recetion started everyone kept approching me complimenting me on the cake. My bride friend said there were more oix taken of his bass thatn her big cake. To top it all off, the groom loved it so much he didn't cut into it and took it home for he and family and hers all to enjoy. Downside, there was a potential for major business opportunities, but they didn't get to taste. As far as the other "cake" woman, no one really liked hers. Don't mean to be on high horse. But it sure does feel good when you hold yur tongue and still feel good about yourself at the end of it all. Hope this wasn't a hijack.
Gee...I live in Nederland, Texas. Settled by the good ole Dutch. We have a windmill downtown and everything! My little cousin lived in Holland for 3 years and had her second baby there.
Sorry to hear the Dutch are Difficult. LOL Some people are just that way. Try not to take it personal and wish bad s3x on him as you walk away.
On a serious note...your best defense is a good offense. Your best bet is dealing with the bride. If it is possible, arrange to meet her at the venue ahead of time to go over exactly what SHE wants with the Difficult Dutchman. Be all smiles and compliments of Difficult Dutchman's position and make him your friend.
One of my favorite movies is "Two Weeks Notice". I love it when Sandra Bullock repeats her moms mantra "keep your friends close and your ememies closer".
LOL Best of luck dealing with Difficult Dutchmen.
bonjovibabe Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jan 27, 2006
Posts: 2378
Location: Quickstepping across the ballroom, cake in hand!
Birthday: Sep 20 Gallery Supporter Member
Posted:
Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:12 am
Pastrylady - I live in The Hague (where, thank God, there is a large Expat population!), and the wedding was in Scheveningen (the local coast line), we are not too far from Noordwijk, but then you can drive the entire length of the country in about 6 hours lol! I've lived here for 7 years in August, feels like 70 - I wish I could persuade my OH to move back to the UK, but here's been here for 22 years and has, unfortunately, become very Dutch in some of his attitudes!
I try to make lemonade out of lemons by providing all my Expat customers (who come from all over the world - UK, USA, NZ, Australia etc, etc), with a taste of home and a decent cake for their celebrations (don't even get me started on what passes for a birthday or wedding cake here!!!).
JulieB Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 14, 2006
Posts: 870
Location: Nashville, TN
Birthday: Jan 02 Gallery Supporter Member
Posted:
Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:06 am
BellaSweet wrote:
You know I didn't deal with a snooty vendor but another cakerator. I did a grooms cake in the shape as his ass that he plays. So when I delivered it, the wedding cake lady came to deliver hers while I was setting up. As I set my cake up, she just stood there with her arms crossed giving me major stink eye!!! I mean come on! So when the recetion started everyone kept approching me complimenting me on the cake. My bride friend said there were more oix taken of his bass thatn her big cake. To top it all off, the groom loved it so much he didn't cut into it and took it home for he and family and hers all to enjoy. Downside, there was a potential for major business opportunities, but they didn't get to taste. As far as the other "cake" woman, no one really liked hers. Don't mean to be on high horse. But it sure does feel good when you hold yur tongue and still feel good about yourself at the end of it all. Hope this wasn't a hijack.
Oh my gosh. Typos are sometimes so funny! I was so wondering about this guys butt cake and how he "plays" it............. good thing you typed it correctly the next time!
BellaSweet Regular Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2006
Posts: 131
Location: AUSTIN TX
Birthday: Nov 13
Posted:
Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:28 pm
O goodness. I am so sorry guys. It was his bass. Not his A$$. I'm not the best typer. I'm glad I got a laugh though!!!
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