Need alterations on clothes, how much will it cost?

I have been asked the question many times.  My answer, it varies.

Before I get a precise price from seamstress, I ask my clients 2 questions:

• Was it an expensive purchase?
• Are you attached to it for sentimental reasons?

If the answer is no to both questions above, some repairs like a zipper on a jacket, a coat or the back of a dress might not make sense.

If  a seam needs to be re-sawn, it should be worth it.

Need to replace torn lining, I would in general not suggest it, except for special items.

Not always seamless for Concierge Mondays # 12

Infuse Your Nightcap with Negroni Bianco Bergamotto from Negroni: More than 30 Classic and Modern Recipes for Italy’s iconic Cocktail (Ryland Peters & Small, 2021) by David T. Smith and Keli Rivers. 

NEGRONI BIANCO BERGAMOTTO

Italy is the home of the Negroni and this variation includes a few extra ingredients from the bel paese. The Italicus Bergamotto liqueur not only comes in a bottle that is itself a work of art, but it is flavored with botanicals such as yellow rose, gentian, chamomile and bergamot orange. The sparkling prosecco adds a bright zing and liveliness to this drink.

Ingredients:

25 ml/3⁄4 oz. Seven Hills Gin (or Twisted Nose Gin)

25 ml/3⁄4 oz. Suze

25 ml/3⁄4 oz. Dolin Bianco

25 ml/3⁄4 oz. Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur prosecco, to top up 

GARNISH

orange wheel

SERVES 1

Directions:

Add the ingredients (except the prosecco) to a large, ice-filled wine glass and gently stir. Top up with chilled prosecco and garnish with an orange wheel to serve.

(*From Negroni: More than 30 Classic and Modern Recipes for Italy’s iconic Cocktail by David T. Smith and Keli Rivers, Ryland Peters & Small/ Photos are by Alex Luck © Ryland Peters & Small 2021)

I don't have any car wash on my work schedule right now but I do have a few dozen gift bags to distribute all over New York later this week.

I plan to do as many stops as possible Wednesday, hopefully still a fairly dry day.

And, as a precaution, I purchased a large box of clear bags to protect the goods from the elements.

A look at the weather forecast influences how this New Jersey concierge plans his work schedule.

Who wants to receive a soggy gift bag after all?

Toasting dry package deliveries for Concierge Mondays # 11

French air dry their laundry, Japanese their fish, balcony a plus.

What you can see above as described by Yukari Sakamot0 in her own words:

"The fish hanging are sayori halfbeak. When we make himono (air-dried fish) at home we usually hang the fish out overnight and then after that we move the fish into the freezer or refrigerator."

Yukari Sakamoto is the author of 'Food, Sake, Tokyo', The Blog, and also The Book 

Fish at night for Tokyo Thursdays #319

(* Photo courtesy of Yukari Sakamoto, location details: "#Teradomari #寺泊 is a charming village on the Sea of Japan. This #Niigata #新潟 town has about a dozen seafood and omiyage souvenir shops facing the sea"...taken a few years ago)

One off, Thankfully! Key snapped in two as I was locking a door.

I had to break the news to my client.

Early pandemic work stories (March 2020) for Concierge Mondays # 10

No connection whatsoever between snow melting and this week selection, Artisan Pizza and Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest, our 2 books for Friday Book Giveaway Number 6.

Book cleaning before Spring...

First, Artisan Pizza, To Make Perfectly At Home (Kyle Books, 2015) by Giuseppe Mascoli of Franco Manca and Bridget Hugo.

Secondly, Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest (Timber Press, 2011)  by Lisa M, Morrison

-Question: City where Timber Press is based

First come first serve.

Giving an estimate can be just that: giving an estimate.

I want clients to keep that in mind on occasion.

When some jobs take me to New York City, even now, travel time can be hard to predict.

If many stops are part of the picture, it adds to the uncertainty.

In these cases, I give an estimated price for the job based on details that are given to me, and make that clear to the client.

Even when that estimated amount has to go up, it does not give one license to price gouge.

Best guesses for Concierge Mondays # 9