I’ve written a lot of posts that start with, “What lawyers (or law firms) can learn from …” Search by that phrase on my blog and you’ll find posts about fabulous and lousy expensive restaurants, unexpectedly terrific hotel experiences, travel, dentistry, vacuum cleaners, brand launches and more. It’s always grounded and […]
Lawyers and CPAs – This January, resolve to make your bios move the needle – Make them 3-D
Doing anything that moves the needle is hard. All the “I resolve to do this and that (eat more kale / break a sweat / cook more / drink less)” business requires so much diligence and determination that, by now, most resolutions are on the cutting room floor. I used […]
Should we even try to be healthy on Thanksgiving???
For the last several years, I have devoted my Wednesday before Thanksgiving blog post to giving thanks (of course) and food (of course). Three years ago, I shared my “Perfect Mashed Potatoes” and another year my “Cornbread Sausage Dressing” – both are sublime and I urge you to try them. However, […]
What law firms can learn from OpenTable’s new Brand
OpenTable has become ubiquitous among busy professionals who want a personal valet to make reservations for us, check menus for gluten-free options, find out what other like-minded diners had to say about food, service, atmosphere and noise – and to fundamentally make our lives easier. The promise they make is […]
What law firms can learn from perfect food and wine pairings at Beausoleil in Baton Rouge
Thanks to a generous and well organized client in Baton Rouge, powerhouse litigation boutique Keogh Cox & Wilson, I was treated to a food and wine extravaganza at Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar. Partners on the Keogh Cox management committee brainstormed with executive chef and owner, Nathan Gresham (also former chef […]
What law firms can learn from our New Year’s Eve Dining Experience at Betony in New York
For 15 years I boycotted New Year’s Eve, grumbling about it being a night for amateurs. Then I started joining favorite and new friends in New York for a several day celebration that included carefully researched restaurants, theater, museums, shopping, plenty of champagne and spontaneous happenings that fit nicely into […]
What law firms can learn from my weird service experience at Del Frisco’s in Dallas
Well, Del Frisco’s has done it again. It’s once more the subject of one of my “What law firms/lawyers can learn . . . ” posts, and not in a good way. My earlier post about the Del Frisco’s in Manhattan is one of the most-read posts of this blog. […]
What law firms can learn from my experience with the strangest dessert in San Francisco (maybe the world)
While In San Francisco to speak at the monthly San Francisco LMA luncheon on Website trends (with Barbara Abulafia, Keker & Van Nest, Jeff Yerkey, Right Hat and Per Casey, Tenrec), my colleague Keith Wewe, another couple and I were hosted by Elizabeth Lampert for dinner at Twenty-Five Lusk. This modern and tony restaurant, located […]
Stuffing v. Dressing – an unnecessary war of words
Thank you for reading my blog! Truly, I am so grateful. I take your comments to heart, and invite suggestions to improve it and recommendations for future topics. As a thank you, I share a favorite poem about the ubiquitousness of our kitchen tables and my special Cornbread and Sausage […]
What law firms can learn from my surprising experience at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia
I haven’t always had a stellar experience at Ritz-Carlton hotels. In fact, in a lifetime of hotel stays, I’ve had three very disappointing stays at three different Ritz properties. They stand out in the blur of my business travel, however, because they were aberrant — Ritz-Carlton personnel are trained to stretch the […]
Back in America
I’ve just returned from two weeks touring and cruising Italy, plus other countries that are on the coastlines of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. It was a great immersion in ancient cultures and centuries-old cathedrals and basilicas, combined with the joy of spontaneous, contemporary exploration and choice-making. But this post isn’t about […]
Bits and Pieces from James Kane’s LMA Keynote Presentation – March 15, 2012
Like nearly 1,000 other LMA members last Thursday morning, I listened to our conference opener keynote, James Kane, speak about “loyalty.” It could be the best keynote I’ve ever heard in my life. Thanks to Mark Usellis and Jill Weber, conference co-chairs, and Betsi Roach, LMA Executive Director (plus the […]
What law firms can learn from my wonderful experience at Davio’s in Philadelphia.
For the second year in a row, I spent Valentine's Day in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. (Appropriate enough on this holiday where "love" is front and center.) And, for the second year in a row, I had dinner at Davio's. Davio's is billed as a Northern Italian Steakhouse. […]
What law firms can learn from my disappointing experience at Del Frisco’s in New York.
I met LMA friends after work at Del Frisco's last week in New York. It appeared that most of Manhattan was in the tight surroundings – we were elbow-to-elbow and four or five rows of people back from the bar. Patience and a booming voice were required. That isn't the […]
How would you transform the legal industry?
Ayelette Robinson, Director of Knowledge Technology at Littler Mendelson, did a guest post on the 3 Geeks and a Law Blog a couple days ago asking, “How would you transform the legal industry?” It got me thinking and I thought I’d carry her idea to my blog and pose it to […]
A Toast to Differentiation: What law firms can learn from Blue Hill at Stone Barns
(Guest post by Lise Anne Schwartz) Regular visitors to this blog know that Deborah is a connoisseur of fine food, wine and restaurants. So when she visited New York last week, the pressure was on to find a unique dining experience for us to share. I took her to Blue […]
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
I am thankful for everyone who reads my blog and all who care enough about it to pass it on to others. As I sit in the Philadelphia Admiral's Club waiting for my delayed flight to take off in this driving rain, I write this as a sincere thank you. […]
What lawyers can learn from the high standards at Niman Ranch
Last night I attended a special event at Abacus, one of my favorite Dallas restaurants — a Niman Ranch dinner hosted by chef Kent Rathbun and Niman Ranch farmer, Paul Willis. If you enjoy four and five-star restaurants, you will be familiar with Niman Ranch products and its mission of: “… raising […]
Cranberry-Orange Relish (by John Engels)
My good friend and co-author, Leigh Dance, sent this to the allies this morning. It’s completely delicious. Wishing you the warmest and happiest of Thanksgivings! Cranberry-Orange Relish by John Engels A pound of ripe cranberries, for two days macerate in a dark rum, then do not treat them gently, but […]