'Clam Chowder', a Book and a Game Offers Nutrition for the Soul

Thanks to Matt Lehman, screenwriter, poet and assistant director who makes his living as a waiter, 'Clam Chowder' is now a book and a game designed to offer restaurant waitstaff inspiration in making their jobs less frustrating.

(PRWEB) October 8, 2005 -- Now 'Clam Chowder' is more than just a tasty soup.

Thanks to Matt Lehman, screenwriter, poet and assistant director who makes his living as a waiter, 'Clam Chowder' is now a book and a game designed to offer restaurant waitstaff inspiration in making their jobs less frustrating.

It's a book that should not be read at home, but on the job, Lehman says.

"That doesn't mean to start reading when you are busy with customers, but the time just before all three orders come out and you're betting the bartender you can do more shots of Tabasco than she can? This is the time to whip it out. I mean, the book. It will make you laugh. I promise."

The book, more formally called, "Clam Chowder: The Server's Field Manual," is Lehman's second book and is available through most mail order bookstores and at his own website, www.clamchowder.biz.

The publisher describes the book as "a cleansing of the soul for those that have survived the front of the house and an eye-opening experience for those that have never donned an apron and said, 'What can I get you to drink'. The 6 main chapters cover which restaurants to work in, why wait tables in the first place, with whom you'll be working, customers, what to do while you are at work, and the dungeon - the real life stories of debauchery the author has seen and done, too obnoxious to be real, but all are completely true."

Others of Lehman's profession agree. Karen Anderson of British Columbia, Canada writes, "Matt has this wonderful way of stringing words together to bring to life the madness that is the reality of the biz. Loved it! If you are in the hospitality industry, do yourself a favor and buy the book and the game!"

Gary Davis of oncewritten.com writes, "I always thought that being a server could be a cool way to make money if you could handle picky customers, extreme walking and a lot of garbage. But once you read this book you'll understand why every career Server should have one. They all really need a Servers manual complete with tips, tricks and games to fight stress, help prevent mental illness and all the rest of the occupational hazards that come with a tough gig."

The game, "Clam Chowder, The Server's Game", makes a card game out of serving. Sample cards include "get a customer to give you a bite of their entree" and "have a guest draw you a picture with crayons to put on the freezer door." Even "tell a table you're aspiring to be an opera singer and give them a sample."

Lehman adds the warning, though, that the game is "sold as a novelty only! It should not be played in an actually live (or dead) restaurant environment. There is a risk that it could cause someone to get written up, fired, or worse."

Cost of either the book or the game when ordered through www.clamchowder.biz is $10.95 or $17.95 when purchased together.

Information: Matt Lehman, (323) 252-8167

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