A couple of readers had asked to be updated periodically on the status of Maris’ Kitchenette, the canteen I’ve “invested” in. Today marks one month since the lease was signed, so it seems an appropriate time to check in on how things are going.

To begin, the business earned enough revenue to have cash on hand to pay the rent today (12,000 pesos/$240), so there’s that. And to reiterate, I have no interest in the business nor any say in the manner in which it operates. I paid some upfront money for equipment and I’ve purchased some food and supplies during my weekly shopping excursions, but that’s the extent of my involvement. That said, from an outsider’s perspective, the business appears to be doing pretty well. That’s quite an accomplishment during these troubled times.

The target clientele was always intended to be working class Filipinos. That plan seems to be turning out pretty well. She has regular visits from the bargirls at several nearby bars, the dive boat crew from the resort next door, and some of the maintenance staff at the Central Park Reef hotel. The fact that the Kitchenette is getting repeat business is a good sign I think.

I’ve never actually ordered and eaten anything off the menu there. I’m just not that big a fan of basic Filipino foods (from what I’ve seen, heavy on rice and egg with a little meat on the side). But actual customers do seem to enjoy their meals.

I usually come by at the tail end of my nightly bar crawl. It is actually quite pleasant to sit outdoors and watch the world go by. Well, the part of the world that traverses the National highway out front anyway. Some of the darters drop in after the tournament at Alley Cats too. Of course, this crowd is mostly there to drink beer, a product that the Kitchenette is not technically permitted to sell under terms of the lease. Instead, beer must be purchased from the Beach Please bar in the back on the waterfront. Another option is for folks to bring their own beer with them, which is a cheaper way to go. This week at Royal I bought two cases of canned beer and Maris is providing them to customers upon request. I still make it a point to buy at least one bucket (six bottles) from the bar each time I visit, just to keep the peace. And no, I don’t drink all six, I share them with whomever might be sitting around with me. Anyway, Maris sells the cans for 60 pesos each, so she is at least making a little money off us beer drinkers now.

The other good news is that Maris has hired some helpers. I really like that aspect of the business because it contributes to making a positive impact on the community. Granted, wages are low but some income is better than nothing and many folks have nothing these days.

My sense is this has been a learning curve for Maris and she is working a lot harder and for longer hours (10 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., six days a week) than she expected. She’s going to need some additional competent staff to help reduce that workload some. We’ll see what happens, but it appears to be a “so far, so good” situation.

Speaking of kitchens, I stopped by The Pub last night for a sandwich (roast beef and cheddar, yum!) and John Kim was sorting a big shipment of newly arrive beef cuts.

I’ll be firing up the grill this coming weekend for sure!

And speaking of meat, I had some beers at It Doesn’t Matter bar last night.

Life is good.