Waiters/waitresses are the world’s oldest influencers – they tell us what to eat (and drink) whenever we dine out. And we often take their advice without watching hours of their videos to determine if they’re trustworthy. We sat down with some of our local influencers to get to know the folks who influence our choices.
Kris Tetreault
Server, 23 years
Dinardo’s Ristorante Italiano, Pound Ridge
Do you consider yourself an influencer?
Not really. I’m more friendly than an influencer. I guess you could say I give guidance.
What is your number one rule when making recommendations?
First, I need a little direction as to whether they want meat, fish, pasta or if they’re generally open to anything. And then I can make a recommendation.
Best recommendation you’ve ever made?
You should always have room for dessert, especially the tiramisu. Or, if you’re full, try the limoncello cake – it’s very light.
Worst recommendation you’ve ever made?
It’s not really a recommendation, but people ask about tripe when they see it on the menu. They usually think it’s a fish, so they’ll ask what type of fish it is. But tripe is the lining of the cow’s stomach. And when I tell them that, they immediately go for something else. But if people have had it before, then they love it. People always ask why tripe is on our menu, and it’s because it’s something that you wouldn’t make at home – it takes hours to do.
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened at this restaurant?
When I first began working here, this restaurant had booths and carpets. About 15 years ago, I went on vacation, and before I left, Frank, the owner, told me that when I came back from vacation, I was going to see something totally different. And he was right. When I came back, the booths were gone, the floor was tiled. Everything was different! It was a complete transformation of DiNardo’s!
What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened at this restaurant?
Someone offered me four Boston Red Sox tickets because they know my husband is a fan. They were phenomenal seats. My sister and her husband went with us, and we’re going to go again soon.
What do you like about working at DiNardo’s?
It’s a really nice place to come to work because everyone is like family. If you have a bad day at home, you’re gonna smile here. People come back week after week, sometimes twice a week.
What’s your favorite dish?
The chicken parmesan. It’s a nice, cozy, warm dish. It’s yummy and very satisfying. The marina is great, the pasta is light, not very heavy. It’s so good.
Justin is an award-winning designer and photographer. He was the owner and creative director at Future Boy Design, producing work for clients such as National Parks Service, Vintage Cinemas, The Tarrytown Music Hall, and others. His work has appeared in Bloomberg TV, South by Southwest (SXSW), Edible Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Refinery 29, the Art Directors Club, AIGA and more.
Justin is a two-time winner of the International Design Awards, American Photography and Latin America Fotografia. Vice News has called Justin Negard as “one of the best artists working today.”
He is the author of two books, On Design, which discusses principles and the business of design, and Bogotà which is a photographic journey through the Colombian capital.
Additionally, Justin has served as Creative Director at CityMouse Inc., an NYC-based design firm which provides accessible design for people with disabilities, and has been awarded by the City of New York, MIT Media Lab and South By Southwest.
He lives in Katonah with his wonderfully patient wife, son and daughter.
