In many cultures and societies, there is a common phrase that is used to encourage manners and politeness: "say the magic word." This simple yet powerful phrase emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude and showing respect through the use of words. The magic word refers to simple expressions such as "please" and "thank you" that hold great significance in our daily interactions with others. These words, though seemingly small, have the power to make a big impact on our relationships and the way we communicate. By saying "please," we acknowledge that we are making a request and seeking cooperation from another person. We show that we value their assistance and are aware of their willingness to help.
We show that we value their assistance and are aware of their willingness to help. Similarly, saying "thank you" goes beyond simple appreciation. It conveys a deeper sense of gratitude and acknowledges the efforts and kindness of others.
Say the magic word
For years regulars at In-N-Out have known they don’t have to stick to the burger chain’s menu. Say you want it “animal style,” and mustard will be fried into the patty, which will be topped with sauteed onions. Or ask for a “4-by-4” and you’ll get four patties and four slices of cheese on your bun.
But In-N-Out hardly has a monopoly on secret menu items. A number of local restaurants, from swanky dining rooms like the Restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air to casual breakfast spots like the Griddle Cafe in Hollywood, offer dishes you won’t find in writing or included in the waiter’s recitation of specials.
At the new modern Asian restaurant Yi, for example, chef Rodelio Aglibot has several secret dishes up his jacket sleeve. “Tuna and taro,” a mixture of minced raw tuna, jalapeno and smelt eggs, is finished with a scallion-sesame dressing and then wrapped in mashed taro dough that fries up crisp.
Advertisement“It’s almost like an empanada,” he says.
How do diners even know this is available? “It’s one of those things where I’ll go out [to a table] and meet certain people and say, ‘Have you tasted this?’ ” Aglibot says. “Then they’ll say, ‘Can you order it?’ That’s how it will start.”
Even before the restaurant opened, Aglibot knew this was something he wanted to do. “People always like things cooked specially for them,” he says. “People love to be in the know, so it’s playing into that whole concept. Also, it allows me to do things that maybe don’t appeal to everybody.”
The Grill on the Alley started making fried chicken at the request of a regular many years ago, and word about it slowly spread. But it has never appeared on the menu, and you have to call a day in advance to order it. That’s because it’s par-baked the night before, then marinated in buttermilk overnight. The chicken pieces are dredged in flour and Cajun spices -- chef John Sola is tight-lipped about the details -- and pan-fried.
Steak tartare has been off and on the menu at the Hotel Bel-Air since the 1940s. For the last few years, it’s been off. But that doesn’t stop its fans.
Ask for it, and it arrives on a special silver platter for a tableside presentation. You can say how much Tabasco or mustard you’d like, two of the dozen or so garnishes served with the finely hand-chopped tenderloin.
Los Angeles’ most secret menu item might be the “special” French toast at the Griddle Cafe: two thick slabs of golden French toast topped with crumbles of cinnamon sugar and a ball of slip-sliding butter.
AdvertisementTo get it, you need a password. (Sorry, we’re sworn to secrecy.) And to get the password, owner Jodi Hortze insists diners try the French toast from the menu first, which is finished with the more traditional powdered sugar. Only then can they graduate to the other.
* Alex Scrimgeour is closing his restaurant, Alex, and returning to his native London. “My wife is pregnant and we’re expecting our first child and she’s English as well. That’s a large part of the reason,” says Scrimgeour, who before Alex’s opening in January 2002 had cooked at Stars in San Francisco and Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabasas. Another reason for the move is Scrimgeour’s plan to open a restaurant in central London in Battersea Power Station.
Tim Goodell, chef-owner of Aubergine in Newport Beach and more recently chef and then consultant at Whist at the Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica, is in escrow on the Melrose Avenue Alex property. “I terminated my deal with the Viceroy last month,” Goodell says. “And I’ve been looking for a space in L.A. forever. This is finally a place I feel comfortable.” Goodell is keeping mum on his plans, other than to say he hopes to open by Nov. 1.
The final meal at Alex, a multi-course prix fixe dinner priced at $95 per person, is set for Saturday, Aug. 28. That night, all the wine will be half price. “We’re going to go out with a bang,” Scrimgeour says.
Alex, 6703 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 933-5233.
* Scooter Kanfer, whose Melrose Avenue restaurant, the House, closed last fall, is now pastry chef for Falcon in Hollywood and sister restaurant Pearl Dragon in Pacific Palisades. Kanfer is also working with two partners on a 24-hour diner concept called the Waffle, expected to open later this year on the Westside.
Falcon, 7213 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 850-5350. Pearl Dragon, 15229 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades, (310) 459-9790.
* It’s been a long time coming, but Amuse Cafe has finally been approved for a beer and wine license. Chef-owners Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts plan to roll out a compact but far-reaching list of libations by Aug. 11, at which time the restaurant’s hours will change. They’ll serve dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, and brunch Fridays through Sundays.
Amuse Cafe, 796 Main St., Venice, (310) 450-1956.
But In-N-Out hardly has a monopoly on secret menu items. A number of local restaurants, from swanky dining rooms like the Restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air to casual breakfast spots like the Griddle Cafe in Hollywood, offer dishes you won’t find in writing or included in the waiter’s recitation of specials.
When we say this magic word, we are acknowledging that the other person has gone out of their way to help or support us. We recognize their contribution and show our appreciation for their generosity. By using the magic word, we create an atmosphere of courtesy and respect. It sets a positive tone in our interactions and promotes a sense of harmony among those involved. The simple act of saying please and thank you can make a world of difference in how we are perceived by others and how we perceive them. It builds stronger connections with friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers. Unfortunately, the magic word has become somewhat forgotten in today's fast-paced and digitally-focused world. People may be unintentionally neglecting these respectful gestures in favor of brevity and efficiency. However, restoring the magic word to its rightful place can have a profound impact on our communication and relationships. Incorporating the magic word into our daily interactions is a small but meaningful step towards fostering a culture of kindness and respect. By making a conscious effort to say please and thank you, we can show others that their actions matter, and that we value their presence in our lives. So, let's bring back the magic word and watch as it works its wonders in our relationships, one polite word at a time..
Reviews for "The Magic Word and Leadership: How It Inspires and Influences Others"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Say the magic word". The concept seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional and the dialogue felt forced. The plot dragged on and I found myself zoning out multiple times. Overall, I would not recommend this book.
- Mark - 1 star - "Say the magic word" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was poor and lacked any depth. The story felt disjointed and the pacing was all over the place. I couldn't connect with the characters and their actions often felt unrealistic. I couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something better.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Say the magic word" based on the reviews, but I was left disappointed. The plot was predictable and unoriginal. The writing was mediocre at best and lacked any compelling descriptions. The characters were forgettable and I didn't care about their journey. Overall, I found this book to be a boring and forgettable read.
- John - 2 stars - "Say the magic word" was just another generic fantasy novel. The world-building was weak and the magic system felt underdeveloped. The action scenes lacked excitement and the climax was anti-climactic. The author's writing style didn't engage me and I struggled to stay interested in the story. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly immersive fantasy experience.
- Jessica - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Say the magic word". The writing was cringeworthy, with cliché dialogue and poorly constructed sentences. The characters felt like cardboard cutouts and I couldn't bring myself to care about their fates. The plot was predictable and lacked any surprises. I found myself skimming through pages just to get it over with. Do yourself a favor and skip this book.