The Man Behind the Magic
How Bill Lubin turns private dining at Bistro 821 into an experience to remember
Photography by Gareth Rockliffe
Bistro 821 offers the only second-floor private dining room on Fifth Avenue South, with stunning evening views of the Avenue. Tastefully appointed for a business dinner or classic dining experience, it’s also a space clients can transform into a magical setting uniquely their own. Former business owner Bill Lubin is the man-behind-the-curtain as well as the first and last point of contact. While he's usually immersed in others’ stories, this time Old Naples News asked for his.
After 25 years running a medical equipment company in upstate New York, Bill and his wife Joanne followed their dream and retired to Naples. “But I soon realized there were too many hours in a day to be retired," he said. "I missed the challenges of work. And so a new adventure began.”
“I wanted to use my background in customer relations in a creative way. Joanne and I often dined at Bistro 821. The delicious food and casual ambience felt like home. We got to know and admire owner/chef Jesse Housman, so when he invited me aboard, I accepted immediately.”
Photography by Gareth Rockliffe
High Expectations
“I believe the character of an establishment is set at the top. Jesse combines beautifully presented dishes with a team who work hard and still have fun. He sets a high bar and makes sure we feel valued.”
KTB: Who are your private dining clientele?
BL: Being close to both hospitals, we get a lot of medical and pharmaceutical business, as well as corporate gatherings during the week and social events on weekends.
Many clients have dined with us for years, so when a rehearsal dinner, anniversary or milestone celebration comes along, they know where they want to hold it. We offer flexible menus and table setups, modified to suit their needs. We let them know that we book only one party a night, and that the room and staff are theirs."
KTB: What about larger groups?
BL: We offer full restaurant buyouts, adding the private dining room for 36 and, weather permitting, up to 40 on our sidewalk patio. Altogether, we can accommodate 140–150 guests; for example, a private wedding upstairs followed by a reception downstairs.
An Elevated Culinary Experience
“No two evenings are the same. The tone is set entirely by our guests; my mission is to make sure the plan is well executed, dietary requests reach the kitchen, AV or entertainment needs are met, and the space is pristine and ready.
“Chefs Jesse and Jimmy and their staff are committed to an elevated culinary experience, while our dedicated Private Dining servers, Jake, Matthew, and Lauren — all long-time members of the Bistro 821 family, work their magic of exceptional service-without-pretense. The logistics are fun and easy for me; they are the true heroes.”
A Challenge Well Met
“In private dining, the unexpected comes with the territory. My job is to meet it swiftly, with professionalism and grace.
“At a recent reception, ten of the 30 guests had dietary restrictions: vegan, vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free and salt-free, all at the same table. At the height of our busiest season, each dish had to be meticulously prepared and served, with attention to ingredients, utensils and cookware.
“The chefs, servers, and I worked as a team on every detail. There was one tiny glitch, instantly corrected. We pulled it off!”
A Rose Petal and Chandelier Night
“Last spring we booked an intimate wedding ceremony and dinner. They wanted an informal but very romantic setting. I told them, as I tell each client, ‘The room is yours to decorate as you please.’
“And they did—beyond, I think, even the couple’s own vision. They brought beautiful linens and chair covers, a white runner to be strewn with rose petals. They re-dressed the wall and even hung chandeliers. They had so much fun creating their room, and when it was finished, I saw the pure bliss and emotion on their faces.
“That’s the part I never get tired of. You know you’ve helped create a night they’ll always remember.”
Bill Lubin
Direct: 518.461.9331
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