S4 - Episode 10 - Mardee Bennett

S4 - Episode 10 - Mardee Bennett

From Maître d’ Diaries by Erica Cantley

May 30, 2026 · 1h 0m · Season 4 · Episode 10

About this episode

Mardee Bennett discusses the intersection of performance and hospitality in the restaurant industry.

It’s no secret that some of the best front of the house players started out as English majors and thespians. Which comes first, a penchant for performance and storytelling, or the need for a paying gig? For sure the dining room can be a stage. The curtain rises when the door opens, and no matter how we feel or what might have happened that day, the show must go on. And like putting on a play, pitching in, working hard, and the adrenalin rush of pulling off yet another night is part of the fun. Our guest Mardee Bennett is the maître d’ of acclaimed regional Italian restaurant Borgo in New York City. He’s also a singer, actor, and award-winning playwright. Join us for this delightful chat with Mardee which includes highlights such as: ~ Moving to New Orleans & getting a job at Commander’s Place ~ How the maître d’ controls the weather (in the dining room!) ~ The importance of finding the right restaurant fit for you ~ The first and last time he snapped his fingers at a server ~ How being an actor and actually liking people are hospitality superpowers ~ His favorite star-struck moment ~ What he learned about humanity when a guest who insulted him ended up with her bashed her…

People in this episode

Host: Erica Cantley

Guest: Mardee Bennett

Topics covered

  • hospitality
  • theater
  • restaurant culture
  • storytelling
  • performance
  • dining experience

Keywords

  • maître d'
  • hospitality superpowers
  • restaurant fit
  • dining room
  • performance
  • New York City
  • Borgo

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Borgo, Commander’s Place

Places: New York City, New Orleans

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