Observations About Working At A Restaurant From Mimi Pond’s Graphic Memoir

Pond’s new fictionalized comic diary shows what it’s like to work at a punky 70’s Oakland diner. ‘Over Easy’ comes out with Drawn & Quarterly at bookstores on April 15.

You start at the bottom.

But beg for the job nonetheless.

To bussers and dishwashers, the waitstaff are the stars of the restaurant.

The kitchen’s always spying on the floor.

And waitstaff gets punished for the kitchen’s blunders.

Everyone knows the entire sexual biographies of their coworkers—

—As well their hopes and insecurities—

—Professional stress, and drug habits.

Brunch shifts are a nightmare.

The growth of kitchen filth deserves its own Newtonian law.

Waitress’ perk: eating beyond your means.

This is your dispersion tactic at closing hour:

And at closing time:

Being promoted to waiter/waitress at a prime hour is a momentous occasion.

The book comes out with Drawn & Quarterly on April 15. By the way, the Imperial Cafe is still open as Mama’s Royal in Oakland.