Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Robert St. John: The Hospitality Gene

PETROGNANO, TUSCANY— Last night I was sitting at the long dinner table in our Tuscan villa. Fourteen of my American guests from all across the South were enthusiastically engaged between courses. I found myself doing something I often do—pushing my chair back from the table and leaning back to take it all in. The room had reached that warm, familiar hum, a kind of enthusiastic, conversational roar. It’s not just voices; it’s a sound you can feel, an energy. People laughing, leaning in, and truly connecting. These are the moments that make me pause, feel grateful for my family, my team back home, these people, and for everyone else who trusts me with their time and their travel plans.

Ultimately, it’s hospitality.

I’ve always been drawn to turning people on to things, making them feel welcome, comfortable, or well-fed. In my primary career, it happens around the tables in our restaurants. Hosting tours in Europe might feel a little different, but it comes from the same place. The university degree hanging on my wall states a bachelor’s degree in “Hospitality Management.” I used to think I went to school to just be in “the restaurant business.” For years, I only saw it as working with food. Turns out, it was always bigger than that.

I’ve always been in the hospitality business.

Twenty years ago, over the course of a couple of years, and on three separate occasions, I took a spiritual gifts test. Each time at a different church, and every time the result was the same: my primary spiritual gift is the gift of hospitality. At first, I didn’t give it much thought, but eventually it started to make sense. It’s about connection, and whether I’m in a Mississippi restaurant dining room or on an outside terrace dining under the Tuscan sky, the goal is the same—making people feel welcome, like they belong, and giving them an experience to remember.

At New South Restaurant Group, our mission statement states, “We give our guests exceptional experiences through fanatical, wall-to-wall hospitality.” It’s more than just a PR slogan; it’s what we live by. Every single day, my team and I work to make those words real, through our core values of hospitality, quality, consistency, cleanliness, and community. It’s not just an axiom; it’s a way of life. Those values aren’t just words on paper—they’re who we are. I do my best to treat my work over here with the exact same mission and values.

Real hospitality goes beyond filling a glass or delivering a meal. It’s about anticipating a guest’s needs before they do, and it’s about making everyone feel like they’re part of the place from the moment they walk in. That’s the culture we aim for, one meal, one conversation at a time. We’re not just building a business; we’re building connections, and that requires a mindset. It’s something I try to nurture in every person who works alongside me.

And it’s the same approach I take when hosting tours in Europe. When I bring a group to Tuscany or some other European country or region, it’s not just a trip; it’s an invitation to share a place I love—a place full of good food, beautiful views, storied history, and rich traditions. Every trip is an opportunity to give people a memorable, engaging, and meaningful experience they’ll carry with them for a lifetime. That is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. My job is to make sure they feel at ease, engaged, and welcomed— wanting for nothing— so they leave feeling as if they haven’t just traveled but truly experienced something memorable.



Hospitality, to me, is about making people know they are cared for. When it’s genuine, I’ve learned that people realize it, remember it, and return. They bring family and friends and tell stories of their experience. True hospitality builds connections that go far beyond one meal or trip. It’s not about the transaction—it’s about the relationship.

Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” She was highlighting the fact that the true value of our interactions lies—not in technical or factual details, but—in the warmth, respect, and sincerity we convey to others. Again, it’s hospitality. I use that quote often when teaching my teams about hospitality.

There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing you’ve helped people make memories that mean something to them. Whether it’s a family celebrating in one of our restaurants or a group sharing stories in a Tuscan trattoria, those are the moments that make my work fulfilling. Hospitality, for me, isn’t just a job; it’s my duty, and a way to bring people together and remind them of the good in life. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

Sitting at that table tonight, listening to that lively hum, I felt deeply grateful. Not everyone gets to do work that feels so connected to who they are, and I don’t take it for granted. I think back to those spiritual gift’s tests, and it all makes sense. Hospitality isn’t just what I do—it’s a part of who I am and a part of everything I hope to pass on. Every day, I’m reminded of the One who placed this gift in me, and I aim to honor it, never forgetting from Whom it came.

Here’s to these gatherings, and future ones, the shared meals, the laughter, and the conversations that make life feel full. Here’s to hospitality—the kind that is fanatical, wall-to-wall, and genuine. It’s in the dining rooms of my restaurants, on the tables on my tours, and in the hands of every team member who joins me on this journey. Here’s to making people feel welcome, valued, and loved wherever they are, and for all the blessings that come with it.

Onward.


Aglio Olio

This is as simple as it gets— garlic, olive oil, and pasta. Always mince garlic from fresh cloves and use it immediately. Never purchase pre-minced garlic in a jar.

½ lb. Angel hair pasta

½ gallon Water

2 TB Kosher salt

1 cup Extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup Garlic, minced

¼ tsp Crushed red pepper

Grated Parmigianino Reggiano as needed.

Cook angel hair pasta according to directions on the package.

In a large skillet over very low heat, warm the oil and garlic being very careful not to burn or discolor the garlic. Allow the oil and garlic to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Again, be very careful not to burn or even brown the garlic. Simply remove the skillet from the heat if you feel it is too hot and allow to cool slightly for 3-4 minutes before returning to the heat. Fold in the crushed red pepper and the hot angel hair pasta, combining thoroughly. Add a little of the pasta water.

Divide among 4-8 serving bowls and finish each with grated cheese as desired.


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Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
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