THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996 TAG: 9603070192
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: KATHRYN DARLING
LENGTH: Medium: 93 lines
Lynnwood Craig, maitre d' at the Town Point Club, arrived in Norfolk in 1962 to continue his studies in history and political science at Norfolk State.
By the end of the semester, he was the maitre d' at the newly opened Key Club, a members-only nightspot, fashioned after the Playboy clubs.
He never did finish that degree. Instead, Craig stayed at the Key Club until it closed in 1971. By then, liquor by the drink was available in restaurants and bars in Norfolk, and private clubs like the Key Club didn't draw the crowds they once had.
Craig has worked at the Capes Beach and Cabana Club, was part-owner and maitre d' of Craig's at Cypress Point, worked at a few beach restaurants and was maitre d' at the Omni Norfolk's fine dining restaurant, The Esplanade.
It was at the Esplanade that Craig experienced his most embarrassing moment and perhaps his greatest triumph as a server when he caught a woman's fur on fire in the middle of the dining room.
He said a beautiful, statuesque woman entered the restaurant wearing a fox fur cape. As she came into the room she posed, ``swooped it off of her shoulders and let it drag - with such flair.''
As maitre d', Craig escorted her and her companions to their table. He said he took the woman's fur and put it across his left arm. With his right arm, he pulled out her chair. Craig said when he looked back down at the fur it was engulfed in flames - it had touched a candle on the adjacent table.
``I tried to put the fire out with my hand, but that didn't work. I had to throw it on the floor and stomp on it to get the flames out.'' Craig said, ``I was so embarrassed.''
But Craig is a professional, and he knew how to handle the situation. He told the guest that she came to have a nice evening out and that he wanted her to have a nice time. He told her not to worry, that the fur would be replaced, whatever it took.
He said he immediately had a bottle of the best champagne sent to their table and proceeded with their dinner service.
Craig said she wrote him a letter praising him for the way he handled the evening. In spite of the circumstances, she said she had had a marvelous time. Craig said the letter ``sounded almost apologetic, as if she were at fault and not me.''
And the singed fur that still reeked of smoke at the end of the evening? They had to buy her a new fur.
Craig said he enjoys the challenges of his job.
Many times when people come into a restaurant they are upset or unhappy about something that happened that day, he said.
``The challenge for a waiter is to get them to leave with a smile on their face. A good meal and good service can erase the bad day. It really can. It is a challenge for servers to have that kind of impact.''
As maitre d', Craig does not serve meals, but he said he makes a number of presentations at the table.
``I am most noted for Caesar salads. It's my trademark.''
But he said he does serve flaming desserts, and he prepares a number of meals tableside.
``People request this nightly,'' he said.
Name: Lynnwood B. Craig.
Nickname: Craig.
What brought you to Norfolk?: To finish college at Norfolk State.
Birthplace: Braddock, Pa.
Birthdate: March 10, 1929.
Occupation: Maitre d'.
Marital status: Married to Loretta.
Children: Three - Tony, Felicia, Marc - and three grandchildren - Isaiah, Serena, Taylor and one on the way.
Last book read: ``Breaking Barriers'' by Carl T. Rowan.
Favorite movie: ``Grumpy Old Men.''
Favorite magazine: Sports Illustrated and Newsweek.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?: My brother, Dr. William L. Craig Jr., who recently retired as vice president from Norfolk State after 38 years. He has a great family, and he gives of himself.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: My looks.
Perfect way to spend the day: Get up at 11 a.m. and eat, do yard work, eat, get a nap, eat, watch TV, eat, read, snack, watch TV, go to sleep at 3 a.m.
Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas.
Pet peeve: People who jump on the elevator before allowing you to exit.
First job: Porter in a drug store.
Worst job: Working in the open hearth at the Homestead Steel Mill.
Hobbies: Cooking, spectator sports.
Favorite restaurant: Three Ships Inn.
What do you like most about Norfolk?: The people and the progressive-thinking leaders. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by LAWRENCE JACKSON
by CNB