The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-04-13
Breezing Round New YOFk
Where and Wha O see Where to at and What 10 Do

New York, April II, i942 some- times fun can be had that does not 20 on the cheek. HSmitty" Q waiter at Hotel Taft's Grill provides that extra service. He Is short and stocky with fringe of black hair around bald pate that makes him easily recognized among the army of men who serve luncheons and dinners in Lopez dance and eat emporium.
 There is a laugh for men and women of every age. "Smitty" is versatile. He can keep Q breezy att mosphere in motion at Q table sur- rounded by business men on con- vention, group of girls from Q high school, couple on their filth ieth anniversary or youngsters look ing ahead to a June wedding. The conversation is never out of order. The man does not lntrude. He is careful to keep his cajolery from in terfering with efficient waiaer serv- ice which in this instance is tops in the business.
 Assocates of Smitty say he is known everywhere by that nick name. He disowns any other. His laughing disposition precludes their further effort to label him with anything more formal.
 one of his favorite tricks Is to snatch a napkin from the lap of the youngest person at the table, and follow up that surprise with a running story about a little mouse as he proceeds to fold the napkin and during his batter, he swings the finished creation around and around, as if winding up its ears, after which he holds it very gently in one hand and strokes its back with the other. The guests in the act of admiring his handiwork when the napkin mouse" seems to jump right out of his hand, and into the lap of the young man or woman who seems to "Smitty' most my5- tified by the finished product.
 This waiter has more tricks that can be worked with a simple nap- kin than many magicianS have ln their whole act. He makes one lit tie number with the aid of matces and a story that demonstrates an old grandma chasing the chickens, as she smokes her pipe. Another napkin feature which keeps people in laughter is the making of twins in a basket followed with the crea- ton of baby's menu, the circus clown, hungry bunny, Jumping jack, the Admiral's helmet and the Ounces hat. .
 smitty's good-natured tomfool- cry is good business for his firm. Parties that come in thinking in terms of seventy-five cent special luncheon find themselves in a gay- CT mood as the result of his banter and okay suggestions of a sizzling platter, etc. with perhaps some oysters as 8 starter and a taste teasing dessert, plainlessly sold 10 them through a unique agreeable technique rarely equalled by watt CTS skill.
 This knack of personal service that happens so inconsp1cuously IS extended beyond the ring of tables where Smitty is assigned. Occupants nearby watching the fun and merrl- ment will ask their waiter II 1t IS possible to get him to do that trick for them. Smitty always obliges be- fore the mean is over. He IS the busiest waiter in New York City.
 Others serving table have seen the tricks done time and again They hover in the background and thrill at Smitty's ability. These men try to mimic him among themselves and some are pretty good at 1t but none has mastered the fundamen- tals which gives confidence to per- form in public.
 Youngsters do a little hero wor-