Melody Mitchell: Being the best she can be at Village Pub
Editor’s note: This is the first in an occasional series spotlighting people who excel at hospitality and graciousness in their chosen profession.
Part of the fun of interviewing someone you’ve known for quite a while is finding out something you didn’t know about them. Such was the case with Melody Mitchell who has been a server at the Village Pub in Woodside for close to 22 years (almost from when it first opened.)
Before her current calling — and more about that in a moment — Melody was an all-star basketball player, earning an MVP award her senior year at Andrew Hill High School in San Jose. A serious injury prevented her from playing college ball. We probably shouldn’t have been surprised as Melody lists her height at “5 feet, 13 inches.”
Her initiation into the hospitality industry came from her mother, who threw elaborate dinner parties. “It was part of my growing up,” she says.
Being at the Pub five days a week, Melody gives a big thumbs up to the “connections you make with people. Guests entrust us with special moments in their lives. And that’s where my heart is.
“I don’t look at this as work. I get to throw big dinner parties every night. If a guest isn’t happy for some reason, it’s my job to turn them around. I’ve proud to say I’ve done it many times.
“When I played basketball, I wanted to win every game. My motto: Love what you do and be the best at it.”
Not surprisingly, Melody has met some famous people. Her favorite — Paul Newman. “He said, ‘Young lady, go ahead and order for me.’ I chose the roast chicken. He was so kind — and he kissed me on the cheek!”
On her days off, she enjoys spending time with her husband Peter, who is also in the hospitality industry, and their Pomeranian dog Couscous. She’s also a bit of a wine geek. Some day she hopes to coach kids.
“The delight of being on a team — there’s nothing like it,” she says.
Photo by Irene Searles (c) 2023
Scott Loftesness April 23, 2023 at 7:23 pm
A great profile of a great lady! Melody is just the best!
Matt Buser April 23, 2023 at 8:07 pm
Melody is truly world class. To say she excels at hospitality barely scratches the surface. It’s always a special event when you are in Mel’s presence!
Christie Mitchell April 25, 2023 at 11:45 am
Melody has always been an inspiration as I drove her to tournaments etc. I was her biggest fan.
She is the best you can find. Excellent wine knowledge too. Best to take to wineries too
Nickie Horton April 25, 2023 at 11:51 am
Dining with Melody is a special experience. When she’s your server, you want for nothing; she anticipates your every need. She’s changed the way I view a dining experience. When I’m at the Village Pub, I feel like I’m seated at the only table in the room, the way she personalizes my experience through conversation and humor. My hunger leaves satisfied, both physically and emotionally.
Mark Templeton April 25, 2023 at 12:32 pm
To say she “pleases” is such an understatement! She brings it all every day, treats everyone like family and adds love to everything she serves. In short, she IS The Pub to many people who regular the restaurant. ❤️
Hala April 25, 2023 at 12:41 pm
Melody is one of the smartest, kindest most generous people I have ever known and is brilliantly intuitive. She excels at hospitality because she genuinely and deeply cares about every single guest and the experience they have.
Lena Jean April 25, 2023 at 1:05 pm
She is the best of the best. I have worked at the finest restaurants all over the country. There is no better.
Mitchell King April 25, 2023 at 11:28 pm
Melody, provides the most incredible experience and service, , Melody demonstrate empathy, patience and respect with every interaction.
Maurice Werdegar April 27, 2023 at 9:39 am
I love Melody.
Thelma Gill April 30, 2023 at 2:17 pm
Melody is the greatest…..She truly completes the experience. Melody is “The Pub” to many people who regular the restaurant. She deeply cares about every single guest and the experience they have.