Getting into the restaurant industry as a server can most certainly be a profitable endeavor for the right kind of person, but what outsiders often don’t understand is that it’s also a labor of love, especially when these gigs don’t include medical insurance.



No one knows this better than Eric Rostedt.



Rostedt has been in the restaurant industry in Tacoma forever, and he waited tables for years at Il Fiasco and most recently at Asado.



I first had a chance to meet Rostedt through my obsession with Asado. If you’ve ever been to Asado, you know that the people who work and hang out here on a regular basis are all family, and Rostedt is a very important member of this crew.



Even before Rostedt started working at Asado, he’d frequent it, ordering everything with an extra side of something special to him, which is why his name was forever changed to Lentils.



I actually know him as The Big Easy.



So sadly and unfortunately, two years ago Lentils had a brain tumor removed, which forced him to claim bankruptcy. Then, three months ago, he learned that the tumor was back, and that it had grown to twice the original size. This second tumor has been removed, but The Big Easy is now facing chemotherapy and radiation, and he can’t get medical insurance.



But all of this sadness aside, what’s amazing about what Rostedt is going through right now is how his labor of love in the restaurant industry is returning immense affection in his time of need.



Rostedt is such a gem and very kind person that an outpouring of support is coming from local restaurants, businesses and artists, and you can also kick in to help this amazing friend out.



This Saturday at 8 p.m. a fund-raiser will take place to help defray Rostedt’s medical costs and help him out with living costs since he can’t work right now.



This incredible function will include performances by Dave Roberts, The Ramains, and the Scuzztones, and a stellar set of raffle items from Doyle’s Public House, Il Fiasco, The Parkway, Café Davina, Dame Lola, Dwell, Chambers Bay Golf Course, The Rosewood and Chris Baker Dentistry. An auction will also take place for a two-night stay at The Snorting Elk, and a sweet pair of skis that have been donated by Mark Mevins, a regular at The Spar.



The donations have been so big that they are a true reflection of how great Rostedt really is. He’s so humble that he’d never ask for these things, and it’s why he’ll be even more floored when all of you turn out to support him this Saturday.



I’ve got nothing but props for you, The Big Easy. You deserve all of this love and much, much more of it.



[The Spar, Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m., 2121 N. 30th St., Tacoma, 253.272.2122]