June 4, 2005
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Last night Marla and I went to a restaurant I’ve discovered near my house. I told her about it but I don’t think she believed me. It looks like something you’d see in the Pearl (that’s where most of the successful, over-priced restaurants are) but it’s two minutes from my house. I’d seen an espresso sign one afternoon and wondered how I’d missed the place. Later that day I went back to check it out. They weren’t open until 4:00 but I could see through the window that it was going to be my new hangout.
I went home to change and at 4:05 I was seated by the grand piano, visiting with the owners. They just opened recently so we had lots of time to chat, as I was the only one in there. I took a little tour and was overjoyed to discover a private party room with seating for 8, an elegant room where port should be sipped and cigars could be smoked. None of that will be happening but I would like to throw a little party for my daughter when she graduates. That’s the other cool thing, kids can sit anywhere but the bar.
That’s where Marla and I sat while she looked around saying, “I can’t even BELIEVE it.” Then they brought her the wine list and I thought she was going to cry. The list of starters is what did it for me.
It gets better. It’s approaching 7 when the band comes in: piano, bass, and drums. The piano player also plays –I don’t think it’s called the xylophone. But then these kids start showing up. The owner comes over and I introduce Marla (feeling sort of like a bigshot). His father was a jazz musician in the 30s and this band is going to back up the local high school’s jazz choir — tonight, actually. So these kids and their parents are filing in with their video cameras and the kids take turns singing “their first club,” as the band leader puts it. And he’s darling, this band leader. He’s the pianist and while he played he would beam over at them like they were his, willing them to shine. And they did.
Their parents look like they’ve never been to the Pearl. This is as fancy a place as they’re ever gonna be and we were all just soaking it up. I had a grin on from ear to ear and when it was over I went and thanked the owner’s wife for “making this wonderful contribution to the community.” I just about hugged her for providing such a memorable evening for so many grateful recipients.
Marla had to go home but I stuck around and ordered a piece of white chocolate cheesecake, glad Marla wasn’t there to count the points (weight watchers). Next to me at the bar were two parents and the choir teacher. Over by the piano was one of the kids and the band leader and around the corner, thinking I couldn’t hear them, were the husband-and-wife owners. They were all talking about what a huge success the night had been.
Comments (10)
What a cool sounding place! And so close to you!
That’s practically magical!
Much Love..Always…GFW
that is so cool. They need a place like that in No. Vriginia.
on, northern virginia is a wasteland…… just stop at the corner of burger king and popeye’s, then turn left.
lucky you, pru. i’ve a starbucks and a privately run coffee house across the street, a fabulous persian restaurant around the corner on the way to the beach at the end of the block, a family restaurant, high end, two blocks away, a gyros/tacos place across the street to the north, a mexican chain restaurant and a place that serves rancid soup 2 blocks south, and anotehr coffee house with outdoor seating 2 blocks north were spock and buppy and i used to hang out. none, not a single one, is as nifty as the one you describe, although the persian one comes close.
ryc – as you were reading, i was editing, collapsing the last two stanzas. i would love to have your opinion on how you think it reads now, when you have inclination and time.
great weather here today – here’s hoping you have the same, and if not, that a little bliss comes your way whatever the weather in paradise.
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sounds wonderful:) discovering the new places
It’s always fun to discover a new place and have it turn out to be terrific.
Glad you had a good time. We need these little escapes now and then.
T
What a delightful piece of writing! And what a delightful evening! Discovering such jewels nearby, how wonderful! Hope you have many happy hours frequenting what may become a home away from home… xo
Sounds like fun! And I like your photo!
sounds like a new home indeed… nice place
I could almost hear the music. Great writing. Very descriptive. And fun to get caught up again. I’ve been busy off-line (well still online, but off Xanga).
Now I must know which restaurant this is. Sounds like a great place. (And I like your picture.)