Dear Feastlings,
Positivity comes naturally to some of us. Ali, who works here as a server and also at my neighborhood coffee spot, mystifies and amazes me with her ability to remain relentlessly positive and happy despite what the universe dumps in her lap. And she makes it look effortless.
I, on the other hand, find myself fairly exhausted from trying to live up to my Tuesday email about gratitude after only 48 hours and a guest who was offended that our restrooms are labeled “Everybody” and “Anybody,” despite the fact that they’ve been named as such since long before it appeared to indicate any political affiliation. Our chicken being cooked sous vide was an outrage, as was the table she was seated at, and so was the fact that while her dining companions had their appetizers, we didn’t think to bring out her entree. In the end, I was able to relax and realize that she brought her misery with her, parked it at table 23 for an hour and a half, and then took it with her as she left, glaring at us for the various atrocities we inflicted upon her as she left.
Ali could have dealt with it with one hand tied behind her back and come out shrugging and smiling ear to ear, but I ended the night and started the morning winded. Still, I’ve regrouped and approach this busy evening with a forced smile that I’m hoping will resolve itself into a genuine smile. I’ll swaddle myself in faith in a Futureworld that holds everything Walt Disney’s frozen head promised us, and will drift to sleep tonight after a smoothly paced evening full of happy, gracious guests, where in my dreams, Walt’s defrosted head will spin me tales of hope and the triumph of good over evil.
Or I’ll have some wine. So intent was I on Tuesday on getting the February menu out that I forgot to post and send this little tidbit about Old Vine wines, the theme we’re exploring this Saturday with our pal Rob, so here’s another note to encourage you to either put on your Ali boots and let the difficulties of the day slip past you without so much as grazing you, or put on your Doug boots and taste something delicious, eating and drinking your feelings. Not sure what to drink? Come hang out with us and Rob, and taste your way through some Old Vine goodness:
See you Saturday.
Love,
Doug