I remember it well!
There I was a young and thriving stock broker. Going to New York for business and all that it had to offer in wining and dining.
I loved getting of he plane knowing that this was going to be another exciting experience I would live with forever.
You cannot imagine the thrill of New York – if you have money to spend. I don’t mean extravagant. No, just enough to have a good time. Not worry about the price of a bottle of wine; how much to tip the matire d’; should I tip the entertainment.
Hell! Tip them all and well.
At the time I was dating a woman a little older then me. She had been married to a successful Wall Street Player and knew how to enjoy a good time – especially in New York.
We were going to the theater district and I had picked Barbetta’s for lunch.
It was late fall and the air was crisp. Just cool enough to wear my Camel Hair coat that I loved, because it was the first expensive top coat I ever purchased. Still have it today. Still love it. Sadly, I don’t have many occasions to wear it these days.
She was holding my arm firmly, tenderly as we entered the restaurant.
It had that old New York charm and sophistication. Maitre d’ greets us at the door, shows us to a table in the corner and departs.
We are looking at he appetizers when the waiter comes over and asks if we would “like to try some vintage mushrooms?
Here I am a kid from Chicago, self educated in the ways of the world. So sophisticated. So urbane. How could I resist. This is but another part of being sophisticated and urbane. I was loving it.
We ordered a bottle I Italian Red wine and waited for our Vintage Mushrooms.
Soon we saw our waiter walking regally toward our table balancing a plate on his three finger – as waiters are apt to do in fine dining establishments. Especially when the deliverer of something special.
Before he got to the table we could smell the mustiness of a cave in Italy. How exciting. We were about to experience something special. They were all we anticipated.
We ate these special mushrooms and another appetizer I don’t remember and finisher our bottle of wine.
We proceeded to have another bottle of wine with our entrees slowly eating and drinking.
Yes, it was extremely romantic. I was in love with her and intoxicated by her presence. She was so beautiful and in love with me. This was going to be a special trip to New York
One I would never forget. Cherish.
When the waiter brought over the desert cart it featured three items. Chocolate Mouse, Zabbione and a baked apple with brandy. Why not? We had one of each with espresso and Sambuca.
As we left she gave me a hug and kiss as she often did. Telling me she has a great time and thoroughly enjoyed my company. As I did hers.
We had dined on lunch for four pleasurable hours.
When we were on the street it was getting dark and the night air was chilling.
At the corner near Times Square I encountered a group of hari karisnas playing and asking for money.
What a surreal experience.
Food, Wine, Love and New York.