Slept like a baby last night, woke refreshed, made a coffee, put a John Pizzarelli in the CD player, and enjoyed a breakfast of eggs over medium with sourdough toast smeared with butter. Heaven!
Took a swing down to the boardwalk before heading to work. It was crowded with families, folks with pets and kids on bicycles even at that early hour. All the markings of a good day.
With a full compliment of servers we opened 10 minutes early because people were already waiting. That's how it began and continued throughout the day. There was a new person to train and as I was explaining the unique nature of the restaurant, reality hit us square in the face.
A couple of gay guys, their "mom" and sister (regulars for years) were having a great time when a young straight couple arrived with 2 sweet little girls and a baby. Initially they were not happy to leave the huge baby carriage outside, but following a bit of convincing (actually seeing another family leave theirs) they relaxed - sort of. I had to seat them next to the happy group because Dad had to keep his eye on that carriage. They were obviously from DC or Philly because no one has ever stolen a carriage in Rehoboth Beach. No One!
Before you could say Cinco de Mayo, the 2 parties were laughing and interacting, then Mom took the baby to her table so the young mother could enjoy her meal. Shock! Dad isn't happy, but says nothing. "Grandma" and baby are having a jolly time. She's bouncing him around and cooing sweet things and he's got a grin from ear to ear, then falls asleep. The young couple is amazed. This can't be happening, right?
Everyone in the front of the dining room is enthralled by these goings-on, smiles are everywhere, and none of this is lost on my new trainee. (I had to remind him a few times to close his gaping mouth) Soon the boss shows up and wants to know why I seated this "family" at 2 separate tables. I explained the situation and he let out a howl of laughter. He joined the chaos by taking the baby from Grandma and it was clear that the little tyke was eating up all the attention. Poor mom and dad were confused by all this until I explained that the crazy man holding their 7-month-old was one of the owners and how he's watched kids of customers grow up over the years, delights in having them around and eventually becomes the crazy "uncle" to many of them.
Toward the end of their time with us, I approached the mother and said, "well, I suppose you never expected to acquire an instant family." She replied, "no, and this is the first time I've been able to enjoy a hot meal in a restaurant since he was born. That lady is a gem." As things were winding down, there were proper introductions all round and everyone left happy and content.
When it was all over the trainee stared at me and said that nothing I could have said would have prepared him for something like this. And, he is absolutely right. This is the "stuff" that happens in the place and I am so happy to be a part of it all.
Continuing to listen to Pizzarelli while I prep supper. Nice bookend to the day.
Next up: Today is Derby Day, as in Kentucky Derby. Oh, G*d Help Us!
More later.
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