A reader responded to my recent post about talking up servers and bartenders with a simple question, “Why?” I’m not really sure where she was going with this question … “Why travel?” “Why enjoy yourself?” “Why talk to people?” But if ever there was any doubt about the last question, it was answered this past weekend…again.
As often happens, Judy and I needed to spend a night in Fredericksburg, Va., about an hour south of our Alexandria home. In a few previous instances, we’ve enjoyed the food and vibe of Fahrenheit 132, located in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg. In all our previous visits, we’ve sat at the bar, enjoying fine cocktails (their French Martini is always a hit), excellent appetizers, and even one of the best Filet Mignons we’ve ever tasted. But this time, I wanted to make it a bit special, so I booked a table (through Open Table…one of my favorite apps) for 8:30. We arrived scandalously early to the crowded restaurant, so we checked in an ordered a drink at the bar. We were only halfway into our first cocktail when we were shown to our table.
Two things stuck out about this visit. First, we had never seen the wine list before. It was extensive…the selection of Italian reds, alone, took up the better part of a page! We chose a 2006 Villa Gemma Montepulciano D’Abruzzo (one of our favorite varietals) and to say we were pleased is an understatement. The legs were longer than Cyd Charisse’s and the color was an incredibly deep, inky maroon. If you held the glass to the light, you couldn’t see through it. The nose took you away to some other place, and the first taste on the tongue was captivating. THIS is why you spend good money on good wine.
Second, our server, Jessica, was everything you could hope for. Like Araceli in our previous post, Jess was sweet, beautiful, and like our wine, captivating. In our two hours together, we learned much about this lovely young lady and her zest for life in between bites of the best pork chops you will ever taste. As a server, she was there before we needed her, suggested brilliant accompaniments to our entree, and instantly recognized and appreciated our desire to take our time enjoying our meal. As a new friend, we learned that she has tackled hardship and heartache in a way that is truly inspiring. She truly made our evening joyful and we cannot wait to see her…and Fahrenheit 132…again.
There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Go see it…and take the time to get to know those around you along the way.
Here’s to you!
Greg & Judy
© The World A to Z, LLC 2017
The World A to Z 