This is yet another one of them.
There is a new restaurant in town called the “Silverata.” Brand new. Last night was the grand opening which was “by invitation only.” Our Plant Manager’s Administrative Assistant, Simona, had received one such invitation for the Company and organized our group to go. There were 10 of us – 5 Americans, 1 Indian, 1 Italian, and 3 Romanians.
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| Oh, come on ... Its harmless! |
We arrived at 07:00 PM and were greeted by the door hostesses (that’s the part that gets me in trouble; I admit they were maybe, um, reasonably attractive young ladies) and the owner who is a very nice lady also named Simona. She showed us around and explained that the process for the night involved complimentary Champaign, appetizers and wine tastings followed by dinner then desert. I knew right then it was going to be a long slow dinner. Those of you who know me know I don’t drink the Champaign and recognizing that it was going to be a long night; I ordered a beer. She explained beer wasn’t part of the package, so we would have to pay for that which was no problem for me. The waiter delivered it and a bill for 7 Lei ($2 USD). I gave him a funny look and said, I’ll probably want more than one, why don’t you just run a tab. He understood, but wasn’t sure he was allowed to do this, so he ran off to get a decision. Of course it was approved. In fact, the owner pretty much decided to take care of us personally as she was most interested in the future corporate business, so we ended up with our own waiter, Viciu. A side note here. His name, Viciu, is pronounced Vee-Chew, but if you pronounce it Vi-chew that means “toilet” in Romanian; so I said we should call him John to avoid the embarrasment (only a few caught that).
We were seated outside. Of course outside. All restaurants here are primarily outdoor seating which has been great since the weather has been beautiful. There was a 3 piece jazz band (keyboards, drum, bass) starting to play. These guys jammed. They were unbelievable. Both local and American songs and the keyboard player was dynamite - and just look at those shoes! Fast and furious improvisations. So during the lulls between courses, the band kept us (mainly me, I think) completely entertained. I mentioned to our Simona that the band was really good and she would have to dance with me which she was too embarrassed to do (if you knew her, you would be surprised by that) so instead, I danced a short minute or so with the owner Simona. She thought was grand. All of this caused Jim, our Plant Manager, to drag up some of the war stories from his and my time together in China. Admittedly, his versions were much more entertaining than the actual truth.
Part of the evening's entertainment also included the gypsy fire twirling act. I took a few photos and I walked away, he lost his grip one of the fire sticks and it landed right where I was standing. Deliberate? Who knows.
I walked around and talked to some of the other patrons who seemed to be enjoying us foreigners as much as we were enjoying them. I figure if its a slow meal and mingling is encouraged; we should.
The food was good, the company was good, the scenery was good and we dragged out of there around midnight.
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| Bill Enjoying His "Manly Spritzer" |
06:00 AM arrived a bit earlier than usual this morning, but with the help of my handy skylight allowing the morning sun to shine through, the day started out just fine.
Now I know you are saying to yourself “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, another restaurant story.” But we are headed to the mountains on Saturday for sightseeing, so I’ll have different stories and better pictures to post.
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| Pretty Awesome |
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| Did I Mention We Were The Only People Who Danced? |
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| View From Street Entrance |
10 comments:
Mitch, do you need some help with your luggage or something. I could be your personal assistant if it meant meeting ladies like the three standing with you.
J. Middlebrooks
Nothing personal, Jacky - but i would just as soon hire them directly!
Yeah, you're right; I could see I wouldn't have a a chance competing with them, they are off the charts.
... J Middlebrooks
Mitchell, I kept waiting for the part where you drank from Simona’s shoe!
... Hikie A.
Hikie - don't think I didn't think about it. But even though we were having fun, I WAS with work people who do influence my future - know what I mean?
Ohhhhh, you are in soooooooo much trouble. I would never get away with posting that. Obviously, you have a great marriage and a VERY trusting wife... I do too, but still wouldn't get away with that. Holy cow...
... Sid G
"Humanitarian" Mitchell has combed the orphanages nearby Ploiesti and has launched this noble adoption effort rescuing these three dear orphans from their drab, hopeless existences. Because the orphans were raised in an environment lacking essential nurturing, Mitchell has responded to an inner calling to shower upon them every bit of affection these souls require to grow healthy and well-adjusted.
Mitchell has reached out to his wife Elise and appealed to her to allow him to bring these waifs home w/ him to Spartanburg where he can find them gainful employment (in the Mercer household) as massage therapists. Mitchell has yet to hear from his wife, owing no doubt to the international delay in digital communications, yet he remains optimistic!
Mitchell, you're a Saint, Buddy!
... Dan N
I want to get a job in Romanian or cooperate quality.
... Andy Jiang
I still say, you are in BAD trouble boy. If you need to divert that last leg of the flight over to Rhode Island, we can meet you at the hairport and bring you (and said three waifs) home to South Kingstown for intervention and deprogramming. Late addition: Sue says "no waifs."
... Sid G
Damn! What do you say to perestroika? Gorbachov, WHY did it take so long to tear down that (damn) wall??
... Dan N.
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