Goodbye 2023;
- Inversed Poet
- Jan 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 8, 2024
Toast to a Champion
By: Inversed Poet
On August 2Oth, I had the pleasure of attending a fine evening of authentic Italian-equse cuisine at The Martini Modern Italian Restaurant. This celebration was a graduation dinner party recognizing the achievements of Leah Champion earning her bachelor's Degree in Arts and Science with a focus in Criminal Justice.
Mrs. Champion chose the 4-star restaurant because the menu selection reminded her of time spent abroad in Italy.
The atmosphere was dimly lit with every seat packed on a Sunday. Parking was hard to find but only because I am not a Columbus native. Valet parking is available at a small price of 15 dollars and is very convenient. However, there was a parking garage just around the corner.
Once inside, you are greeted by the host and taken to your reserved table. Some guests are able to acquire a seat without a reservation but that depends on the time of day and availability.
I arrived around 5 in the afternoon with the bar packed. When the majority of the party arrived we we served wine and drinks. The wine was called The Taste of Brown. It was smooth. But I could tell it was affordable.
I expanded my horizon of wine with a subscription to a local wine club. That summer....(To be continued)
either way, After a couple sips of the wine, I knew I had enough cash on hand for the bottle. I told the waitress, I would like to order a bottle for myself.
A family member persisted- and that was when I questioned myself and made myself and my knowledge small.
(Like I didn't spend countless hours; days even, doing the research on developing my taste of wine and its distinct notes.)
"When a waitress sees a large party table, sometimes one may think they are not going to tip"
This is understandable, as I have worked in food service and thought the same.
However, I tipped her twenty dollars to stop the assumption and thanked her for her "patience".
Keep In Mind, by this time, I had ordered a bottle that never arrived. A second waiter came out with the second or third course and I asked for a glass of wine... That never arrived.
My cup now empty for two courses at this point.
During a large party table, A waitress is under a lot of stress, usually alone, and has other tables.
Dying of thirst and at my wits end due to the familial squabbles,
Slowing maxing out my social battery life,
Again, Doubting my brief but helpful knowledge of wine,
I ask the waitress quietly for the price, (in order to satisfy someone else needs.)
She physically demonstrated how unhappy she was with the question. With a vigorous shake of her head and walked away.
Her unhappiness with the large party size was made clear by her short, brief sighs, and annoyed facial expressions as she rushed us to order and expected us to be familiar with the menu's pronunciation and weekly rotation.
However, In this experience, the waitress seemed to
carry the notion that we didn't belong in this space without knowing my family and our professional background.
With body language her disdain was clear. Short. sighing, rushing us to order, irritated to explain food substitutes and annoyed at the thought of even being bothered with such a request.
Many do not know the angers people face. And I had no time for anymore un-pleasantries that day.
To mistreat me is one thing but to disrespect my family.... to not have patience----Unnecessary.
Especially, when I had more Italian cuisine exposure, more seasoning, and more appetizing food displays from aspiring chefs at the Culinary Arts Technical School Program in Clayton Ohio.
If my memory serves correctly, The Culinary Arts Program also had more vegetarian options available.
Overall, despite our sour waitress, the restaurant needs a second visit and Mrs. Champion has made a great choice for a formal evening.
The bar located in the center of the restaurant seemed to be popular. The energy seemed fast paced bustling with blazers. female and male. It seemed the working class could enjoy a dry or wet martini with or without an olive.
It seemed like a James Bond fight could break out at any time. I do not know if it was my time as a bartender that made me miss the action or was it that, the steady conjecture of like-minded individuals that created a smooth buzz---- of information, drew me in.
Career- Focused- Goal Orientated conversation. This is a professional setting I could see myself having a drink after a long day at the office.
The arancini with Gorgonzola, Marinara, Parmesan, Reggiano, a Sicilian dish and/or italian street food, was my favorite.
Thank you for reading, As Always, Keep Open Ears, Eyes, & Mind
"Till Next Time.
Written By: Angel Hopson-Woods
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