Squisito! Very well written and evocative. That being said, you know I always see things from a slightly different perspective. Let's start with the title. The first thing that came to mind was that great Italo-American, Mario Scarpa, aka Guy Marks, and his recording of Loving You Has Made Me Bananas where he sings "I asked the waiter for Iodine, but I dined all alone." The next thing that struck me was the fact that you were either busily and surreptitiously taking notes as you watched what this gentleman was wearing, eating and doing or you have a fantastic photographic memory, which my wife says you have to have to be a doctor. A superb piece of writing.
I could see why that gentleman caught your interest. His "back story" has a hundred possibilities that is left to our imagination. You're narrative just might cause me to investigate such a person and ask the same questions that came into your head. We've all had situations that brought a stranger into our lives briefly as well as longer lasting friendships. Children are instinctively curious without caution. Let the child out once in awhile.
As always Ed, you provide a beautiful image in your captivating story-telling.
I sometimes look at others while we're dining out and wonder about their stories. We all have stories and I'm certain we may be the bankers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, grandparents, etc. in the questions of others as they sneak a look at us as well! Thank you for that reflection.
Enjoyed this. Reminds me of the time I was in Florence, alone for a week. I took 1200 photos and ate by myself every evening. One restaurant was so nice, I went back a second time. I've done the same in Berlin and Edinburgh. The one-week gap between London and Nuremberg toy fairs gave me a chance to travel alone often. I loved it.
Thanks for signing up, and thanks for this lovely note, Mike. I can feel your joy in those dining-alone experiences. 1200 photos in a week, in Florence? Wow! How come so few??? HaHa
Oh, how beautiful! I find eating alone, after a 52 year marriage, one of my most difficult daily occurrences, but you have brought a new aspect of that experience to me. Thank you! I ,too, will pass this piece along!
Although I am an avid reader, I try HARD not to read and eat at the same time! I also like to cook, and reading distracts me from the fruits of my labor!
I just forwarded this lovely essay to several of my family members. I found such serenity in reading about this fellow. Your description of him reminded me of my dad and grandfathers. I would love to live in Italy. My visits there are all so memorable. My oldest granddaughter earned her masters degree at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollentia, so I was able to spend a lot of time there. It's so beautiful. Thank you again for this essay that brings peace to me in these tumultuous times.
Thank you for this wonderful note, Jan. The man was the epitome of class. This is one of the many beautiful events we experienced in Italy, and the reason we have traveled there so often. How lucky for your granddaughter to have such a wonderful experience.
And yes, we would love to live there for an extended period. A beautiful culture.
Thank you, Lee. You are most kind. Perhaps you might share it with friends. Maybe they will subscribe. I loved those trips to Italy. So much to experience.
Ed,
This superbly written vignette of your elegant diner is worthy of a sequel. You are on your way to a novel here!
Ned
A novel!? Thank you, Ned. I need a few more years. Can you give me a contract?
You always amaze me with your beautiful way with words! Always introspective & inspiring. Oh to be that person! 🥰
Yes, I, too, envied him in a way. Classy. Cultured. Collected.
Thanks, as always, for your kind note, Sheila.
No wonder I enjoy your stories!
You make a simple thing become so interesting.
Joe
Thanks, Joe. Such a nice compliment, one that writers love.
Squisito! Very well written and evocative. That being said, you know I always see things from a slightly different perspective. Let's start with the title. The first thing that came to mind was that great Italo-American, Mario Scarpa, aka Guy Marks, and his recording of Loving You Has Made Me Bananas where he sings "I asked the waiter for Iodine, but I dined all alone." The next thing that struck me was the fact that you were either busily and surreptitiously taking notes as you watched what this gentleman was wearing, eating and doing or you have a fantastic photographic memory, which my wife says you have to have to be a doctor. A superb piece of writing.
Thank you, Steve. I appreciate your comments and will trudge immediately to the Scarpa masterpiece.
Secondly, some comments. I discussed the man at length with Diane as we were dining, so my observations stuck.
Yes, we spied on him, but in good taste (we thought).
Lastly, I have been thinking about this piece for a long, long time. I have been writing it off and on for ten years!
Your kind and thoughtful comments are MUCH appreciated.
Loved reading those words of wisdom, great story. Your words bring everything to life. Amazing!❤️
Thanks so much, Cindi.
I love reading your words. I have recommended you to so many fellow Italians.
Thank you, Shirley. I appreciate your sharing my writing.
I could see why that gentleman caught your interest. His "back story" has a hundred possibilities that is left to our imagination. You're narrative just might cause me to investigate such a person and ask the same questions that came into your head. We've all had situations that brought a stranger into our lives briefly as well as longer lasting friendships. Children are instinctively curious without caution. Let the child out once in awhile.
Yes, Larry, for some reason, this experience stuck. It was years ago and a long time in the writing.
I should have a contest, "Write the ending." I don't know what the prize might be. No, it won't be a week in Ravenna.
As always Ed, you provide a beautiful image in your captivating story-telling.
I sometimes look at others while we're dining out and wonder about their stories. We all have stories and I'm certain we may be the bankers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, grandparents, etc. in the questions of others as they sneak a look at us as well! Thank you for that reflection.
Thank you, Melina. This man was classy, dignified, well well-collected. I think of the scene often
After all.....he was Italian!
Certo!
Beautifully expressed!
Thank you, Lora. The man had class
Wonderful piece of writing
Thank you.
8Billion people in the world. No one cares what you do, what you wear, or where you go. Momento Mori for all.
Gee, Beth, though I certainly understand that it may be true for some, I hope that is not the case for all.
Enjoyed this. Reminds me of the time I was in Florence, alone for a week. I took 1200 photos and ate by myself every evening. One restaurant was so nice, I went back a second time. I've done the same in Berlin and Edinburgh. The one-week gap between London and Nuremberg toy fairs gave me a chance to travel alone often. I loved it.
Thanks for signing up, and thanks for this lovely note, Mike. I can feel your joy in those dining-alone experiences. 1200 photos in a week, in Florence? Wow! How come so few??? HaHa
Oh, how beautiful! I find eating alone, after a 52 year marriage, one of my most difficult daily occurrences, but you have brought a new aspect of that experience to me. Thank you! I ,too, will pass this piece along!
Thank you, Elsie. Dining alone, with your thoughts or a nice book, can be a treat; something to savor, with your meal, of course.
Although I am an avid reader, I try HARD not to read and eat at the same time! I also like to cook, and reading distracts me from the fruits of my labor!
I certainly understand, Elsie. Nice.
I just forwarded this lovely essay to several of my family members. I found such serenity in reading about this fellow. Your description of him reminded me of my dad and grandfathers. I would love to live in Italy. My visits there are all so memorable. My oldest granddaughter earned her masters degree at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollentia, so I was able to spend a lot of time there. It's so beautiful. Thank you again for this essay that brings peace to me in these tumultuous times.
Thank you for this wonderful note, Jan. The man was the epitome of class. This is one of the many beautiful events we experienced in Italy, and the reason we have traveled there so often. How lucky for your granddaughter to have such a wonderful experience.
And yes, we would love to live there for an extended period. A beautiful culture.
Best article yet! Loved this! Really identified with it. I find this age to be wonderful time to recollect and savor.
Thank you, Lee. You are most kind. Perhaps you might share it with friends. Maybe they will subscribe. I loved those trips to Italy. So much to experience.