February "Thanks for the Memories" Adolphus Hotel Promotion Winner
MAR 14, 2007
The March Winning Entry: "The French Room" Dallas, Texas
A Memory to Treasure
Dinner at 6pm on Saturday, February 24, 2007
The tapered white candle, providing a soft glimmer of light to adorn the two pink roses, elicited a sensuous feeling as the wax dripped ever so slowly down the long slender centerpiece. The drippings that hardened into randomly formed, yet graceful designs on the outside of the candle, provided a backdrop of simple elegance and beauty to the pastel pink roses whose petals were outlined with a coordinating deep pink color. The Divinity of Nature was exemplified by the beauty and fragrance of the roses. The Divinity of a Creator was exemplified by the incredible gifts and talents bestowed upon a chef, sommelier, and dedicated wait-staff.
Before, during, and after our delectable seduction from a variety of incredible food and wine selections, I couldn’t help but lovingly stare at the ceiling and wall murals. They brought a hint of mist to my eyes, as the room was adorned by Angels. Playful and graceful, they resembled a place of worship I frequented as a child. In my youth, I would stare at the Angels long enough for them to take on a lifelike charm. The opulence of the room was warm and tasteful. I looked across the table to my husband. I was overcome with love for him – so grateful to those Angels for guiding our friendship and blessing our marriage. He made me smile as I watched him indulge in the meal of his lifetime. With each course, I thought he might be destined for the food network, introducing and savoring a chef’s gourmet accomplishments with creativity, passion and exuberance. With each bite of each course, our ecstasy continued to reach new heights until we both agreed, this was the finest dinner of which we had ever partaken. From the bread and butter through dessert, we had been the recipients of a feast for royalty.
Perhaps it was the tiny, silver spoon that accompanied the opaque glassware that was beautifully shaped into a flower that made me giggle the most. The unique sculpture of glass provided a splendid opportunity for delicious pear sorbet to be perfectly scooped to become the flower’s center. With each tiny mouthful, I delighted at the taste and the playfulness of the palate-cleansing treat from the chef. My husband was now amused with me, as I revisited my childhood.
The whole evening was an incredible gift and I will always remain grateful for the opportunities that are presented in my life. Several times during dinner, I repeated how much I wished I kept a journal because I genuinely wanted to preserve the evening. You can imagine the look on our faces when our finely dressed waiter handed us the “Thanks for the Memories” information card. It is obvious that this memory will never fade – for if it does, I can always shine it up by revisiting my submission! This evening will be embedded in our hearts and palates forever. Thank you.
Maryann Roefaro - Submitted February 26, 2007
Camillus, NY 13031