French Room Memories Contest
April 2007 “Memories” Winner
Each month the French Room Memories presented for consideration become more heartfelt and creative, and ultimately more difficult to choose a winner. In April, no less than ten different customer memories were in the running for the monthly prize. Although a very difficult decision, we are pleased to announce that the submission of Carol Kitay and Steven Villanueva is our April Memories winner. Congratulations!
The French Room 25th Anniversary Memories promotion runs through the end of July 2007. Our thanks to all those who have entered, and to those that have yet to do so.
Our April winning entry:
An Evening Etched in my mind…
As the car door was held open, a gentle hand reached out to help me step outside. I stopped for a minute to admire the beautiful fountain in the circle drive, pointing it out to my mother who stood next to me. Accompanied by my fiancé and his brother as well, we walked inside and were greeted by comforting smiles. We stole glances at the beautifully crafted ceilings and noticed the pure white candles that dressed each table, the lighting perfectly accented by the ornate candelabras on each wall. The beauty of the roses on the table was complimented by the scent of the French Room’s unique cuisine. A sensation of warmth overwhelmed me as I looked across the table at Steven, thinking what a romantic place to share our anniversary in years to come. For a moment, I escaped to a world of fantasy as though we truly were the royal family that Carlos, our waiter, made us out to be. Carlos leaned over; one eyebrow elevated, saying “Wonderful,” his intonation asking us to confirm these sentiments.
When the first course arrived and the flavor of the most palatable crab cake I have ever tasted was melting in my mouth, I glanced at Carlos and nodded my head to reassert that yes, the sensation of savoring each bite was truly wonderful. Free from all my daily stressors, I felt more present with my company than I had all week. Laughing out loud, Steven lifted his head from his plate to share a story from earlier that day when I mistakenly called the priest at our Catholic Church “Father Adolphus” instead of Father Alfonso!
We prepared for our next course with a palate cleanser even more stunning than its description--raspberry sorbet formed the center of the glass flower bowl it was delivered in. With each course being more impressive than the one before, we had no reservations about leaving our plates completely spotless, tucking every bit into our hungry, very happy stomachs.
As we spent the evening together, I felt compelled to mention that this night was just the beginning of many more memories to be shared here. A special delivery of champagne from The Adolphus Catering Director, Paula Fenner, filled our glasses, flawlessly complimenting the tenderness of the filet, the exquisite taste of the halibut, and the genius of the duck entree. We found ourselves in awe as we stood to shake the hand of Executive Chef, Jason Weaver, who offered us the opportunity to sit down together and choose a menu for our upcoming wedding.
Without a morsel of doubt, I can genuinely confirm that my evening dinner at the French Room was second to none. A true gift indeed was being able to share this evening with people so dear to me. As someone once taught me, “The quality of your life is determined by the memories you make,” I can confidently thank the French Room for enriching my life. We look forward to sharing a portion of this memory with all of our guests on our wedding day.
With sincere gratitude,
Carol Kitay, D.O. and Steven Villanueva, D.M.D.
Dallas, TX