The Wandering Foodie

It was perhaps the quickest and smoothest kick-off meeting I’d ever been in.

Starting off with new clients always takes time, with many details to work through and long, often tiring meetings. But not this one. Anthony, the COO of Paris-based Angelina Paris, a renowned Parisian teahouse and pastry shop, sat across from me as the team worked quickly and seamlessly through our PR launch timeline. At some point I mentioned my upcoming trip to Southern France. For the first time in the meeting, his eyes lit up.

“Really, which part?” “

“Nice,” I replied.

“You have to visit my father’s restaurant in Cannes if you go!”

Of course, I was down for that and one Friday evening, I stepped down a quiet side street in Cannes to L’Affable, a well-reviewed restaurant that Jean-Paul (Anthony’s father) had opened a few years back.

Immediately the welcome is warm and comforting. The manager greets me and takes my coat and the waitress leads me to my table. The couple seated next me smile in my direction.

“Bonsoir,” they greet me softly. I reply in kind and take in the surroundings.

The dining room is upscale, yet casually comfortable. Chic, yet not overstated. Well appointed art pieces, depicting various culinary staples – kitchen knives, apples, pots, pans – adorn the walls. I’ve barely ordered from the dinner menu when the waitress sets down a tall glass of champagne. I look up, surprised, not having ordered any drinks yet.

“This is from Mr. Anthony, “ she responds smiling. I am pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness. This is going to be a great dinner, I think.

I had no idea.

Before my appetizer can arrive, the waitress gives me a small snack – something spinach or other.

“He also wanted you to try this.”

Don’t mind if I do. That followed by the ravioli de foie gras has my stomach on a good track. Suddenly a risotto, topped with lobster, appears in front of me. Confused, I tap the waitress.

“I think I have the wrong entree – I had ordered the duck?”

“Yes it is coming,” she smiled. “ He had this made for you as well.”

From that point on, I shut my mouth and ate what she put in front of me. I held on tight for what became a marathon of a meal, a festival of tastes and senses and sheer endurance on the part of my stomach. When it was all said and done, two hours later, I had consumed two appetizers, two entree’s and two desserts. At a certain point I was anxiously hoping I wouldn’t be asked to eat more food. As I stood, walking to the door, I could barely button my blazer.

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul speaks of those who are “given to hospitality.” I have a new understanding of this now. It’s more than just free food, gourmet dining or VIP service. It is a true demonstration of the heart, of warmth, of caring, of the delight of giving your friend, coworker, family, fellow man, a truly enjoyable experience.

Anthony and the people of France have shown me this again and again. I aspire to their same spirit of generosity and graciousness.