The Wine Bar

For those of you who don't know, I currently am the General Manager for a wine store and bar in Irvine, California. Our store features a wine cellar where beautiful bottles are stored and sold on consignment. We have an unreal "state of the art" argon gas system where 48 different wines from all over the world can be tasted through a pressurized tap system. I spend time researching the wines and working with the owner to create a new and changing menu that I publish each Thursday. Tonight we had a wine and cooking class and next month we have a cooking show coming to film inside our shop. It's pretty solid. So tonight as we went through the motions I was very impressed with my staff, they really worked as a team. The Chef prepared Beet Gazpacho, Chicken Curry, Cocunut Shrimp, Puff Pastries filled with Custard and we matched wine and port to fit the courses. As I looked around I couldn't believe a year had gone by since the time I had first stepped foot in that grande shop in Irvine and how my life had changed since then. I have attracted some of the most amazing people in my life by choosing that occupation. I met a guy about 1 month after I began working at the wine bar as a part time employee. I will never forget it. It was another sunny day in beautiful Southern California and the guy came in in a full on suit with shiny, black hair and sunglasses. He was very well-dressed, slender and handsome. I treated him just as I would treat anyone else. My boss on the other hand could not get enough of him. I was polite to the guy and went on about cutting cheese for a tasting we had later on that evening. Something else I remember about that day. I almost didn't go into work because I was not feeling like myself, but I pulled it together throwing my hair in a messy ponytail and went any way. Well, I am thankful to this day that I did go into work because something very special happened that day. After my boss had talked herself in circles to this guy she retreated to the office and so I was left with the dark haired Persian man whom had just ordered another glass of the 2001 Chateau Monbousquet. As our conversation began to flow I became intrigued by his listening skills and by our similarities. Next thing I knew an hour or so had gone by and I ran across the street to get myself some Thai food offering him a plate, he declined but rather was content with this unfined, unfiltered but yet sexy wine. His friend then appeared and waltzed through the big glass doors and looked sort of surprised to see is buddy with now a bottle of the Bordeaux! Hilarious. He was having a great time, as I was! We were the only one's in the wine bar for hours. One of his comments, and I am not even quite clear on what it was that I said prompting him to comment, "Ah a girl with her glass half full?" And my response was probably generic but I knew what he meant...that is just how we need to live. Just b/c this man enjoyed the finer things in life did not mean he didn't understand the simple things in life. Him and his friend enjoyed there time there and even got The Dodhisattva to do a rap for them which then intrigued the man so much that he got my name and phone number. This individual is still in my life today and is a great friend. He has given me inspiration, courage and confidence in my thoughts and artistic talents. I am very thankful for him. It is a connection that honestly happened in a very mystical way, the stars lined up that day and a unique and honest relationship was formed. Thank you friend for walking into the wine bar that day, it has been way too long, hopefully we can hang soon. Always, Dodee