One night out
Life's cycle on full display
Jim LaJoie, co-publisher and contributor
We go out often on Saturday nights. It is our date night. Most of the time we go out to eat. This Saturday night was no exception.
On this particular night, we opted to go to a favored small restaurant in the downtown section of town. The restaurant bills itself as serving authentic Italian and French cuisine, but the menu heavily tilts to Italian offerings. The food is good, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The owners say the restaurant has a “European vibe.” Having been to Paris, I would say it is a reasonable, if not exact, statement. There are assorted wines and vinegars for sale on the left wall of the restaurant, along with a rotating glass display of fancy desserts. The unassuming wooden furniture adds to the ambience of casual elegance the place strives for.
At the front of the restaurant are about a dozen tables. There are another half dozen outside, along the right of the building. To the back of the restaurant is a newly-installed narrow bar area with about 10 seats, five at the bar, five against a back wall.
This time of year night falls somewhat quickly, at least sooner than even a few weeks ago. We get to the restaurant when the sun is still up, but fading. There is a bit of a nip in the air and my wife looks pleased she brought a light jacket.
We are seated, only two of a dozen customers in the restaurant. There were exactly 12, as I counted after being seated. Three of the diners are eating by themselves, three at another table, the rest, like us, in pairs. The women outnumber the men, nine to three. I notice that none of the customers appear to be less than 60 years old.
We order, and shortly after, our meal is served. The food, as always, is very good. Our fellow diners are all happily eating, exchanging small talk and laughs. Given that there aren’t too many of us, the restaurant and its staff have a certain laid-back feel.
About halfway through our meal, I notice that most of the original dozen diners are finishing their meals and leaving, the number slowly receding, until we are the last of them. Each of the older diners have now been replaced by much younger ones.
I look outside the restaurant’s large front window. The fading sunlight has given way to dusk then night.
The restaurant has now become quite busy, most of the tables are filled. The staff are busily taking orders, rushing back to the kitchen.
We finish our meal, pay the bill, and get up to leave. No one notices as we weave our way through the tables to the door.
As I hold the door open for my wife, I take a quick look back at the restaurant. All the tables are now full; none of the customers appear to be any older than 40, some with kids, some seem to be on dates. The restaurant is bustling, staff and diners all lively and vibrant.
We step out into the dark, cool night as the door to the restaurant slowly closes behind us.
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