I ended my December note by wishing all of you a joyous New Year and now I start this one with the same sentiment just to share how delightful our evening was, with our quiet style to welcome our guests to the midnight hour. To cap it off our amazing neighbors at One White Street threw an after party, invited our crew over, to enjoy what was the best cheeseburger I have had in New York while swinging to the tunes of Cher. Can’t beat that!!
We have been so lucky to have experienced a steady busy January. So many new friends finding their way into our little house. A special luncheon that our friends held to honor the retirement of his dear friend and colleague allowed us to share in their memories of this man who so obviously helped each and every person in the room. The words spoken resonated with so much love, honor, respect. A particular quote shared “to serve others is to serve yourself…”
I get it.
Chinese New Year
Year of the Snake. Ironic. Chip surprised a guest who chose to celebrate her even with us and a group of her friends by making traditional dumplings from scratch to send to the table. And we made sure that each night we had delicious tangerines for guests to take home to ensure good luck.
This winter has given us some snow, not a lot, but enough to remind me and Chip of years past, when we first met, how beautiful our city is under a blanket of white. How quiet it seems, serene, calm.
We are now receiving a treasure trove of seafood from Montauk, Dock to Dish. I gotta admit, I am obsessed! It is like being back in the Outer Banks. The bounty of local gifts. They introduced themselves to us by dropping off a box of goodies for Chip to try. Late on a Friday night, towards the end of service, he with his team laid out a feast. As guests came back to say goodnight I could not resist handing them a fork. The freshness and essence of the sea undeniable! Exciting. Ruby Red Shrimp. Delicate little Periwinkles. North Carolina Swordfish, loaded with lemon, parsley, shallots, white wine. Clams. I felt suddenly on vacation, ocean breezes, sand in my toes. Dreaming of Muscadet, Albarino, Rose, Fino Sherry, Xarelto in my glass…yum!!
We are continuing to fall in love with our new home and Tribeca. The history in the architecture, the cobbled streets, the sun setting between the buildings over the Hudson River. And we are so grateful. What makes a house a home? It is all of you. We are surrounded with people who have shown us so much care and support over the course of our restaurant careers. We recently had a most marvelous Saturday evening. In our dining room were guests/friends from each of our little dreamy restaurants, all together, at the same time. Carolina Blue, Outer Banks NC. Bonne Soiree, Chapel Hill. Simone, Upper East Side. Eulalie, Tribeca. Seriously heartwarming. A reminder to us that our success stems from the souls of each and every one of the guests we get the pleasure of taking care of. Thank you for that gift.
February is upon us. Check out the recipe area and discover our new cocktail. And homage to our friend Nicky.
Sweethearts Day around the corner. I have my sweetie, lucky enough to spend each day with him, living a life that bestows upon us so many pleasures.
Together with our phenomenal team we strive to shower you all with love, care, full tummies and glasses! What a life!
Until the next note…remember to take good care of yourselves and those around you.
–Tina and Chip
Benedetti
