Friendship and My Irish Princess

I am always amazed at how seemingly insignificant events can be the spark that ignites a deep and lasting friendship. I could never have imagined that my acceptance of a position as a humble dishwasher would result in my meeting the most wonderful woman and friend I have ever met.

It was a beautiful bright, sunny, summer evening as I walked into Medicis Restaurant in South Plainfield, New Jersey. It was my first day as a dishwasher and I had no idea what to expect.

Medicis had a reputation for excellent Italian cuisine and if smell is an indication of cooking skill, Medicis had the best cooks in New Jersey. The owner (Mario) was a direct descendent of the famous Medici family form Italy. A family legendary for their contribution to art, music, and, literature.

Of course this was not my first time in an Italian restaurant. Although being from a middle class black family, I was virtually raised by an Italian tailor shop owner, who employed me during my early school years. I helped him with customers, cleaned up, and ran errands. Mr. Grassano became like a father to me. He was a liberal soul and often invited me to dine with him after closing the shop.

We would feast on antipasto, calamari, veal marsala, lasagna, and various other Roman delicacies. I would often arrive home so full, I could barely make it to my bedroom.

However, I had never been in the back of a restaurant, certainly not one as classy as Medicis. As I walked into the kitchen I noticed it was sparkling clean. The walls were painted light blue and it was easy to see the huge Dining hall from where I was standing. Behind the Chef’s station there were several small open windows, with a pretty good view of the back of the restaurant.

I was introduced to the chef, a very short portly man, with a dark tan and congenial manner. He offered me some onion soup, which he took from a small pot on a stove directly behind him. The soup was excellent. There were two cooks on either side of him and five waiters and waitresses standing nearby, dressed in the traditional black and white which defined their profession.