Another Friend of the Treaty, marries.

 

 

So, yet another of my Treaty of Paris friends moves into the cozy world that is marriage. My friend and maybe someday business partner Jon, married into the sunset yesterday, in a wonderfully comfortable, and easy going event down in Edgewater MD.  The evening was clear, and a little humid, but nonetheless given the weather the past few days, this was almost as good as it gets in Maryland in September.

The couple will honeymoon in Mexico. It was a little of a reunion for me as well. I saw friends, and wait staff I had not seen in almost 15 years.  All in all a wonderful day. My congratulations to Jon and Mary.

A new Treaty

The Treaty seems to be coming back of sorts. Or at least in this old cooks humble opinion. While I have yet to dine there, and cannot speak from fact, I am at least incredibly impressed with the recent menus I have seen posted on the old MI building. The Chef appears to be very creative and they also seem to be breaking away from the many years of old stand by dishes, and real talent seems to be prevailing. At least on Paper, now about the Starbucks thing in the KFT. I ‘ll leave this one to all of your imaginations.

The Backbone of my success

There was a guy whom came to us in “The Restaurant” I think he arrived in 88-89. His name was David. He came to the then Chef Gerard as a purchasing agent, to replace a guy whom had been there for many years, however due to many personal problems and changes in his life moved on. Thankfully I might add.

David was generally quiet and to himself. I believe very introspective a person. He like all of us, had his own issues in life and from time to time we had deep conversations about them. He became a purchasing agent like no one I’d ever known since. He was always there for me both during my days at “The Restaurant” and long after. You see, this guy was the real deal, he was not afraid to compliment, nor criticize. Regardless of what or how it may be taken. I sometimes disliked him for it, but always respected him. He was a big fraction of the key to my success after becoming the Chef in April 1989.

David was hardline on our vendors. He was demanding and he got us the best product out there. David also became the person who guided me in many of my own life decisions. His wisdom and thoughts were always insightful and supportive, but usually raw and oftentimes more honest than I wanted to hear. I believe David is this way with everyone he spends any amount of time with. His ability to form bonds with purveyors made us very successful in both getting the product we needed while not paying through the nose.

The Treaty I used to Know

I am a Treaty of Paris Cook, and at one time a Chef of the famed restaurant located in Annapolis MD. Oh the stories I will tell. While this was years ago mind you, it’s likely not far from what goes on in some of todays older “grandfathered” establishments. Many of my tales will tie in with the people I knew whom have long since moved on and are doing different and much better things with their lives.

However, we all have this tie. From 1987 thru 1993 we were together in what I call “The Restauarant” that at that time was the best in Annapolis. The team of folks that were there thorughout that period is a group I’ll always remember. It’s a shame what has become of the Treaty today, but this is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. More to come…..