Morton's - Old Friends

The occasion was our 16th wedding Anniversary. With much careful thought, we decided to go to a place that we had never been to before - together or apart - and we landed on Morton's Steakhouse. Upon making reservations, we discovered that an old schoolmate of Buck, my husband, was now running the place.

When we arrived, we were seated at a generous table for two. Extra place settings were whisked away, and replaced by sparkling water. Peter came over to greet us. It was nice to meet him and hear old friends chat about school, and sailing and common acquaintances, and all that had past in their lives before today. The old times. Peter left us to absorb the menu and make difficult choices. The offering at Morton's is all so temptingly appetizing, and the wine list extensive.

Wine is usually left to me as I leave home repair to Buck. While our roof has never actually caved in (touch wood), we have never (yet) ordered a bad bottle of wine. Feeling like a kid in a candy shop, my head began to spin - Bordeaux, Burgundy, Shiraz, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Syrah, Champagne, Amarone, Hermitage, Meritage, and then like a beacon in the fog, I heard it calling: it's me! Rodney. Rodney Strong. Remember? I know I am not a Rothschild, but I am your old friend! If you can't have me at your table on an occasion like this when? If you cannot enjoy me, then who?

How could I say no? I turned to Buck and said - I think we should go with the Rodney Strong 2007 Pinot Noir. What do you think?

Rodney appeared at our table accompanied by two tall shining crystal soldiers - Riedel Pinot Noir Glasses. With swift hands our server removed the cork, poured a sample, and presented the wine to Buck for approval. He sniffed, swirled, sniffed again, slurped, and inhaled the wine. With one look from Buck, I knew we had made a good choice. Speechless, he nodded to the server. When it was my turn to try, I breathed shallowly at first, and then again more deeply. I could not believe how beautiful the aromas were - firm yet gently smelling of raspberries, and smoke, and something else. Candied violets? Not sweet but, inviting. I tasted, and savoured, and literally drank in the whole experience.

The rest of the evening was simply magic...

Thank you Peter. Thank you Rodney. To old friends! Thank you for joining us for our anniversary!

Cheers!