An Old School Thank You Note
Some of you have asked how my meal came out. It usually comes out very good, but this one was extra special–my timing was better than usual (though the octopus was a tad tough–it was white wine steamed one minute too long) and my little family really helped me a great deal with my juggling pots and pans dance. I also had as a guest for the first time a dear actor friend of mine and my 91 year old grandmother….his name is Rory, but he is better known as Angus Scrim who is world famous in the cult/horror film circles as “The Tall Man” in the wonderfully original Phantasm movies. Mr. Scrim has also been in several of my movies. He is a very erudite gentleman, well versed in music, literature and film. It was a joy having him spend the evening with us. I just received this thank you note from him. It takes one back to another era where graciousness, gratitude and elegant writing were considered an important part of one’s character make-up.
12/26/06
Dear Christopher, Adrienne and Bailey,
Your Christmas Eve dinner was a once in a lifetime event for me–the stuff of fables–something I would remember for the rest of my life even if I were now 18 instead of 80–”Babette’s Feast” recast with an Italian (and German) American male instead of an expatriate Frenchwoman in Denmark.
Every dish was uniquely delectable, inspired by the artistry of a master chef who is just as savvy and inventive at the stove as he is behind a camera. Far more delicious dishes than any I’ve experienced on a rare (maybe 2 or 3 times as a generous friend’s guest) visit to the restaurants of the much publicized Wolfgang Puck.
And the service staff at your place was equally exceptional–the slim, attractive hostess/sommelier and the hyperenergetic waiter/busboy/tablecleaner who hopped over chairs and other objects like Robert Benigni at the Oscars to be sure every diner had what he/she needed, and simultaneously managed to regale the guests with dinner music on the flute, both remarkable attendants remaining thoughtful, gracious, warmly helpful and bountifully hospitable throughout.
photo by dinner guest Moon Cho
December 27th, 2006 at 11:05 pm
Mr. Scrim,
You sir obviously have the taste and composure of a true gentelman. My reguards. It would be such the honor to be amongst the company of such greatness. With your talent, Christophers culinary skills, and the quoted staff as gracious and spontanious entertainment. Such an honor.
I wish all who were there, the animal kingdom included, a joyous and prosperous new year!
Ciao for now,
December 27th, 2006 at 11:06 pm
Oh…And the Elf Dance KICKED ASS!
Ciao for now,
December 28th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
Octopus, calapari, how do you serve that? I have eaten calapari in a soup at a Vietnamese restaurant. What kind of octopus? Yummy! Like my sons use to say when they were little.
December 28th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
The Art of Reading and Writing go hand in hand. One must introduce oneself to the Classics. My boys never liked reading and my youngest would get free books for me, like Cinderella, etc. And my oldest just want to read “Danny the Dinosaur” till he was in High School…. Now, Mom, don’t get all bent…
December 28th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
I LOVE THOSE ALUMINUM CUPS! CRC, tell ASC she has the greatest taste in cups. My grandmother had a set of those cups, and I have’nt seen them in years. You just brought back a flood of memories. Thanks!
Ciao for now,
December 28th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
This picture reflects the state of your souls. Beautiful! Beautiful!! Plenty of love and soul food in the house… Oh yeah! Point away Mr. C! Moon Cho, Super job capturing the love.
Also, a big shoutout to Barn, Anna and our creative family. The heck with the nay-sayers.
December 29th, 2006 at 1:58 am
Mr.Scrim ,have a wonderful new year up and coming.Barn be careful ,word on the street is that slip is slippin through your hometown.Will you meet for a plate of true soulfood??
slip…the brick
December 29th, 2006 at 3:49 am
Cool Brick. Tell ol Mr. Slipery he’s welcome at my camp any day. Problem is I’m in the middle of the second blizzard for the month and already have 16 inches of the white fluffy stuff before this one hit. He might need Santa’s sleigh to get in.
Hey Dugsy! Mr. Chimp had ol CRC give a look at your answer on OTL buddy. we got yer 6.
Ciao for now,
December 29th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Thanks Barn – I think I spun out of control.
December 29th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
I fantasize about eating something cooked by you. I bet it’s soooo good. I love good food, and good wine.
December 30th, 2006 at 1:32 am
wow, those are the biggest crabs! i bet they were delicious