Dinner. One, just me, at this lovely little Italian place up the road in Geyserville. I love how dining out by myself seems to heighten my senses. I’m much more aware of etiquette (I’m nervous). I debate between being in my own world and observing every little detail around me. Hopefully you’ll get a little of this and that tonight. Celebrating my first week back in California, you name it; I’m treating myself and my new journal and it feels good.
I’m sitting in a corner by the window. My back to the window – mostly because this side has the bench seat, but also because it has a view of the restaurant for the inevitable people watching. I’ve gotten right to it and ordered pizza margherita and the Peterson House Dego Red, Sonoma County. Local and on tap! 75% Carignane, 13% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 5% Petit Syrah. No vintage listed. And served in a collins glass. I miss the more easily attained aromas from a stemmed wine glass, but enjoy the flavor. Packs a punch.
Here’s the pizza. Swimming in oil with fresh basil on top. Delicious doesn’t cut it. Note to self: look up delicious in Italian – maybe that’ll roll better. It’s gotta be the ingredients, right? that make this so good. Maybe it’s the sauce. Is a sauce the make-it-or-break it factor for pizza?
When I sat down, the couple to my right was finishing their dinner and arguing over Christmas lights. Now they’re teasing each other about sagging tattoos. Their bottle of wine is empty.
Blond couple at my one o’clock. He’s wearing shorts (It’s 40 deg outside) and she’s boho-chic. Hair up, she’s currently leaned back on her phone. He’s seemingly given up leaning in towards her, and looks to the side at the painting on the wall. “Staring at the artwork looks smart” – that’s what I imagine he’s thinking. And now he’s leaned back in for more conversation, good man.
The table to my right is now free. And the bus boy is hot. Lovely evening. And the dipping oil just lit my mouth on fire. Screwed. Damn.
Blond couple left the restaurant arm in arm. It’s amaizng how far a compliment can get you. New couple to the right. Seem to know the waiter. That’s nice. I think they put parmesean on this pizza. Time to focus on dinner. Ciao.
