Speaking of cute guys, today I will be sitting down for lunch with my old friend Doug. He's in town doing some kind of wine thingie as he is one of the top wine guys in the whole world. He is now. If we travel back in time to around 1981 or so, you would find Doug and me sitting on a curb outside the VFW Hall in Kansas City, drinking Vinho do Porto straight from the bottle, after an evening of noisy music (Jody Foster's Army? MDC? the Embarrassment? We saw so many bands during that time, in the basement of the VFW). Or you might find us sitting inside the City Movie Center, watching some crazy film, or maybe with another friend, getting high and listening to music, dancing around, shouting over the music.
I'm always a little bit surprised when I see him these days - he's still a doll, oh yeah, but, just like me and everyone else, the years are visible on his handsome face. Where did the time go? His kids have grown up, gone to college and are now out in the world. I remember clearly when those gorgeous daughters of his were born. These days he's at the top of the pyramid of food and wine guys, but has absolutely NO pretentions about it. One time when he was in DC, he had a White House view from his hotel room in the Hay Adams. He didn't even notice his prestigious view till I pointed it out.
No matter how many decades have passed, Doug and I are still great friends, even though we don't talk to each other that often, and rarely see each other. I love friendships that are so long-lasting, so sturdy and dependable. And I love meeting cute guys for lunch.
I'm having such a great week. Cheers!!
19 comments:
Old friends are the best friends. Even though you see the years on him, you don't because he's still that guy @ the VFW thirty years ago.
He sure is.
I have some great new friends, too. Also some friends that were, once upon a time, old friends but are now new friends.
Does that make sense? Maybe I should back slowly away from the time machine!
You seem to have a lot of interesting friends who have made the big time in the food industry. You reap the benefits when they come to town! Have a great lunch and be sure to tell us what wines you drink.
Prince Charming and Doug know each other well. All the dots connect in the food/wine world, apparently! With Doug we don't go for all the fancy food, etc. like I do when Prince Charming is in town. It's just the two of us getting together to catch up. We're going to DC Coast - love that place - but it won't be about the food. It'll be about old friends. Oh yeah.
ah. so GREAT you're having a superb time...new house, new friends, old friends, inspiration. wonderful wonderful! enjoy! and thanks for sharing. xxx j
He's got an engaging personality, too.
Doug has more energy than anyone I've ever met, except maybe my friend Dubby. Great energy but so much of it! Wow.
You are a lucky girl to hang on to your friends for so long. It is a rare and beautiful thing. Thanks for the visit; wish I could bottle our cool summers and ship them to whoever needs them.
Sounds wonderful. I have a few old friends I don't see often but when I do it's like no time has passed.
Oh now, he's darn adorable. The way he talks and leans in and back reminds me of Quentin Tarantino - perhaps it's the energy level, like you said.
My old friends look the same to me as when we were children - comforting I think.
Happy Lunch!
Doug would love that comparison, Everton. We had a great lunch but realized we needed more time to catch up, so we're meeting for dinner later. Doug is awesome and I love him so much. I have great friends.
Mary Vincents son is apprenticing with Doug. Mary is one ofmy BFFs.
I still think you should have taken the cute 40-ish guy up on having a drink with him. What's the harm in going for a drink and talking?
:)
Lynne I didn't want to go drink with that guy. That's why I said no. Just because someone asks doesn't obligate me to say yes, yes? I say yes.
Deborah, I love Doug. He is such a trip. And damn does he know wine. Whew!!
Sage advice! Gotta like the wine.
Glad you had such a nice visit. Did he leave you with any recommendations?
Oh yes, I love friends with whom you can restart your conversation from 1, 2, 3, even 5 years before like you just came back to the table from a powder room break. I have had 2 maybe 3 people like that and am always in awe of how wonderful it feels.
Your friend's video is great. It certainly makes me feel just right in ordering wine that I like. I'm not much on whites; but many reds I like. If it smells musty or sour I'm bound to get a headache from it.
I love this vid, too. It's so Doug, for one thing, but he's right. Being intimidated by waiters is just wrong. Smell, taste, make a decision. Who cares if it's the "right" wine?
There's nothing like friends who have traveled the years with you, and know what you were like in your youth. Watching each other grow and evolve is a bonding experience like no other!
Yep. Doug and I remember things about each other that we don't remember ourselves. Hmmm. I wonder if that makes sense.
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