As promised, I’m back to share my story of one dream of a waiter, who treated me to an extraordinary dining experience.
He even gave me a special recipe!
On this particular evening, we enjoyed a lovely meal at the hotels’ outdoor café – complete with said waiter, who went well beyond the call of duty.
The previous night, we had explained to him our disappointment earlier in the week – a dinner that had been set up with the hotel for a special occasion.
Despite the advance notice, the meal had not only been disappointing, but confusing.
(It was unclear whether the wait staff and the kitchen even knew about my dietary restrictions).
I’ve long been aware of a certain “disconnect”, as I call it, among restaurant staff – meaning that whatever special instructions you give to your waiter might not get all the way to the chef.
This is why you always need to ask, and ask again, whether your food was properly prepared and is indeed gluten-free.
The process can be frustrating and tiresome to say the least.
So, imagine my delight when this particular waiter informed me that the hotel takes food allergies very seriously.
When dessert arrived with a non gluten-free cookie sticking out from the sorbet at a jaunty angle – never a good sign – he whisked it away and personally prepared a fresh serving.
He then spoke to his manager and assured us, if we returned the following evening, they would do their very best to prepare whatever I wanted for dinner.
Within reason, he was quick to add.
Dessert would be on the house.
I could hardly believe this stroke of luck.
I was in GF heaven.
At that point, it was pre-ordained that we return to the same restaurant the following evening.
Our amazing waiter had explained to us he’d be off duty the next few days, but that we’d be in good hands.
Yet, lo and behold – there he was – it was clear he’d made a special effort to be there, just so he could serve the meal himself.
Not only that, he had already spoken to the chef!
They had come up with a special Risotto for me.
It could be prepared however I liked, with whatever seafood I preferred, and of course no cheese.
Would I like that?
Yes!
At my request, they added some greens and veggies.
The picture at the top of this page shows you what the end result looked like.
It was fabulous.
Dessert was on the house, as promised, a chef creation of assorted sorbets – raspberry, mango and guava – topped with fresh berries.
Then to top it off, they added a dessert cocktail called Scorpino, a special treat that can easily be re-created at home.
I didn’t have to ask for the recipe.
It’s that easy.
SCORPINO
You will need: Champagne
Mango Sorbet (I like the Ciao Bella brand)
For each serving, place a small scoop of sorbet at the bottom of a tall champagne glass. At the table, fill each glass to the top with champagne.
Serve with a long spoon and enjoy!
Ocean views and warm breezes are optional.
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