Aretha Franklin Schooled Me in Dining Like a Diva
There my dad and I were, dining at Manhattan's fabled Le Cirque at the old Mayfair Regent Hotel on East 65th Street—the same hotel where, five years earlier, I had come out to my mother over high tea. It was midsummer, and the temperature outside was a scorching ninety-something. The air conditioning provided much-needed relief, but only for a short time.
To the delight of all the other diners, Aretha Franklin arrived on the scene. People tried not to stare, but even in a city where celebrity sightings are commonplace, this was impressive.
Next, to everyone's dismay, she quickly made it clear that she needed to protect her instrument and demanded that the management turn off the AC. They complied. My fellow diners, including investment bankers, socialites, and masters of the universe, schvitzed while Aretha exuded attitude. The place transformed into a sauna.
While I would have loved some air conditioning to accompany my midsummer meal, I was getting something better than that. I was enthralled and inspired by Aretha’s ways. She held court at her table, feasting on many courses and basking in the soaring room temperature. This, I could emulate. I took mental notes.
Today, I have a favorite table at a restaurant in Chagrin Falls where Joe and I go for brunch. It is the best table in the restaurant, offering an unobstructed view of the falls. Alas, it is located directly beneath an air conditioning vent. You see where this is going.
Aretha-like, I bring the management to heel by insisting that the AC be turned off throughout the entire restaurant while I brunch there. I always get my way.
Joe tells me I’m a diva, and sometimes, he has another word for my demanding behavior. He often finds it cringeworthy to dine out with me. But I don’t consider myself demanding. I have needs, just like Aretha did all those years ago.
Unlike Aretha Franklin, I do not have a legendary voice or songbook. No greatest hits, no Grammys, no presidential admirers, no six-decade career.
But when it comes to dining out, I, too, demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
While I would have loved some air conditioning to accompany my midsummer meal, I was getting something better than that. I was enthralled and inspired by Aretha’s ways. She held court at her table, feasting on many courses and basking in the soaring room temperature. This, I could emulate. I took mental notes.
Today, I have a favorite table at a restaurant in Chagrin Falls where Joe and I go for brunch. It is the best table in the restaurant, offering an unobstructed view of the falls. Alas, it is located directly beneath an air conditioning vent. You see where this is going.
Aretha-like, I bring the management to heel by insisting that the AC be turned off throughout the entire restaurant while I brunch there. I always get my way.
Joe tells me I’m a diva, and sometimes, he has another word for my demanding behavior. He often finds it cringeworthy to dine out with me. But I don’t consider myself demanding. I have needs, just like Aretha did all those years ago.
Unlike Aretha Franklin, I do not have a legendary voice or songbook. No greatest hits, no Grammys, no presidential admirers, no six-decade career.
But when it comes to dining out, I, too, demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Love this. Although I might be glad NOT to dine with you on a hot day in CF. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful memory Peter! And it takes guts to be a diva!!!
ReplyDeleteIsn’t it a fine line between being a Diva and a Karen? 😉
ReplyDeleteDining with you is always an adventure!
ReplyDeleteI love it Peter! Whenever I am feeling the need to assert myself, it is stories like this one that often make me ponder WWPD (What Would Peter Do)? 🤡
ReplyDelete