Letters, We Get Letters

Hi Gary,

You don't know me by name but the face would ring a bell. My wife, Kathy, and I have been enjoying your establishment since the first week you opened. I normally don't write (never have) thank you letters and the fact that you were not at the restaurant on this day I would like you to pass this on to Drew.

With two kids in college, our daughter Whitney graduating from Villanova University in Philadelphia last weekend, I was at my proverbial loss for Mother’s Day ideas. This really isn't a good holiday for mom when the kids are away at school. Every gift would have been purchased by me, and the jig would have been up in the first thirty seconds.

My last resort was an early dinner at Care Vino. Kathy and I sat down at 3:00 as planned. Drew seated us at a small intimate table that was very comfortable.

I have been to every major city in every state and Canadian Province. I have dined at the best of the best on the 'unlimited' corporate expense account for years. I consider myself to have an excellent palate for food as I was a chef for eight years. My wine palate was honed during cold New England winters in the back seat of a '68 mustang with Boone's Farm wine in 1971.

The Mother's Day dinner we had at Carpe Vino was on par with many of the top restaurants I have enjoyed in my travels. It may have been the fact that both the kids called that day to talk to mom, or the excellent service and fantastic food; it could have been the wine. But as I thought about it further, it was the fact that my wife and I were able to spend a great Sunday afternoon in Auburn at a wonderful venue. Our children were not there to share the day with their mother but we talked a lot about them.

I want to thank you for Carpe Vino. I want to thank Drew for understanding at such a young age what customer service is all about and Laura for being there from the beginning. The kitchen and wait staff were way above our expectations, and they deserve a very large pat on the back. I know from personal experience how great it feels when a positive review comes in from the dining room. Please pass this on to them.

Anyway, Thanks so much and thanks again,

Phil Sugg
Newcastle

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Hi Gary,

I recently had my first experience of Carpe Vino's fine dining and wanted to share it with you.

Either you'll be flattered or you'll think “poor thing needs to get out more'.”

When Mike and I arrived on Saturday evening we saw you about to get on your motorcycle, and we introduced ourselves. I know you get a lot of letters and the chances of you remembering my letter were remote, but it was nice meeting you. AND it was really nice that you showed us around the place. You didn't have to take the time out to do that. So you're a successful business owner and a nice guy. Customer service these days is so lacking that whenever you run across a business that does it well...it's rare, refreshing and something to be grateful for. Didn't it used to be the norm? I don't know what happened but if you continue to care about customer service you will do well I think.

I love the moodiness of an old building, dim lighting, fine art and beautiful woodwork. The intimate setting and only a handful of tables makes it charming. Mike is a carpenter so he admired the wood wine racks throughout the building. I have a few pieces of investment art myself and love to be surrounded by it. We were seated in the quietest room near the window. The wait staff was attentive and helpful. It really set the mood for us. We looked at each other in anticipation. Mike is a guy who has every thing, therefore the only possible thing I could get him (although he expects nothing) would be a wonderful experience. I knew that was about to happen!

We looked over the menu before making our wine selection. The black cod appealed to both of us. Mikes favorite summer wine is Pinot Grigio. I asked the waiter if he had chilled bottles and if he would recommend one. He chose the 2005 Tamar Ridge Pinot Gris Tasmania. At first it struck me as a bit too sweet, but I must say after a few sips it grew on me. We chose the smoked salmon appetizer and the asparagus salad. Both of them were works of art in presentation and flavor! Between the atmosphere, the wine, the appetizer and the salad I couldn't wait to see what would come next! Then came the black cod on risotto with a citrus sauce. The fish was fresh and tender and the sauce complimented the fish, the wine, everything. I began to think about dessert. We were slowly feeling comfortably satisfied, not feeling heavy and full like we normally do when we dine out. We could not leave without dessert! The waiter was pushing the sorbet but we went with the caramel-coffee pot du creme...which I call “coffee flavored creme brulee.” I loved the dollop of whipped cream with grand marnier and the little orange crunchy. I didn't eat the “crunchy” but set it aside like I would any garnish. The waiter came by and said “aren't you going to eat your crunchy!?” We ate it and even it was good!

Mike took me by the hands, looked into my eyes and softly said “This is the best Birthday present anyone has ever gotten me.” I was touched and elated that I had found him the perfect present.

Now we really look forward to one of the winemaker dinners!

Thanks Gary.
You really have a special little place.
Kelley Kennedy

p.s.
I am from the Midwest myself. I grew up in Lafayette Indiana and went to Purdue.

I often wonder how someone goes from a city like Chicago to a good ole boy town like Auburn?

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