Anniversary Celebration Ends with Staff Party

Wow, it’s finally over. . .10 days of wine deals, parties and non-stop action to celebrate Carpe Vino’s 10th anniversary in Old Town Auburn. I, for one, am gratified that it is over, but I have to say the highlight for me was our staff party on Saturday evening following our giant “Wine Thing” tasting and sale. We all rallied in the garden behind Carpe Vino and, for the first time in a long time, had the opportunity to simply relax as a group.

Of course our kitchen staff did not want to cook for a crowd of nearly 50 people—all employees and their families—so we invited Scott Thorson of Bella Familia Wood-Fired Pizza to park his mobile oven behind the shop and do the honors. His crew—which can be found most Saturdays at the Auburn Farmers’ Market—produced artisan pizza non-stop for at least two hours. What a glorious feast, when paired with giant bowls of Cesar salad, faro salad and smoked ribs prepared by our staff.

It was my pleasure to award Chef Eric Alexander with Most Valuable Employee honors, along with a token of our appreciation. Then, we awarded seven employees and one consultant with five-year pins designed, cast and fabricated by staff of Sierra Moon Goldsmiths, owned by John Lynch and Linda Pierce, our neighbors in Old Town. The sterling silver pins feature a stylized CV monogram with five tiny, inset rubies.

Recipients were Eric Alexander, Paul Roosen, Ada Campos-Suttclife, Beth White, Demetrio Arellano, Jana Kosmata, Linda Moffat and our webmaster, Chris Tandoc.

And then as a gift to Drew to recognize his 10 years of helping to build our business, I gave him a set of beautiful sterling silver cuff links, the same design as the five-year pins only larger with 10 tiny diamonds.

Oh, and I had a set made for me, too.

Our thanks to everyone—customers, staff and vendors—for helping make our celebration the greatest ever. Now, let’s just move on!