Anyone who knew our long lamented friend Bill Loving understood immediately that he was always going be a step ahead of them mentally...especially if it came history, wordsmithing and most importantly, pranks. Years of being Dean of Students at Rollins College, a past Baptist Preacher and a world class photographer ( he studied with Ansel Adams) gave him a real base of knowledge.
Bill and his wonderful wife Nancy were great friends with our family. They would share Christmas Day and Thanksgiving together with us, we'd dine at all sorts of places, go to dozens of wine events. Bill was glib, sarcastic, hilarious, saw the good in people all the time needling them endlessly to everyones great delight. As a chef and restauranteur, I was a prime target of his pranks.
One very busy Saturday night, Bill and Nancy requested a reservation and a special table at the busiest time of service. It was unlike Bill to do that, as he understood the business and we usually gave him prime space anyway. Nonetheless, we made the reservation and exactly at 8pm that Saturday, Bill and Nancy walked in to claim his table.
We always had our best waiter service Bill. He would always bring an amazing wine from his collection, share with the server and with the chef, as well as buy something to boot. Many times we would just bring out food for him to taste to get a reading, his palate was that good. We'd also generally recommend the courses for the evening, as he was a very curious diner about anything out of the norm and would often want to try them.
This evening was different. He asked his waiter to bring out a menu so he could pick out his appetizers and entree'. and didn't want any extra input. The waiter came back in the kitchen with the order and gave it to me : A Blue Crab Bisque for him, no Appetizer for Nancy to be followed by two vinaigrette salads, and a shared entree of the mixed grill we were offering that evening : Quail, Beef Tenderloin and Pork Tenderloin. The waiter went back to the table to open the wine Bill brought, and we started the ticket starting with the soup.
The restaurant was packed that night. Bill's table was in the most visible and arguably best seat in the house. BIll's soup arrived and after a few minutes after delivery Bill waved over the waiter with an visibly angry look. The waiter asked him if there was a problem. In a loud voice that could be heard in almost all corners of the restaurant, he boomed " I want to see the chef immediatley ! "
Our waiter came into the kitchen, a bit shaken, and told me Bill wanted to see me, there was a problem at the table. I came out of the kitchen, walked over to the table and asked Bill what could possibly be the problem.
Bill stood up straight and tall and with a wink to the waiter, pulled a zipper out of his Blue Crab Bisque and lifted it high for all to see...and then with a broad smile announced to the entire restaurant "Look Chef....There's a fly in my soup!"
I don't think I've been had any better. The house went hilarious. Bill was in his glory and every waiter and customer applauded him. Every time I came out to visit a table that night the laughing started again.
Bill struck again...and I only wish he was still with us to keep us on our toes.
.jpg)