Cooking in the dark

Finally had a reasonable wind storm the other night. We started to lose reservations around 4:30. Nothing like the fear of nature to turn diners indoors. A persistent and adventurous seven top was willing to brave the threat of winter storm. We lost power at Alba a little after 5:00pm. Luckily it was still light and we could finish what prep was going. We were to open at 5:30 but without power, and heat, our dining room would be far from agreeable. Still the seven top persisted and we decided to cook, hoping that the power would return sooner than later. The light dwindled and we began scrounging for candles, oil lamps and flashlights. We opened the windows for a little ventilation and kept cooking. The seven top arrived, a cheery group from a local bank, looking to enjoy themselves with a night out. The candle lit dining room set the tone for a very intimate meal, akin to feasting around a fire. They were appreciative of our efforts and I was more than happy to cook. Then a two top arrived. We had decided to turn any other comers away; the dining room was getting cold, we needed to get perishables on ice, and we were running out of dishes. Apparently the newcomers had been in traffic for an hour and a half, not too mention that this was a birthday dinner. Needless to say they were welcomed in. They ate well. The patrons laughed, they drank wine, they ate and passed plates, needless to say the ice cream was on the house. They had a memorable meal, a once in a lifetime experience. So did I. That is what we forget at times in this business. We push ourselves and bust our ass to stay alive and in business but it's these little times, these unique moments that make this life satisfying.