The Scene:
The restaurant is buzzing with conversation. The clinking of glasses and silverware can be heard above the laughter. Scents of barbeque and aromatic flavors permeate the room. Enter a man who moves from table to table, quietly filling the water glasses.
Restaurant Attendant (smiling): “You like the mac and cheese?”
You (eyes wide open): “Are you kidding? I didn’t even know you could do this with macaroni and cheese! Fantastic.”
Attendant: “That macaroni is handmade for us by the Martelli family in Tuscany. Just what we wanted. The two-year-old Vermont cheddar cheese is caramelized. We thought the combination was perfect.”
You, thinking, but not saying aloud, “Who is this guy? What type of water boy knows this stuff?”
Attendant, interrupting your thoughts: “Do you want some more bread? You’re eating the Roadhouse bread, but you may also want to try the Irish Brown Soda bread tonight.”
You: “Is it as good as what we’re eating now?”
Attendant: “Depends on your taste, but it’s good. We source the oatmeal from the Creedon family, the same family who makes our Irish stone ground oatmeal. It makes the flavor and texture. I’ll be right back with some for you to taste. Oh, and I’d love to give you a taste of our barbeque tonight.”
You (turning to me, shrugging as he leaves): “Who is THAT?”
Me: “That, my friend, is Ari, the most unusual water boy you will ever meet. He’s the owner!”
You (feigned choking): “The owner?!”
It’s true. Ari Weinzweig is one of the restaurant owners, but he also fills water glasses at the restaurant. Yes, you read that right. As a partner in a multi-million dollar conglomerate, he personally walks around filling water glasses in order to stay close to the customers.
Ah, Zingerman’s.
