RAIN BEAU

Arriving at the restaurant, my Lyft (™) driver pulled up to the front door. The rain was pouring down, I rushed so I would not be soaked. Les Chat Noir (The Black Cat) is a modern french restaurant in downtown Detroit. My friends picked this place. I got an email invitation for “the gang” meaning my 3 other girlfriends and I to spend some quality time together. This was arranged for a late Sunday afternoon. I arrived on time as always. I knew I would be waiting for the others. Their version of “on time was 30 minutes late.

I was escorted to an enclosed rear patio. I could see and hear the rain coming down. It was relaxing especially since I was protected from the moisture. The host stated that the patio is reserved for my party. This had Everly’s signature written all over it. private dining. We can only hope it does not come with a private dining price tag attached to it.

I took the time to settle in and relax before the “Gossip Girls” arrived. The table was a perfect oval size for us. A crisp white linen table cloth covered the wrought iron frame. The centerpiece was a clear crystal vase with a bouquet of crimson hibiscus, stargazer lilies and baby's breath. Les Chat Noir knew the fine art of special touches. I wondered if Rasheda had designed and requested this bouquet. She is the “flower girl” of us.

A waiter approached. I told him my friends were running late. I checked my phone, no text messages from any of them. Excuse me, miss Chantal but your friends will not be joining us today. I am your host this afternoon. Confused? He went on to explain. My friends had set this afternoon's surprise up with the establishment. This was the work of Becca. She is the party girl among us. She loved planning events-especially surprises.

My host introduces himself. I am Lucas, I will be taking care of you this afternoon. Lucas was 6 feet tall with dark brunette hair pulled back in a man bun. I guessed like myself, he was approximately 30. A mystery wine tasting has been planned. I love wine! This is intriguing! I guess I can play along. He leaves the patio while I ponder what has prompted this mystery/surprise from my friends. He returns with a charcuterie board of delights. meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, bruschetta, garlic, peppers, baguettes. This charcuterie board alone was worth the trip in the rain.

Lucas returns with the first bottle to taste. A glass is set before me. A Bordeaux glass. A smaller bowl than traditional red wine glass, with a taller glass to maximize flavor and allow the wine to go directly to the back of the mouth upon tasting. This glass is for full bodied, rich, strong wines. Hmm…I do love red wines. Let the tasting begin!

Lucas begins his mystery host role: Miss Chantal Your wine tasting is about to begin; however this is not a traditional wine tasting… you will sample three Merlot wines. Each wine was selected as an offering by each of your blind dates. Blind dates??? This is the handiwork of Erin, She loves to play matchmaker, Hates to see anyone single without dating.

I have been blindsided by my friends with Merlot and blind dates.

Lucas pours a tasting of the first bottle. A score of 92 with a cost of $70 a bottle . This is a Duckhorn Merlot ,Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard 1999. 1999 is considered the best year for California Merlot's. The flavor is described as smooth, harmonious with currant, herb, tobacco and light oak notes. Elegant and well crafted.

I swirled it around observing the “legs.” The tears that form on the side of the wine glass as the wine evaporates.

I could no longer resist the charcuterie board. I reached for a piece of baguette and spread some Brie cheese and added some raspberries, heaven along with the Merlot.

Lucas returned with another Bordeaux glass. He poured the wine.

Pride Claret Reserve ,Napa Valley 1999. A score of 93 at $110 bottle Rich, dark fruit aromas, with currant, black cherry, mocha, sandalwood and cherry flavors that are intense on the finish.

This time Lucas selected a plate and prepared a selection from the charcuterie Board. A slice of baguette with chevre and blackberries and slices of salami and black olives on the side. I enjoyed his selections.

Lucas departed leaving me with my thoughts on how this afternoon was so needed. I fell into the rat race of my career and life. I rarely took time to enjoy simple times and pleasures. I thought it was what was expected of me. Single without children. My parents paid for my education and I had earned a Masters degree in chemistry. I was teaching at Wayne State University while working on my Doctoral studies. My life seemed to be only work and study. This afternoon has taught me there certainly is more to life. I relaxed into the Zen like sound of the rain.

Lucas returned with another glass. This is Pahlmeyer Merlot ,Napa Valley 1999. A score of 94 at $80 a bottle. Rich, deep and concentrated with currant, blackberry, raspberry and wild berry flavors with well integrated tannin's.

Miss Chantal I will return for your decision about which “Merlot " you have chosen for your date. This was a tough decision . I loved all the wines. They were each chosen with special care by the "blind dates"

When Lucas returned I gave him my decision of The Pahlmeyer 1999.

When Lucas returned he had the bottle of Pahlmeyer 1999 and 2 glasses. He poured a full glass for me and then a full glass for my blind date. I waited for my date to appear. Lucas sat down opposite me, his piercing blue eyes gazed at me and said “Chantal all Merlot selections were my choices.” Your friends knew you would never agree to be “fixed up” They knew the mystery of the game would keep you interested.

I am Lucas Emerson. I am a psychology Masters degree candidate at Wayne State University. Like you I work and study and forget there is more to life. Thank you for spending this afternoon with me. It brought me happiness to see the joy on your face.

He raised his glass inviting me to raise my own glass. He toasted to first dates, fine Merlot, friendships and the future.