I realized belatedly that I should have made the reservation under my dining companion's name, because apparently Larry had forewarned the owner and staff that I was coming in. Normally I wouldn't have made a reservation at all, but I was worried about being able to get a table because I know that the groupies are a real problem to contend with when Larry is playing piano.
And no wonder! He is a wonderfully charming man with a light and sensitive touch on the keys. He is equally at home playing standards, pop, or classical numbers. All the pieces were beautifully rendered and just the right volume and style for a restaurant. Excellent selections and presentation! He should definitely be hired for longer on Saturday nights, because he is a real draw. (I can't wait to hear him do some honky tonk or stride piano some night in a different setting!)
At first, I was barely able to get close to him because the bodyguards were keeping all the teeny boppers well back so he wouldn't be hassled while he played.
Facially, he reminded me of someone, but I couldn't quite put my finger on who.....
I realized something was up when the owner of the place, Stevie Springer, came out and introduced himself to us and spent several minutes in conversation. By then I figured Larry knew who I was, even though I had hoped to be incognito. I wasn't even sure I'd have the courage to introduce myself to someone as famous as he is, but by then it was too late! Our server brought over a paper bag and told me it was from Larry.
Peeking inside I almost couldn't believe that I was the lucky recipient of a loaf of Larry's fabulous, world-renowned bread!
Isn't it beautiful? Being the selfish wench I am, I brought the entire loaf home, leaving none with my poor put-upon dining companion.
One of the best moments of the evening was when Stevie came out and sang Edelweiss while Larry accompanied him on piano. It was truly, truly beautiful. (Go here for information on Stevie's other passion!)
Ah yes. Dinner. You'll have to forgive my shoddy tasting notes as I was completely star struck by sitting across from Larry!
We started with a nice Côtes du Rhône and sipped while we listened to Larry finish his set. It turned out that he should have finished just as we arrived, but he very sweetly kept playing just so I could hear him.
We ordered French onion soup for a starter and it was lovely.... rich and fragrant, with sherry and tarragon notes. Delicious!
Happily, just about then Larry was able to come over and join us for dinner. Larry and I ordered the Beef Bourguignon a l'orange, which was served with rice and broccoli. It was excellent! My original dining companion ordered the Veal Cordon Bleu and pronounced it excellent as well.
The baguette and herbed butter were also lovely. (Yes, I am a sucker for a good herbed butter......)
Since we had had the last bottle of the Côtes du Rhône, we switched to a Châteauneuf du Pape which went quite well with our entrees.
One thing I really appreciated was that April, our server, was quite well versed in wine service. Nothing aggravates me more (or almost nothing) than to have a young, untrained server treat a nice bottle of wine like it's iced tea or soda pop. No worries at Chez Axel! Both times we've been there the wine service has been very good.
Larry and my dining companion elected to have the special strawberry cake for dessert, while I chose the Banana Flambéed au Rum, which was delicious!
We all had coffee as well, and it was very good. This is important to me... I hate to end an otherwise excellent meal with inferior coffee. That is no problem here.
I can see why Larry is pleased to be playing there. The food and service are great, the atmosphere is very nice, the staff and owner are quite personable without being intrusive, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the dishes.
Altogether a wonderful evening, and of course, the highlight was meeting Larry.
I shall report on the bread tomorrow!
