And Chefs do spend many hours creating their menus, not to mention making stocks from scratch that become delicate, flavorful sauces destined for greatness; a perfectly seared halibut, a tender rack of lamb. A chef’s creation is akin to fine art, carefully crafted so all components come together as if they and only they could possibly work in this dish. But not everyone shares the chef’s vision. I’ve been known to switch the veggies or starches myself when Jim & I dine at the inn. And while I adore A-1 at home, at the Inn my steak is adorned with nothing but for Ed’s own sauce.

It’s important to remember that the primary goal of hospitality, whether it’s a restaurant, inn, or hotel, is to please the guest, and to have the guest leave knowing they are special because their wishes were honored, and that makes them, and us, very happy!

What I’ve learned in the 13 years Jim & I have had Silver Thatch is that it’s not hard to make people happy, you just have to enjoy doing it. It becomes a passion. We go to inns or out to dinner to get ‘away’ from the ‘No’s’ in our life, to places where, as much as possible, we hear ‘of course you can!’

And there you are. Burger King has had it right all along. You can, and should, have it your way!

The inn has been decorated for the holidays and if you have never seen Silver Thatch at this time of the year, you are missing beautiful, traditional decorations. Please come and join us for a glass of holiday cheer!

The First Blizzard

Speaking of the blizzard of December ’09 and it’s ugly step-sister, February ’10, let’s revisit and mentally cool down. Curl up by the air conditioner, and let me tell you a story. . . . .

On December 17, 2009, the weather gurus predicted 24″ or more of snow. As usual, we ignored them and their almost 50% success rate. But they were right. By late that Friday afternoon, the light made-for-TV flakes were gaining weight and speed. By early evening, it was a serious snow. We couldn’t answer the phone fast enough to take the cancellations.

One couple, determined to have a romantic weekend escape from their 5 children, planted their feet and didn’t move. They were staying! Then, two young women walked into the Inn. Sisters. The older sis from W&L picking up the younger UVA student for the ride home to Baltimore, and Christmas break. But they couldn’t get any further, saw our sign and decided to stop for the night. They stayed for 3 nights, along with our romantic couple.

Saturday produced 26″ of snow. Since there was no going anywhere, and Jim and I stayed at the Inn as well, I put on my dusty ‘Mom’ apron and made lunch, then a big pot of chili for dinner. We lit the fireplace in the Hollymead room, and all 6 of us sat around the table and proceeded to get to know each other. It was like having family for dinner. Something I haven’t enjoyed for many years, and I was loving it!

Sunday was no different, and after breakfast, our newfound friends put on black plastic garbage bag leggings and braved the snow to try to dig out their cars. I was truly the ‘Mom’ again, starting lunch after breakfast, and putting a prime rib in the oven for dinner. Sleeping sisters on the Pub’s couch brought back memories of my daughter and her friends draped over couches and on the living room floor after a slumber party. I couldn’t ask for a better Sunday. Then dinner again at our table, and lots of laughing and stories.

In the wee hours between Sunday and Monday, a bobcat blasted through the parking lot, releasing the cars from their snowy bonds. After breakfast, everyone packing up and ready to head to their own homes and families, looking forward to starting their Christmas break and holiday preparations.

But, the front tires on the car the sisters were driving were completely bald. Without hesitation, our romantic couple with their own 5 children, took the girls and their car to our automotive guys down the road, and replaced the bald tires with brand new ones at their own expense, ensuring a safe trip home to Baltimore.

I have told this story numerous times since that December weekend, and it still touches my heart. It was one of the best Decembers I’ve had at the Inn in 12 years. And I’ll continue to tell the story.

Be well,
Jim

Jim

Stay well,
Jim

Take care,
Jim

Jim