Chapter Two - Chef Rene's

After a delightful meal at Chef Rene's Back Bay Cove earlier this winter, Elizabeth and I decided to return for another "Date Night". Reservations were made, and we arrived on a sunny Saturday evening; about 1/2 hour early, so we could enjoy a cocktail at the bar before we took our seat for dinner.

The view to Shishebogama Lake was excellent, and the later daylight hours made us feel as if we'd made it through another long dark winter.

We got our table on the porch, back in the corner (my favorite!) and, as we did last time, asked the server to see if Rene would choose our dinners.

This done, we relaxed to enjoy wild mudrooms in a puff pastry cup, and Ahi tuna with a creme soy sauce and fresh vegetable slaw. Amazing!

Fresh baguette bread and entrees of Veal chop with roast vegetable en brochette came next, while I was delighted with a New York strip steak au poivre in a burgundy sauce with black truffles, and baby red potatoes twice baked with Swiss cheese.

In a partial food coma after this experience, I thought that, at a nearby table, I had heard someone mention my father's name! Could it be? I really wasn't eavesdropping - but now, I sure was...and, yes, there was mention of Cuban cigars...and duck a l'orange, and...yes, she DID say Jack Rondello, I was sure of it.

"Either I am going to make an ass of myself, or these people knew my father", I said to Elizabeth, as I strolled over to their table.

I had seen their faces as we'd entered the porch area, and, somewhere, had "recognized" them, and smiled as we moved past their group. Now, I was in front of them.

"Did you mention Jack Rondello"? I asked the woman seated closest to the window. "Why yes! We were talking about Jack. Did you know him?" "I am his son, Peter Rondello", I offered. "I heard you mention his name along with Cuban cigars, so I thought you MUST be speaking of my father!".

(At Eagle Water's Resort, circa 1960. Jack is 4th from left)

Turns out the 4-some at the table had been in partnership with Rene's parents at Persian Paradise in Eagle River some 30+ years ago, and knew my dad from several outings.

They invited us to complete the evening at their table, which we did, and shared even more stories of Jack, his wonderful duck, delightful Napoleons, the past, and travels to many parts of the world, including Italy.

We now have each others contact info, and my guess is ... the stories will continue.

I just knew that Chef Rene's was a great place to eat. Now, I have a broader sense of why.

Click on the link in the first sentence above to see another picture of Jack Rondello.