Torn between two …. Waiters?

To say that I have a lot of quirks is an understatement. I want certain things done a certain way … especially when it comes to food and wine. While I can control quality, timing, presentation and (to some degree) service in my own home, it is harder to do at a restaurant. I’m finding the consistency I look for in all these areas at Positano at Birkdale. I absolutely love the place. The food is delicious, the meal is never rushed, the presentation is flawless and the service is the best I’ve experienced in a while.

I’ve eaten there about 4 or 5 times in the past couple of months (rare for me who likes to try new places) and all of the times except Monday night Michael was our waiter. He served us the first time and we keep asking for him when we return. Michael is knowledgeable, patient and efficient. He knows the menu, knows what’s fresh and knows what goes with the wine we’ve selected. He’s good. He won’t rush us and will even take care of us at an inside table when his tables are outside. This plus he tolerates John’s corny jokes about Italian sea bass goes a long way.

Well Michael had the night off last night. The nerve of him – needing time off. We wanted to try the Chef’s Dinner (4 course for $20 Monday to Thursday) and had Andrea (think Bocelli) as our waiter. He’s a bit younger than Michael and a whole lot sassier … which we liked! He too had a good command of the menu and the wine list. But he scored brownie points by offering a wine that was not on the list … Poggio ai Ginepri … a awesome combination of cabernet, merlot and syrah … attractively priced at $46 a bottle (which was half off since it was Monday night … SWEET!). Also in his favor, he speaks Italian (he’s from Sicily but I would not have guessed). Of course we tried out the few Italian words and phrases we knew and he corrected our pronunciation. I think he even smirked when we started referring to John as Giovanni.

The food was delicious as usual … we opted not to go for the Chef’s Menu (mista salad, rigatoni in a cream sauce, salmon piccata and crème caramel) and tried new things on the menu. The food flowed with the conversation and Andreas anticipated every need. Another great meal. So here’s the dilemma … who should I ask for the next time I eat at Positano? Michael or Andrea? We mentioned to Andreas that we felt like cheated on Michael and was torn. His response was sassy and not entirely appropriate for a family blog like this!

If you’re interested in the Chef’s Dinner, the menu choices change every night. Call after 5:30 for what’s being served. The number is 704-896-2979 (I think I’m embarrassed that I have it memorized).