Each year for our anniversary my wife and I splurge on dinner. Since we have young children, going out together without the brood is a rare treat. OK, let me put it this way since our kids can't read these columns yet -- "IT'S UNBELIEVABLY GREAT!"
We are partial to the Saxonburg Hotel for its food and ambiance.
This year on the way to dinner I started chattering about egg-battered Virginia spots that melt in your mouth while my wife couldn't wait to eat those scrumptious crab cakes.
When we arrived, we were seated at a nice little table in a corner. Being the romantic guy I am, I began whispering sweet nothings to my wife. She smiled her radiant smile and beamed back. We reflected on the whirlwind events and challenges we had over the last year as we brought with us an attitude of gratitude for each other. In our busy lives, this was an extraordinary opportunity to relax and just enjoy each other's company.
I glanced at the history of the Saxonburg inn on the menu when suddenly our much-anticipated evening took a nifty turn when we were greeted by Matt, the waiter. Ordinarily I do not like to engage in small talk because most of it is phony. But Matt, in his early 20s, had a style that was genuine, free and easy. When I told him that we were there to celebrate our anniversary he congratulated us and told us a short, heartwarming story.
In a culture often absorbed in self, I really enjoy people who don't take themselves too seriously. Self-deprecating humor is usually a tip-off that someone has a balanced sense of himself. We started talking about something that struck us funny, and Matt jumped right in with self-deprecating humor that had us howling. His comedic timing was impeccable.
When we were served dinner Matt came back with another story or two. His comments were breezy and funny as he hustled along. We have a deep appreciation for customer service and observed Matt as he waited on others.
"You know, honey, I'm not sure what it is but this guy has 'IT'," I said. She agreed. "I don't know what he'll end up doing for a career in life but he is going to be successful at whatever he chooses to do," I added.
Then after we were halfway through our meal, Matt returned with a small cake with a candle on it. "This is for your anniversary" he said. Incredibly, he broke out into his best Dave Matthews impression and sang a rendition of Happy Anniversary.
At this point I realized that Matt wasn't just a waiter. He was a dynamic dining phenomenon. We get a zillion stations on cable TV and none of them have a show as engaging as Matt. My wife and I were delighted. We said our goodbyes to Matt and left the restaurant smiling.
The cynical might suggest that Matt's performance was all an act to get a good tip. If true, I say good for Matt. He deserved it. But to me, Matt was the real deal. I think the people best at customer service are people who by their nature take the focus off themselves and take an interest in the people they are serving. And that was Matt.
While the food was very good, my wife and I intend to go back to the Saxonburg Hotel again soon because we had such a pleasant customer service experience. Thank you, Matt, for going the extra mile. You turned a wonderful occasion into an awesome evening.
Ray Muth of Jefferson Township is a community columnist for the Valley News Dispatch.
