A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN

by Bernice Roberts email - brob3@aol.com

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A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN

Sure a little bit of heaven fell from out the sky one day. And it landed at Bahr’s Restaurant in Highlands. How appropriate that Bahr’s is a Landing.

We spent St. Patrick’s Day in the best place ever. We hob-nobbed with the finest people on "airth" for the wearin’ of the green. The occasion was a benefit and celebration for the lovely Michele Cashes Olausen, one of Bahr’s own. With Michele surrounded by her husband Tom, and her handsome boys, Liam, Kevin, Thomas, and Jack, they easily became everyone’s own.

Ray Cosgrove was the Irish eyes are "smilin" greeter, St. Patick’s emissary indeed, who made the enormous roomful of people feel and look like the finest people on "airth." And in truth, in anybody’s book, they are. The turnout was beyond belief. It was, by all measures, a tribute to joy, to fun and laughter, to a spirit of camaraderie rarely encountered, but most of all, it was a tribute to love. For the love of Michele.

George Patterson officiated as M.C., gathering for this benefit a mountain of green, giving testimony to his dedication and talent as a most successful auctioneer and door prize distributor. His "Ancient Order of Hibernians" sash so proudly and elegantly commemorated his selection as the Order’s Man of the Year, and on this night he was the "Man of the Hour."

Donna Jean, of First Avenue Playhouse fame, accompanied by Don, accordionist extraordinaire, toured the room singing the loveliest Irish songs and ballads in the loveliest voice that ever graced a room full of happy people. She lifted us one step higher with the beauty of her notes and the warmth of her smiles. Added to all of that, Don’s music was priceless.

There were even bagpipes, played in that mysteriously beautiful and haunting Irish way. A contingent of two from the New Jersey State Police gave us those authentic melodies. (It’s no wonder that those cocky Brits had the ‘bejayzuz’ scared out of them when they heard those sounds approaching.)

The food was superb. Corned beef that could be cut with a fork as it kissed your nose with an aroma from heaven, potatoes prepared like only the Irish invented, flavorful cabbage that never even dared think of wilting, and a vegetable medley of broccoli, carrots, and string beans that were so fresh that I swore they were just picked from a secret garden out back. There was a tender chicken dish of great elegance, whose name I cannot remember so I will give it just any ordinary Irish name, "Le Poulet Magnifique." Not to forget the authentic Caesar salad, and ohh, the Irish Soda bread! I, right there at Bahr’s, did personally experience the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. The people kept coming, the food was set out and set out and set out, unending into the night. Executive Chef Rich Morgan and staff, you created a miracle and a masterpiece!

Everything was so tasty, and so good for you. I wish we would all forget society’s most idiotic idea, the diet! Just eat food like this, and we can slim down as well as be healthy. It bears out my contention that food should be prepared with song and laughter, served with smiles and happiness, and eaten in an atmosphere of joy and good will.I’ll have the nerve now to refer you to my philosophy on just about everything in life and food in particular. It’s contained in my column about Gisela, the centenarian, and how she got there. "Life-101, The Complete Course." Chef Rich, you must have studied with her. You’ll find the article in my archives.

To Richard, Shayne, Michelle and Elaine, thanks for being our tablemates. You made it all the more fun. To the handsome blond brother and sister, who looked like movie stars, and to her good-looking celebrity husband, thank you for sharing your good words and good chocolates with us. To Fran, thank you for taking our money for the endless door prizes that were donated by so many good people. That proved a point to me and my companions. There never was a table less deserving!

Instead, we came away with a treasure trove of cheer, and that will not soon be forgotten.