“The Copenhagen Cousins, & the Pearls… Do Carmines”

Saturday Night the Paragon Pearls Club expanded to 8 for dinner.

One of our Pearls, …had company in from Copenhagen.

Fredrika & Sheila joined our usual 5 ladies who all live in the Paragon Towers.

It was another “North Pole-like” New York City night, as we waddled the few blocks to “Carmine’s Cafe”.

We were bundled to fight the windy artic air, here careening off the East River. The Copenhagen cousins complained “Why its colder here than back home”! Grrr!

Our city streets were unusually empty… as were blown to the restaurant. 💨

The cousins had donned their hand-knitted hats with pom-poms with ties securely under their chins. Their outerwear were just snug woolen coats with matching mittens & scarves.

We Paragon Pearls wore our puffy ski jackets, with hoods, scarfs, woolies, sweaters, gloves and warm boots.

*************************************************************

Carmine’s Place was a steamy cozy oasis from our brutal weather. Once we opened its door, the warmth of the place…spilled out to welcome us. 🤗

Ahhh!

It was a German Pub until a few years ago. The aged proprietors shuttered the place then retired to Florida.

Carmine Barone took over abandoned premises and remodeled it into a successful Italian Tavena.

He had the interior painted a mottled a creamy peach. The tablecloths were a muted olive; the horseshoe bar faced a beveled wall of mirror and dark woods. Each table was lit with brass candle holder.

Lighting was re-worked… soft brass hanging lanterns that defined the congenial drinking hole atmosphere. Terra cotta earthy tiles flooring added to the cozy atmosphere.

… We all drank wine, except Freddie who ordered a Metropolitan, which claimed she can no longer get in her cafes…back home. Freddie in her 30’s and is hooked on “Sex in the City”, re-runs.

Sheila is her mother who is a financial adviser. Freddie, short for Fredricka, is a newspaper editor. Her older sister, who visited NY last year. is a TV host in Copenhagen. They and our Pearl, Meridith, have a strong family resemblance. Statuesque, blonde with delicious personalities. 😊😊😊

Our round table ate and drank and laughed like a Jackie Gleason lodge party!

…After the food was heartily devoured, Carmine the owner/chef came over to our table to ask, “Did you ladies enjoy your dinner”? (After noting our empty plates).

Of course I said, “It was terrible keep practicing… Carmine”.

We all chuckled. (Since… we know each other so well). 😄