Hospitality is a spectrum that ranges from theatrical charade to a genuine delivery of value. It’s best when there’s a balanced intersection of the two. If you only give me performative drama, it’s very disappointing.
Last Friday I dined at a restaurant run by a restaurateur with whom I’d had a very public Twitter war many years ago. Though we’d never met in real life, that social media conflict was the last time we had spoken. When I walked in the door he surprised me not only by knowing who I was, but also by embracing me with a Ron Burgundy-level handshake of joy.
I was certain I was in for a Hamilton-level degree of musical theatre this evening.