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Leamington Letters #57: Tired and triumphant

1/11/2013

38 Comments

 
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Even by the standards of the every smith household, which is the epitome of dysfunction in so many respects, this has been one hell of a couple of weeks.

I won’t bore you with too many details, but suffice to say: there has been a perfect storm of sleeplessness.

We have been re-structuring Wilde’s, getting back to our roots as a wine bar and bistro, re-introducing old favourites to the menu and re-structuring the wine list to provide more choice and (even) better value.

At the same time, I’ve been involved in an intensive series of brainstorming exercises in town in an attempt to re-brand a major British blue-chip company. Oh, and then write the proposal – say, about 50,000 words?

And of course, these two episodes have coincided with the consummation devoutly to be wished after 162 games: the Sox in the post-season.

You will all know what happened: the news even made the Today programme on Radio 4. And a couple of hours ago, I added the front page of the Boston Globe from 31.10.2013 (or 10.31.2013 if you’re American) to the gallery of World Series front pages which adorn the walls of Wilde’s. I confess, I was slightly disappointed with the sub at the Globe. After ‘Yes!!!!’ and ‘So good! So good’’, I expected something smarter than “Tested and Triumphant’. But what the hell! It’s true and it’s accurate, and both are rare in the press these days.

So you will have guessed by now that my subject is not sleeplessness or insomnia; nor is it re-branding wine bars or major British blue-chip companies. It is my favourite subject – the Sox.

If ever there was a team which deserved to win the Series, this is it. Don’t get me wrong – nothing, nothing, will ever compare to 2004. But this is something else. This is a transformation from worst to first. This is a bunch of guys whom no-one gave much of a chance (oh alright, apart from me!) grafting and gritting their teeth, and grinding out wins with huge grins and even huger amounts of facial hair.

If they had not achieved this marvellous, miraculous, mythical victory, we would all remember this team as we – even people like me who weren’t there – remember the Impossible Dream boys of ’67. A team that made you proud to be a fan. That kept you up night after night. That made you smile, and laugh, and celebrate.

The class of 2013 is such a team and I love each and every one of them. What a ride they gave us. All the way. They lose the first game in Detroit. They are five runs down in the next. They win.

I hope I will in years to come remember all of it. But if I can only retain one memory from 2013, it won’t be the final out from Koji at 3am on the 31st , or any particular single play. It will be that moment at Detroit when the cameras cut to Big Papi in the middle of the seventh, remonstrating with the team in the dugout, telling them – so I have read – that if they wanted a ring, they should follow him – he had two!

They did. And now he’s got three. And so have I. Thanks guys. I don't know how different the 2014 Sox will be - I would certainly re-sign all the free agents, including Drew - but we'll worry about that next April.

And so to bed.

Today from the everysmith vault: a fair bit of the Velvet Underground (not Lou's solo stuff), but also The Notorious Byrd Brothers. The latter repays close listening.

I regret to announce that the comments section of this blog is now closed.

38 Comments
Allan
1/11/2013 09:56:22

What you don't mention is the problems which Boston has suffered this year. This is the point to which the Globe headline refers. Tested. You wrote earlier in the year about the Boston Strong campaign. Though I have little - no - interest in baseball, I am pleased for the city. Also for you!

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Grumpy Old Men link
1/11/2013 10:44:43

Max congratulations on the Red Sox Series win, may your God go with you.

But as you say, you are restructuring Wilde's and getting back to basics, I would request that you change your fixed price menu on a weekly basis as opposed to fortnightly.

I would suggest that your kitchen staff go back to school to learn how to handle, prepare and cook fish. You used to have a good reputation for "Cod and Chips" on Fridays but no more, and as a result your valued customers have decided that they can get better quality and value elsewhere and have vowed not to come back which is a shame.

How about stop writing as a restauranteur about the theory of running a restaurant and cut to the chase and do it in practice.

We like coming to Wilde's for the banter and crack but it is starting wear thin and we are starting thinking that we should go to pastures new - what are you going to do about it?

Regards

The long suffering GOMS !!!

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Neil
1/11/2013 13:24:51

Don't know who the hell this person is. Hiding behind a crap pseudonym, he could be anyone. Been coming to Wilde's for many years now and the food now is better than ever, the wines terrific. You want cod and chips, go to a chip shop. Wilde's has moved on - for the better. Sorry, Max - but if this guy (whoever he is) is moving on, maybe for the best. There are a million pubs who will do him fish and chips whenever he wants.

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Chris Jones
2/11/2013 00:41:34

Don't forget beans. We want beans on toast as well. And tell your GOM that the word is restaurateur not restauranteur.

Max
3/11/2013 08:17:15

It's been a long time since fish and chips was on the regular menu. Longer than you - if you are who I think you are - have been visiting. Banter and crack, however, will always be available as long as I am in the building.

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Rick Hough
3/11/2013 23:16:38

If the opportunity arises to direct me toward the person who interrupts a Red Sox appreciation with a mushwit, cheap- shot at an honest restauranteur and skilled essayist, please do so.

Jonathan Green
1/11/2013 13:04:39

A brilliant series all round. Some great moments and the right result. Never realised how many Sox fans in the UK before. Go Sox!
P.S. What's that shit above about? What a tosser.

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Dan
2/11/2013 01:16:59

Shame a good piece about the Sox has been hijacked. Obviously the trolls came out for Halloween! Go Sox! Go Wilde's!

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Max
3/11/2013 08:18:42

Jonathan, Dan - Thanks to you both.

Darren
1/11/2013 13:08:43

You're right. I was obsessed from the very start - not that I am ever indifferent to the Sox. A great season, a great post-season and a - what's greater than great - series. Those guys did us proud.

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Max
3/11/2013 08:19:54

They were good from the start and they got stronger the more they were tested. I was maybe out of order with my comments on the headline. The city is the Sox ... and vice versa.

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Wilde's Regular
2/11/2013 01:27:58

Heard about the change. It's the right move. All power to your elbow.

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Max
3/11/2013 08:20:33

Good to hear. Not official yet, of course. Watch this space.

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Nick
2/11/2013 05:17:06

1. Congrats on the blue chip project. Sounds interesting.
2. Wildes has always changed. It's just that most people don't notice. I think I know who posted, and you should pay more attention to those who love the place for what you and Jill have made it not what they would like it to be. Which sounds like the White H order!
3. Great news for the Wildes nine. Three this millennium! Yea!

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Max
3/11/2013 08:21:46

Thanks, Nick. All comments very much appreciated and helped us to sleep after the stuff above. We know to whom we should pay attention, and we will.

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Max
2/11/2013 06:37:07

Hey guys. This was meant to be about the Sox! Can we post wonderfully congratulatory stuff about the World Series rather than comments about this pseudonymous diner! Xxx

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PaulB
3/11/2013 07:58:01

Max. I se you want to draw this to a conclusion, but before you do, I want to tell you that the unchanging menu of things like fish and chips, under a previous Chef, was the prime reason why many of us stopped coming to Wilde's. It just became so boring. I am sorry that your grumpy old men are not happy, but loads of are. And as for that gratuitous comment about cooking fish, you should also know that the halibut and scallops dish I ate the other week is better than anything I have ever eaten at Sheekey's or Rick Stein's. Keep up the good work. It is appreciated by the vast majority.

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Max
3/11/2013 08:23:11

Thank you for sneaking in this very welcome comment before the deadline. I too am particularly fond of that dish, and you have placed us in great company. Cheers.

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CJ
3/11/2013 08:43:00

I've been away. May i just comment on the music? Notorious Byrd Brothers is one of the greats. Folk, rock, country, pychedelia, jazz ... plus some amazingly advanced studio effects. Repays close listening? Too right it does. And even I, as a New Yorker, have some sympathy with Boston this year. Congratulations.

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Rick Hough
3/11/2013 23:28:28

Thank you for writing this. There's so much to consider in this moment of wild, great fun that I'm feeling oddly becalmed in the moment. That being said, I haven't the slightest clue what the defining moment for this team should be but I can speak for one fat, pinhead bartender in saying his defining moment was the crowd singing ". . . every little thing, gonna be all right" to Vic in the moments before he bounced the triple off the Wall. I get damp-eyed just typing it out.

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Max
4/11/2013 00:30:44

Thanks, Rick - I think that thought is the one to hold through the long baseball-less winter ahead. xxx

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Sean
4/11/2013 06:48:07

The long baseball-less winter is something that makes me shudder. Luckily the warmth of this fantastic season and the victory in the WS will keep my spirit warm until it returns. A wonderful year by the Red Sox culminating in an extraordinary post-season filled with moments of timeless history. This is why we love sport, baseball and the Red Sox. The Nation rejoices once more. And never more deserved.

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Grumpy Old Men
4/11/2013 08:18:30

We think the message has hit a home run, well and truly delivered let's see if we have some improvements on the fish front and we do not mean Fish and Chips

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Grumpy Old Men
4/11/2013 10:16:07

And by the way we are the lunchtime crowd and lunch twice a week, not much of crowd these days.

How about you guys who have responded with your very supportive comments come down at lunchtime.

To put it all into perspective this is a shot across the bow, we also love Wilde's and do not want to leave.

Yours faithfully

The GOMS

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Dan
4/11/2013 11:52:02

Some of us work during the day!

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myers
4/11/2013 15:36:19

These may not be the defining moments for my/our beloved Sox team but they will stay forever:-

1:
The "bullpen cop," who famously raised his arms in game 4 to celebrate Jonny Gomes HR...

2.
The umpire/s who had the balls to change a bad call
two more reasons I love baseball..Go safe Go Sox!

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Wilde's Regular
6/11/2013 02:09:24

A final thought although maybe not the last word. What people like this don't realise is that they are insulting the hundreds who come corporately, collectively and individually to Wilde's for good food, good wine and good company.If we do not come on certain days, there may be a reason ...

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James
6/11/2013 07:44:21

I wasn't going to comment on this because it was so palpably absurd as to be beneath notice. But I think it is important that these people who think they can attempt to destroy a business should be brought to book. As someone who eats in Wilde's reasonably regularly, I have never had cause for complaint. True, it is sometimes better than other times. But it is never less than good. There are too many trolls, too many TripAdvisor terrorists around who think that their life mission is to ruin establishments.They will find the tiniest fault and magnify it. This guy has suddenly decided that t isn't cod and chips but something else, and is claiming that he was part of a group of grumpy old men rather than the sole author. My guess is he was pissed when he wrote the original comment and has now sobered up and thought, oh what have I said?! Oe has to ask, if he comes in that often and is always disappointed, why does he continue to visit? Because he's a troll. Because he will never be satisfied. Because he doesn't know good from bad. And fails to appreciate what is good. Why doesn't he go somewhere else? Because they are not as tolerant as you are, Max. You are losing business because of this kind of comment and you should sort it. You can do without him. But we, together with the more discerning Leamingtonians, will continue to visit your excellent establishment with pleasure.

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Chris
6/11/2013 07:59:04

Agree with the above. Clearly trying to destroy your restaurant. Maybe he runs a competitive place. Name and shame please, so we know.

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Ellie
6/11/2013 08:18:43

Just left Wilde's after a great piece of fish, a brilliant vegetarian bake and a lovely bottle of Italian recommended wine off the bin end list. Don't know who this person is, but I think he's confused Wilde's with somewhere else, because what he talks about is not Wilde's. Not now, not ever - an I've been lunching there for 20 years. Why won't he admit who is he is?

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Marty
6/11/2013 09:01:31

I visited Wildes only once because I was over on business and Wildes was listed as a Sox friendly bar . Had the warmest welcome from the proprietor, the best steak I gave ever eaten, a bottle of Bordeaux. Met some fun fellow Americans, some great natives. None of them I guess would be this guy. Hi to everyone ... Else!

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Not so Grumpy but still Old Men
6/11/2013 09:32:05

Having had lunch with Max and discussed our complaints we are well satisfied with the outcome of our meeting.

As serious regulars (twice a week in not three times) as opposed to casual visitors we notice the ups and down of a restaurant most than most.

We certainly will continue to lunch at Wilde's as usual enjoying its fine wines and good food.

It is a great place and why we have patronised Wilde's for so many years.

We think it is time put this to bed don't you?

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SimonMc
6/11/2013 11:41:16

Ah, ok. So you put it up there, involving thousands of people, and then - without ever divulging your real name - want to call an end to it. That's what trolls do. No-one knows their name. They just say what they like anonymously and they sneak away back into the darkness.

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Max
6/11/2013 12:16:01

Enough already. Really don't want anyone to embark on troll hunt. Not worth it. I know who the three of them were. Why they choose to stay anonymous, I don't know. You will have to ask them. Except you can't! But thanks everyone for their support. As we all know his kind of stuff posted into the ether and to a readership of thousands is unpleasant and cost my wife and I loss of sleep and serious panic attacks. All made worse by the anonymity. Who are these weirdos? Well, we now know. I won't name them. But I know. Anyone can say anything on the internet if it is attributable and signed.

Max
6/11/2013 14:07:19

For the record, and to avoid any misidentification, I had lunch with three people, two of whom were not involved in nor had any prior knowledge of the original post. The use the first person plural above is therefore a tad disingenuous.

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Not so Grumpy but still Old Men
6/11/2013 09:32:29

Having had lunch with Max and discussed our complaints we are well satisfied with the outcome of our meeting.

As serious regulars (twice a week in not three times) as opposed to casual visitors we notice the ups and down of a restaurant most than most.

We certainly will continue to lunch at Wilde's as usual enjoying its fine wines and good food.

It is a great place and why we have patronised Wilde's for so many years.

We think it is time put this to bed don't you?

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Not so Grumpy but still Old Men
6/11/2013 09:33:07

Having had lunch with Max and discussed our complaints we are well satisfied with the outcome of our meeting.

As serious regulars (twice a week in not three times) as opposed to casual visitors we notice the ups and down of a restaurant most than most.

We certainly will continue to lunch at Wilde's as usual enjoying its fine wines and good food.

It is a great place and why we have patronised Wilde's for so many years.

We think it is time put this to bed don't you?

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Simon Mc
6/11/2013 12:43:56

Hey troll
Posting the same thing three times doesn't make it any more sensible. Good lunch?

Reply



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    Max Smith

    European writer, radical, restaurateur and Red Sox fan. 70-something husband, father, step-father, grandfather and son. Resident in Warwick, England.

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