Everyone Has a Story

Whenever I am away from home my senses are usually on high alert.  Mostly it is intentional so I don’t miss anything, but lately, without any conscious thought, I was keenly aware of everything around me.  

People are interesting.  Everyone has a story.  We were on a road trip to Quebec and since driving for extended hours literally kill my back; we decided it prudent to overnight at roughly the halfway mark.  It was in Edmunston that we experienced a delightful ‘people’ encounter.

We checked in to a local hotel and the receptionist was very busy doing whatever receptionists do.  We hated to bother her with such a silly request such as where the best places to eat would be. No bother at all.  It was like we stuck a pin in her, she became animated and quickly pulled out a map of the area and began circling the best places to eat (in her opinion) that she freely shared with us.  I couldn’t help smiling the entire time.  She circled a location on the map and apologized that it was a little bit farther away but if we were interested it would be worth the drive.  (It turned out to be only a 5 minute drive).  Her description of the restaurant went something like this:

“A good friend of mine owns this restaurant.  It is a ‘bring your own wine’ kind of place.  The liquor store is on your way there on the right side beside Sobey’s.  The food is like home cooked.  It is like having dinner in someone’s home.  You will love it. The restaurant is called “Chantal’s” and it is also my friend’s name.”

Needless to say she had me on the first sentence.  Totally intrigued we decided that “Chantal’s” it would be.  Sure enough, we found the NBLC and chose a chilled bottle of Wolf Blass Chardonnay.  Can’t loose with that choice and off we went to experience the ‘just like home’ dining.  

Chantal's on rue Victoria

Upon entering the restaurant, a young hostess greeted us with a huge smile and asked “Were you just here a minute ago”?  Ahhh. “No”, I slowly replied.  She laughed and said again “Are you sure”?  Ahh… yes I am sure I told her.  But somehow this in itself made me feel a little spooky.  Okay who was in here impersonating me?  Kidding.  She wasn’t easily deterred because she went on to say someone who looked a LOT like me was just in the restaurant.  Okay!  She quickly seated us at a table for two and a candle was already lit in the center.  I quickly looked around at the décor which seemed very current and again I felt that there was more to this place than meets the eye.

Bon Appetit

A waitress approached our table with wine glasses and immediately opened our bottle of wine and poured.  This was to make the whole ‘bring your own wine’ thing legal of course and we paid $2 for the privilege.  She brought out menus (which were entirely in French) and took no time at all explaining what each entrée was in English.  I asked her if her name was “Chantal”.  She said “Oh no that is the owner, and she is over there dressed in red”.  Sure enough where she indicated this tiny, well turned out woman was indeed dressed in red.  I told our server that we would like to meet her.  It was this encounter that left us feeling some things just happen and we were destined to meet this lovely little woman.

“Chantal” asked us if she could tell us ‘her story’.  She knew her restaurant had been recommended and she expressed her gratitude.  

It began with “Chantal” and her teenage daughter living alone and “Chantal” without a job.  She had a house but no means to keep the lights on (so to speak) or to put food on the table or clothes on their backs.  It is a little town with not much in gainful employment opportunities.  She took a leap.  After meeting with bankers and some friendly advisers, she decided to mortgage her house and open her own restaurant.  It is one year later and she is obviously good at what she does and her restaurant is booming.  

Not the actual winning ticket

What was intriguing was her faith.  She believes in Angels.  She has a number 8 Angel and a number 11 Angel.  (She watches constantly for signs from them).  When she went to the bank* to discuss mortgaging her home, the address was 118.  She knew this was a sign…that she was doing the right thing.  She bought a lottery ticket.  She used the numbers 11 and 8.  They were both on her winning ticket of $100,000.  This happened in the same year.  She decided to apply for a passport so she could travel to the USA.  Her passport came back and she showed me the numbers that were across the bottom of her passport.  In prominent positions both the number 11 and several 8’s were in the string.  Her face was lit up as she talked about all the divine signs she received throughout the year.  

As we got up to depart, she came hurrying over to bid us farewell.  She extended her arms and gave us both a tight hug.  I thanked her for the wonderful dinner and told her I was honored to hear her story and wished her much success and happiness.

“Chantal” demonstrated the most unique form of customer service.  Everyone in her establishment, like us, felt wanted and appreciated – without question.  We left feeling not only satiated, but with a renewed belief that Angels do exist and good things really do happen to good people.

PS:  If you ever have the opportunity, by far the most delicious (and sinful) dessert here was Chantal's "Sugar Pie".  Guaranteed to leave you wanting more!

*I did not take notes so I offer this disclaimer as I may have gotten part(s) of the details a bit mixed up with the language difference and the fact that I was trying to take it all in.