A Penninsula Treasure

About one year ago Chels and I read of a weekly event held in Half Moon Bay and ever since we've had it on our to-do list. Regretfully, we never followed up on the opportunity to attend until just last night.

We found out that the Ritz welcomes anyone to come and enjoy an evening on their property where a Scottish bagpiper walks along the devastatingly stunning cliffs that have forever defined this remarkable landmark tucked amongst us.

We arrived a little after six in the evening. The valet service was unavoidable, but the ten dollar charge wasn't going to break the bank. Plus my research beforehand yielded that the cost would be knocked fifty percent with any purchase at the Ritz... hot cocoa or otherwise. Dressed in what could be considered old world golf apparel, two young guys welcomed us as we pulled in and courteously opened both Chels's door and mine with a warm friendly greeting and smile. It's the small things like this that I appreciate most when I visit an establishment; thus far the Ritz was living up to its reputation. Additionally, I took notice that Demee was not as young and seductive as the Mercedes or Porsche's that adorned the driveway, but our valet nevertheless promised undivided care and attention as he climbed in and drove off. Only at the Ritz I thought. Only at the Ritz...

Before leaving home I made a last minute decision to bring a bottle of our favorite wine. While I considered the likelihood of being able to open it small as this was the Ritz, I had hoped that we could potentially circumvent the inevitable exorbitant price of a glass of wine. Much to my surprise, when we stepped out onto the patio area, the man working the wet bar quite literally had two wine glasses prepped for us and offered to cork our bottle. Still apprehensive about "hidden costs" around this prized establishment, I embarrassingly inquired about any fees (corkage, glassware, etc). Again to my surprise, he said, "Absolutely not, Sir." Sir? Was I just referred to as Sir? Alas! Only at the Ritz! While he corked our bottle, he beat me to noticing that Chels was a bit numb. "Ma'am, may I offer you a blanket?" Wow. It was at this time that I realized the Ritz was making every effort to treat us like visiting royalty; we were being given the opportunity to enjoy all the same benefits that come with being an overnight patron.

Chels and I escorted ourselves to two heavy wooden patio chairs with glassware, bottle and blanket in hand. We arranged ourselves around a small community fire pit where a group of friends were already positioned, sipping on their individual beverages. As it was a typical Half Moon Bay evening with heavy fog and chilly wind off the ocean, it wasn't long before a cup of soup started to be at the forefront of our mind... and belly. For a few bucks we ordered a cup of soup each (I chose NE Chowder and she French Onion) and had it delivered right to our seats outside by the fire. This couldn't be any more perfect...

Then the magic happened. Anyone who knows me well knows that bagpipes give me chills. It stirs emotion. Deep down, in my inner most being, the sound coming from someone playing bagpipes catches me. And now, I sat spellbound, as this man played his Great Highland Bagpipe. Oh how sweet the sound! We were treated to sixty minutes of the most beautiful sound reverberating our ears, a glass of our favorite Indian Rock Red in our mouths, and each others company.

Nine o'clock happened upon us very quickly. The bagpiper had since retired for the evening and our idle conversation with folks around the fire soon gave way to exhaustion. We packed our bags, bid au revoir to our evening company, and headed home. We were happy. This had been a special evening. One of new experiences and uninhibited gratification. And to say it cost less than twenty dollars makes it all the more memorable...