Yes! Made it!
Twenty five years ago today, Karen and I opened Krimo's on Seaton Carew front at 7.30pm to a full house. It really seems like yesterday. Finishing off the last details and diving head first into a 25 year long happy saga in Hartlepool, my adopted town.
How many customers have we fed and watered or wined?
How many carrots have we sliced and cooked?
Fish, meat, chickens? How many?
How many hellos and goodbyes?
"Is everything ok?"
How many babies in nappies have returned to celebrate their 18th, engagement or wedding?
How many chef's hats have I lost down the Front on a windy evening?
My memory is good but yours are even better.
You remember details that have long been forgotten.
You remember the first time you experience Krimo's welcome and hospitality.
Then came Portofino on the Historic Quay and that was an overnight success. A place where couples, families and parties can relax and enjoy a variety of dishes, from pizzas and pastas to fish, poultry and meats...
The Millenium took Krimo's to its lovely location on the Marina right by the lockgates where beautiful yachts come and go past the wide windows as diners enjoy the chefs latest creations.
Casa del Mar, a very popular tapas bar, my favourite eating style, opened in 2006 and four years later, goes on attracting diners from far and wide.
Once you have been bitten by the restaurant bug, it is impossible to live any other life. Restaurant life is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. It becomes your work, your leisure and your social life.
Twenty five years later, do I want a rest from this life?
No way, as well as being my work, restaurant life has also been my 25 year holiday.
Karen and I enjoying a late supper in 1986
