Remembering my most relaxing experience while dining brings a smile to my face immediately. Though it happened more than 20 years ago, the memory is still as fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday. No wait, not yesterday, today! I cannot tell you the name of the establishment or even if it had one. But the food, the atmosphere, and the service combined for an experience found rarely in one's lifetime.

First let me set the scene. I was on a goodwill singing tour of Europe when my friend and I found ourselves near the top of the Grosglockner in Austria. The air was fresh and sweet with a slight scent of the delicate flowers that are able to survive at that altitude. The sun was warm on our face and hands. The sky was a brilliant blue with just a few high clouds and the wind was still. There was a silence, a peace that had taken up residence for the moment on that mountain. Every atom of my being heaved a collective sigh as we sat down at a small wooden table. The view made your eyes sad. For they knew they could not continue to behold this eden for all eternity, but would have to look upon more pedestrian sights upon leaving.

As if the seats were attached to a bell inside, a man in festive dress came out to greet us. He carry no menu, for the fare was written in chalk upon a slate on the wall of his establishment. He carried no pad or pencil, for he had committed orders to memory for more years than I had lived upon the earth. He simply brought his smile, his warmest welcome, and stood patiently as we gave our orders.

The selections were few so we didn't take long to decide. I ordered bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard, pom frits (or french fries), and a large glass of FRESH apple cider. The man nodded and walked quickly to his kitchen leaving my friend and I to soak in the atmosphere. There were only a few others around us. We made a few attempts at small talk but quickly fell into a companionable silence. It felt almost sacrilegious to speak while in this lofty cathedral.

In a very short period of time we were disturbed in our monk-like worship by the return of the smiling man and our fare. We thanked our host but were rude in that we did not meet his eyes as we spoke. We could not take our eyes off of the wonder being placed before us. Not only was the amount generous, but the presentation was artful.

I wasted no time in seizing my utensils and thrust myself into gastronomic ecstasy. The brat was hot and

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