Who knew that Bob Rozario - the man Bobby Darin called Robert - is just as charming, warm, and personable as Bobby Darin? And who knew he has the same light - I think it's a twinkle of starlight - in his eyes? It's no wonder they were good friends. The other lovely surprise is Bob's wife, Kay, who actually knew Bobby Darin before Bob did. She has personality plus and is full of fascinating stories of the couple's travels and experiences.
As if dining with the gracious and engaging couple were not a heady enough experience, we were in the restaurant Bobby Darin named himself. Lori Slinn described the place as cozy and elegant. She was right. And it was romantic, too - a place one could imagine Bobby Darin enjoying. Lori surprised us and made the place even more special. She gave the restaurant Bobby Darin music that they played all evening. It was Bobby Darin night at Pamplemousse!
After our charming waiter recited our choices for dinner - Pamplemousse's oral menu changes daily - we all began an animated discussion about the plethora of equally desirable choices from the continental cuisine. I asked Bob what Bobby would have chosen. He furrowed his brow in thought. He so obviously enjoyed thinking about his friend. When he heard what Teresa's husband, Rick, had ordered, he said, "That's it. That's exactly what Bobby would have ordered!"
Here it is, folks, the delicious meal that would have pleased BD: (Thank you, Richard!)
Appetizer: Penne Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, Italian Sausage, and Tarragon
Entree: Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon
Dessert: Belgian Chocolate Mousse
They both smile warmly and look wistful when the conversation turns to Bobby Darin. It is very obvious that he means so much to both of them. Kay reminds us that their daughter once beat Bobby at chess, a game he loved. With an I.Q. in the genius range, he could not have been easy to beat. Both Bob and Kay remember fondly when Bobby proudly brought his girlfriend, Andrea, who would become his second wife, to meet them. Andrea was a gentle, soft-spoken lady with an elegance about her. They liked her right away. She and Bobby were very happy and very much in love. Andrea loves him to this day.
Needless to say, the hours flew by. It was a truly magical experience. We are extremely grateful to Bob and Kay Rozario for spending the time with us. The highlight of an evening of highlights was most certainly a toast from Bob Rozario. He held up his glass, thanked us, and said, "Bobby would be very proud of what you are doing for him."
Wow.
Bob Rozario with wife Kay
who designed the beautiful
jewelry she is wearing.
Bob studying the Bobby Darin charm
bracelet made by Lori Slinn. He knew the
significance of each charm . . . of course!
Bob and Kay with Rick and Teresa Sodaro, Sandra
Jeffries, Diane and Helen Twersky, and Lori Slinn.
Bob and Kay with some very happy Daringirls.
......................................
To find out more about the lovely restaurant Pamplemousse, click here.
Update: Just one week after we dined at Pamplemousse, the Las Vegas Sun announced that Georges LaForge had sold his restaurant. We hope that the new owner keeps it just the way it is, especially with the name that Bobby Darin gave it.
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