If you are a regular reading of EatingInHarmsWay (EIHW), then you know about my hole in the wall rating and the page rating for the story of the family/owner. Well, after eating at Segovia last Wednesday night and having a most enjoyable conversation with Ino (Owner/Chef), I would like to add another unique EIHW rating. This one covers the personality or hospitality (friendliness) of the owner. I got an idea, we can call it the Ino rating and he will be the benchmark; a 5 Ino rating is for those who are worthy to be mentioned in the same paragraph as Ino, while those with a 1 Ino rating were less than pleasant. And 2 through 4 Ino ratings are for pleasant(2), engaging(3) and very engaging(4) and/or colorful(4). What do you the great readers of EIHW think about that?
Just thinking back quickly on the restaurants and owners already reviewed, I think of the very engaging owners of Star of Siam (Mark & Ann), Lisa the engaging owner of Bangkok City (who gave us 2 complimentary desserts on our visit), Aquiles the very engaging owner of Taqueria El Fuego (who was a blast listening to as he told us his story), Joe and his dear Father Big Joe the very engaging owner of Joe’s Italian Bistro (Big Joe spoke no English, had a great smile and peaceful demeanor).
Ino, short for Inocencio, and I only spoke for a few minutes and yet discussed Franco (Spanish dictator), Churchill, Eisenhower, Hollywood stars, Paella, Flamenco dance, bureaucracy of dictator governments and much more. All of this while I enjoyed complimentary Sangria which was awesome (listed as the best in Toronto in their drink menu). Now you know the real reason I enjoyed our conversation so much J He invited me back on my next trip when I take my wife with me on a Friday or Saturday night so we could enjoy the Flamenco music and dance and order the Paella for II.
I have to admit, I like food, but I enjoy people much more than food so the most rewarding part of writing this blog so far has been the opportunity to meet these owner/chefs and listen to their wonderful story. I am looking forward to introducing this new owner hospitality rating and all the wonderful owners I will get to know in the process. Ino, thanks for the inspiration and by the way I am looking forward to my return trip to Segovia.
Hi!
Was searching for a review and couldn’t find it, so wanted to recommend that if you’re ever in Houston, Tx that you check out a place named “Zorba The Greek”… “IF” it’s still in business I’ll bet it would be “your kind of place”.