A Birthday Supper at the White House

When my beau, Dr. Frank Stern, mentioned during our evening goodnight phone call that he'd like to go to the White House for his birthday dinner, I'd been startled. Surely he wasn't thinking about a jaunt to the nation's capital for a Big Mac and Diet Coke with POTUS. Frank certainly loves Coca Cola and long has been an international collector of Coke memorabilia. But still, there are limits to his enthusiasm.

"The White House?" I asked, pausing significantly. Then he confided that this was the name of an Italian restaurant in nearby Anaheim that had reopened earlier this year after being restored following a devastating fire. It's located in a 1909 home designed by Dosithe Gervais, a designated historical landmark. I learned, surfing its website, that indeed United States presidents have dined here, including Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush.

Moreover, the Anaheim White House, under owner Bruno Serato, for a decade has ensured that hungry children receive an evening meal. Frank mentioned he'd heard its owner frequently is on the premises, greeting patrons. He wondered if we'd have a chance to meet Bruno.

I glanced at the menu online. Hmmm. They offered anchovies with the Caesar salad. That sold me right away. Plus we could choose among a variety of beef, pasta and other entrees.

"OK," I agreed, "I'll make a reservation."

Frank is well-known throughout Orange County, and a standing joke between us is that we can't go to a play, a movie, a concert or a restaurant, without him running into somebody he knows, either through his two decades as a rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom, his work with Orange County Interfaith Network, or as a professor at Cal State Fullerton and Orange Coast College. But we didn't expect to find anybody on a December Thursday night at this elegant venue in Anaheim.

Frank, me, Donna Wolffe, Bernie Horwitz

We were wrong. Frank's record continues to stand. Just as we were about to be shown to our table for two when we were approached by a woman who shares Frank's December 13 birthday. She'd been very active in the sisterhood at Frank's former synagogue, and his children grew up as close friends with hers. She was celebrating that evening with her friend, Bernie Horwitz, who had been president of the Board at Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Ana when Frank had been rabbi there. We ended up joining them at their table for four, and celebrating the double birthdays together..

Frank and I indeed relished our Caesars, with their accompanying rice "taco" shell, and split an entree of braised beef. As a surprise, the restaurant provided both Frank and Donna with beautifully garnished birthday platters. Since Frank isn't fond of custard or caramel, he gave lucky me the miniature crème brûlée, which I happily devoured while he polished off the tiny cakes.

We also were serenaded by carolers, who asked us if we had requests. The trio of women in Victorian costumes, sang "Joy to the World," and a couple of other songs for us. 

This certainly proved to be a memorable birthday evening. And, yes, we got to meet Bruno.

For more about the Anaheim White House and its history:
http://www.anaheimwhitehouse.com/our-history/
 
The Only Restaurant In The World That Serves 4000+ Free Dinners To Children In Need Every Night! Over 2.9 Million Free Dinners Served To Date In 77 Locations

Two illustrious gentlemen, Dr. Frank Stern and Bruno Serato

 For more on the Anaheim White House and Anaheim history: https://anaheimhistory.blogspot.com/2015/05/anaheims-white-house-restaurant-untold.html