I had to repost these notes on a year from @katehofberg She so beautifully puts into words what so many of us feel in this room every day, and we are all so grateful that she has chosen to help build BLC. “I know this is a little belated but I just wanted to express a genuine congratulations/thank you for one whole year of @barlecote. What a gift this restaurant is. In so many ways. Without getting too personal, I must admit that when I was offered a position at Bar le Côte, I was nervous to leave my career in PR and get back into restaurant work. (“What about my degree?” “Would I be taking a step backwards in my career?” Yada, yada... who cares!) Now, here we are, one year later, and I could never have imagined the opportunity that would come with accepting a position as a server in a small town like Los Olivos. Look what we’ve built here! In the dining room, an energy that is tangibly electric. Smells of sizzling garlic, fishes roasting, corn cooking. A symphony of silverware clinks and chefs calls and champagne pops. (Have you tried the Blanc de BLC? You really must... it’s made just for us!) The gaze of a cigar smoking cowboy, the flicker of a candle votive, a frosty, cold beer glass. The way this restaurant saved my life! As a server at BLC, I get to be creative. I get to be myself. I get to have opinions (that are valued and respected). I get to taste fine wines and snack on jamon slices. I get to host a party every night and make new friends and laugh with my coworkers. How fun is that? I am equally grateful and proud to work for people who have created this space for me (for all of us!) to thrive in. For the compassion. For the humility. Thank you for your vision. And cheers to all that’s to come!”