So who is that dapper fellow who holds court at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant every Saturday morning? He is ready at the gates before they open. Decked out in a wardrobe that ranges from pastel madras to yachting attire, he prepares his table (always the second table from the end). First the blue Provencal table cloth is spread out. The vase of flowers is placed in one corner. Next he carefully arranges three white plates. Ripe red strawberries are strewn amongst wedges of ripe cheeses. The next platter is for charcuterie. Then a plate for dessert. Are those cookies or petit fours? The plates are placed in a three tiered silver plate holder. Now he orders his bottle of wine. Last week it was a rose. By noon there are four other people sharing his table. Are these friends? Or other customers of the Wine Merchant. And what does the Wine Merchant think about a customer who sets up camp all day? I guess if he buys enough wine, who cares? Can you bring your own food into a wine shop if they don't serve food? Does anyone know what is going on here? Please let us know.
The Mystery man is a CEO of a Ad Company, and all the regulars that sit at his table are his personal friends and member of the Wine Club at the Ferry Building... His friends are Doctors, Lawyers, Priest, etc and they all bring food that is bought only at the Ferry building markets.... we drink at least 4 bottles of Wine and Champagne, one of his friends flies up from Orange County and she is an Interior Designer
Posted by: Twig von Straier | August 10, 2006 at 09:55 AM
The mystery man is a dear friend of mine. A gucci bag to carry his essestials for the day. Great food, wine, champagne, yet mostly dear friendship and flowing conversation. I commute from Orange County and it is my highlight to visit with my precious friend at the
Ferry Building. He is a true gentleman.
Posted by: Linda Kegans | August 09, 2006 at 07:13 PM
I bartend at FPWM every saturday and would like to reiterate the owner's (Peter Granoff) comments. I enjoy serving people who I know on a first name basis. One of my favorite things about working for FPWM is the quality of our customers. The "man in plaid" is no exception. He is friendly to everyone that walks by, and is a joy to have with us every saturday. Here's to you Mystery Man in Madras!
Posted by: Austin Twohig | July 19, 2006 at 04:07 PM
Peter, thank you for clarifying the FPWM's position regarding your guest. Who knew that one man in plaid could prompt so much comment?
Posted by: culinary muse | July 19, 2006 at 07:03 AM
Allow me, as an owner of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, to offer clarification. The gentleman who enjoys our Wine Bar most Saturdays is a good customer and welcome guest. He is not an investor, and as far as I know has no financial interest in any other aspect of the Ferry building. I am sure he would be delighted to discuss or even share his Saturday ritual with any of you who ask. In an era where so many people hunger for a stronger sense of community, we think it is just fine that our weekend guest has made our Wine Bar part of his. We do not have a kitchen, so we welcome you to bring in your own selections from the Market if our modest offering does not appeal. And with respect to the unkind comments about our weekend guest from a former employee, I would offer that the ungracious attitude expressed is a key reason this individual is no longer employed at Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.
Posted by: Peter Granoff | July 18, 2006 at 11:34 PM