The tale of the accidental stalker: An evening at Peralynna

I don't have a great track record when meeting chefs. I usually squeak. Or say something like, "Hey, it's you!" I am neither elegant nor eloquent. I think it's because I spend so much time thinking about food, admiring what they put on the plate, thinking about what they think about when they come up with the dishes...

I've told you before about Gadsby's Bar American. Twice. Well, I had lunch there for a third time on Friday; and it was the best yet. I tweeted the chef and Instagrammed some shots of the food - perhaps to the annoyance of my lunch companions, but I couldn't help it! What can I say, I really want people to know about the great food available in Howard County.

Anyway, after work, the Sous Chef and I prepared for a night out on the town - we'd been invited to visit the Columbia Inn at Peralynna for their monthly Dinner and Dance. I'd been inside once before, and drive past it every day on Rt 108. We were especially excited about the St. Patrick's Day theme of Friday's event, since Sous Chef loves corned beef and cabbage and I really like how my eyes look when I wear green.

We arrived a little early and took a tour of the Inn. I loved the intimacy of the space; little nooks and crannies with comfy chairs, fireplaces, lush decor. A perfect place to cozy up and dive into a good book or a cup of tea, or enjoy the company of a special someone.

They'd decorated for the occasion with shamrock plants, green tablecloths, and romantic tea lights. As people funneled in, I looked over at the kitchen area, and that's when the horribly embarrassing encounter began. I saw the chef, and recognized him. He saw me. I stared.

And stared. And (God help me) pointed.

Finally, I spoke.

"...Robert?"

"Yes..."

"...Gadsby?"

"Yes..."

At this point, I disintegrated into a giddy teenager. I may as well have had a Robert Gadsby-unicorn-rainbow Lisa Frank folder and pencil set sticking out of a handmade refurbished chef hat backpack.

"Oh my goodness, I ate at your restaurant for lunch today!"

He was gracious, and kind, and introduced us to his nephew, who was there helping him out. I could tell he was busy (plus I'm sure my cheeks were as rosy as the corned beef by then), so we let him get back to work.

The remainder of the evening was a delightful parade of sensations. Sultry and soulful singing from Lovestory, a husband-wife duo with voices like velvet. Clinking glasses of chilled wine. Snuggling and spinning on the dance floor. Delicious crudité followed by a fantastic buffet of corned beef, cabbage, collard greens, cornbread, and salad.

Yes, I had Gadsby's collard greens twice in one day. That's definitely a good day.

Luckily, Sous Chef doesn't have any problem schmoozing with people. He struck up a conversation with the chef later in the evening, when things were winding down, and I composed myself enough to say a few more words to him. Then I calmed my nerves by eating more cake.

Twinkling white lights. A couple laughing at a private joke. A fountain of chocolate. Decadent chocolate cake. Dining. Dancing. The very definition of a romantic date night, right in our own backyard.

I'm so glad we got to experience this; being there, we didn't feel like we were across the street from a farm in Columbia, Maryland. It was like being at a colonial jazz club; romantic, timeless, and enchanting.

Go here to learn more about the Dinner Dances offered by the Columbia Inn at Peralynna.