As I felt my way into the darkened bar at B'Sghetti's restaurant, I was greeted by soft sobs emanating from a bulky chap hunched over the bar, trying to conceal himself in the shadows. Always curious, I inched closer until a pathetic spectacle presented itself and I was able to recognize the sobber as Scott Doerr, part owner of the place. His bearlike shoulders convulsed in sync with each heart wrenching sob - not a pretty sight. After much questioning and prompting, I was able to deduce that his misery was caused by the Appeal's failure a week or two ago to publish a picture of B'Sghetti's along with those of three other participants in the " Taste of Downtown" extravaganza.
B'Sghetti's had won the coveted Best Overall rating for an unprecedented fourth year in a row, but went pictureless in the Appeal while recipients of lesser awards were featured. Small wonder Scott was disconsolate. Lesser men would have crumbled under the devastation of such a slight. Come to think of it, he was crumbling.
My attempts to comfort him failed, but between sobs I was able to learn something that I didn't know, and suspect that many of my fellow Carsonites
aren't aware of. I had always thought that a portion of the ticket price went to the establishments providing the food to help cover their expense. Not so.
Every participating eatery donates everything they serve and absorbs the cost of the extra staff, decorations and all expenses involved so the entire amount of the ticket price can go to the charity involved; in this case Advocates to End Domestic Violence. The thousand generous Carsonites who paid $25 to sample the goodies and entertainment provided can be gratified to know that nearly all of their contributions, thanks to the equal generosity of the participating establishments, went to the charity.
Although the participants have been mentioned before in the Appeal, I don't think it would be out of place to mention them again. Thanks to: B'Sghetti's- Best Overall. Garabaldi's - Best taste. National Best Sellers - Best atmosphere. Tudor's Cottage - Best shop. Carson City BBQ - Best new discovery, and Fair Warning - Best of the nine participating bands.
Others who gave of their time, efforts and supplied food were: Adele's, Glen Eagles, Juicy's, Red's Old 395 Grill, Carson Cafe Bakery, Ormsby House, Cafe Del Rio, Mom and Pop's BBQ, Carson-Tahoe Hospital, Mo and Sluggo's, The Horseshoe Club, Java Joes and Hong Kong Gardens.
Please show your appreciation to these fine establishments by giving them your patronage and, it wouldn't hurt to tell them how much you enjoyed it so they'll do "Taste of Downtown" again next year. When Carson City does something, it's done with enthusiasm and style - another reason why I love this town.
DENNIS RITCHIE
Carson City