Local eatery gets thanks from family
Last weekend, we discovered Libertyville is a community of kind, compassionate people.
On Friday (Jan. 4), our son graduated from basic training from the Great Lakes Naval Station. My husband, daughter and I traveled to northern Illinois to attend the ceremony and to celebrate this important but bittersweet occasion (bittersweet since we don't know what his future will hold).
After the morning ceremony and a day spent playing tourists, we were pressed for time to return him to base.
We stopped at Trattoria Pomigliano on Milwaukee Avenue hoping to grab a quick bite. The restaurant was packed. One woman waited at the concierge stand with her children for her husband to park the car so they could be seated at the lone available table. The hostess, with a smile on her face that lit her eyes, turned to my husband and asked, "How many?" He explained our circumstances and that we were in a hurry as he wasn't sure how long the drive to Great Lakes would take.
The woman waiting with her young children said, "Give them our table." To you, kind lady, we offer our heartfelt thanks. You were probably anxious to sit down and enjoy a special meal, yet you selflessly gave up your seats to strangers.
The hostess seated us and sent the waiter over right away. He was a prince and rushed our food right out. We had ordered some soup, an appetizer and a slice of tiramisu for my son, but other tasty delicacies poured from the kitchen as well -- spaghetti and meatballs, orders of soup for everyone, other appetizers. The hostess, who I suspect may have been the owner, brought these extra treats to our table herself.
Everything was delicious -- my son declared the tiramisu the best that had ever passed through his lips. We couldn't do justice to all the delicacies we were given. To the folks at Trattoria Pomigliano, we say "Thank you" from the bottom of our hearts.
We were no one to you, just some people passing through, but you showed us a great kindness that will not be forgotten. We heard a few horror stories from some of the other recruits. One young sailor was spit on at the Shedd Aquarium. Yet, all we encountered was benevolence, especially in Libertyville. Thanks to all !
Kathleen J. Tretter
Ferdinand, Ind.