Hijacking the Grey Beard Blog by Brent Culver

Earlier this summer Kelly, and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with an amazing surprise party thrown by our daughters.  It was attended by wonderful friends and family - some of whom came from great distance.  We still marvel how Allison and Lauren pulled this off right under our noses – again amazing.

One of the highlights of the party was an incredible gift from our friend Dave which truly brought tears to our eyes. It’s a painting of Caesar's Restaurant in San Francisco.

  

For the Culvers, San Francisco has always been our second home. My father Curt grew up here - one block from Fort Mason, between the Wharf and Marina Districts.  In fact our “Italian family” the Onetos, still reside on this corner.  Whenever visiting the Onetos our favorite place to dine was always Caesar's - the Italian restaurant on the corner of Bay and Powell. 

Caesar's was  commonly called "the place where Italians eat"  Opening in 1956 it soon grew to be a San Francisco classic.  Seven course meals lasting for hours served by waiters in tuxedos named Giovanni, Primo and Gigi, was the norm.  Caesars also featured a gorgeous 100 year old solid wood bar that survived prohibition and likely made many a "Don" proud.  The antipasti, pasta, and desserts were to die for!  Local Italian families typically packed the place but our family from Salem was always welcomed as honorary Italians.  Kisses on both cheeks every time we visited! 

  

In 1983, Kelly, my girlfriend at the time, was introduced to the Oneto family and thereby to Caesar's. She became hooked to the ambiance of family...and the calamari!  Over the years either for pleasure, business, a Niners game or even a Beaver bowl game, we always made a pilgrimage to Caesar's. We introduced our daughters, extended family and travelling friends to this unique San Francisco experience. 

Nothing lasts forever especially in the restaurant business.  Caesar's closed in 2012 - a victim of changing generations and lifestyles no doubt.  Now only a few of my favorite San Francisco haunts remain (like Tommy's Joynt). We will always have the memories and now this incredible painting!!!  (check out the menu-inspired frame)

Thank you Dave...I mean, Grey Beard!

P.S. Both Kelly and I did DNA testing recently and it turned out we are actually 1/5 Italian... Vai a capire! (Go figure!)