Michael Antoniou
With The Moon River Swing & Jazz Band
At The Grape & Grain Pissouri.
Whenever my wife Ntina and I go to see Michael Antoniou perform we are always surprised. The surprise never comes in the form of his performance, that is always spot on, but there are always some tweaks here and there, an ad-lib or two, just to knock off key, that complacent knowledge you think you have the performer.
This, of course, is professionalism of a high standard as it ensures you will want to see the act again, knowing there will always be something a little different each time, refreshing that. However this time the surprise was two-fold and this blog is not just about Michael. It’s about assumptions, and how you can miss out on the good things by relying on your assumption.
We had the good fortune last Friday to be invited to join Michael and his friends for his birthday celebrations which were held at The Grape & Grain Bar in Pissouri, Paphos.
Now, this event really was an event for us, not that we don’t get out, but having lived on the Island for nearly ten years, the last five in Paphos, we have never been to Pissouri and Ntina is Cypriot! Why we have never been tempted to visit this delightful village I have no idea, nevertheless we had passed it by, an error we will certainly rectify in the future. Michaels performance, together with The Moon River Swing & Jazz Band, was, as usual, perfect in every way, I have mentioned on other occasions how the band brings out the best in Michael and gives an extra zing to his performance, and this was certainly the case this night. The band in their own right are a joy to listen to and all are accomplished musicians. It is at venues and performances such as this, with guys like these that you realise how fortunate you are to witness and enjoy real talent, and professionalism
The night’s entertainment was added to by Michaels professional gesture during the evening to invite visiting artist and colleague Dru Chapman, to sing for us. His voice was rich and crisp, it was evident these two guys had a great respect for one another’s talent, and Dru will certainly be on my list to visit when he is performing next.
The second surprise was the venue, `The Grape and Grain Bar.’ Generally, whenever I hear the word `Bar,’ I give the place a wide berth.This is not because I am a prude or snob, far from it, most if not all of my youth was spent in pubs, and my mum’s constant phrase comes to mind; ” you will never have any money while you visit those places” she wasn’t far wrong actually. But they were different in my day, I cannot believe I have just said that, but they were. It’s hard to have a conversation now in today’s establishments, and drink in a glass! Forget it. Anyway, this time my assumptions were way off.
On entering the Grape & Grain, we walked through a well-appointed lounge area to the bar where we greeted with friendly smiles all round we were served very quickly and followed waitress Louise who took us to our table on the terrace area. Whether you’re there for a drink or a chat the terrace/garden offers comfort and atmosphere.
Once at our table, we settled back to enjoy the evening ahead. My drink preference when eating or relaxing is wine, and I was impressed with the wine list, which offered a variety that would put some restaurants to shame. The food menu was of equal variety with something for any taste. I congratulate Proprietors Dave and & Angela on an establishment to be proud of and thank you and your staff for making our evening a delightful one.
And so the evening was a great success, the whole place buzzing with laughter, chatter and music making the place alive. The Grape & Grain will certainly gain further visits from me and Ntina, that’s for sure, and I hope from anyone who reads this blog. If you have yet to pay a visit to Pissouri, or indeed to The Grape & Grain, then do so, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you for reading this blog…John Warner Author/Creator The Tales of Padistan Bear
The Grape & Grain Pissouri Phone: 25 212412 Proprietors Dave & Angela Ward
John Warner Author 