Graham Reid

Lucio pauses mid-stride as he passes my table and then – perhaps because he can recognise the colour and bouquet, or maybe he cheated and peaked at my order – says enthusiastically, “Ah, but you are drinking a wine from my region, Liguria”.

He claps his hands gently then stares at me for a moment.

What happens next is beyond cheating and peaking: “But you are my friend from New Zealand,” he says as if we have known each other a lifetime.

I had only been to Lucio Galletto's restaurant in Sydney's Paddington once before and that had been at least six months previous. Either Lucio had a remarkable memory or I stood out in a crowd, because on that occasion I had been with a large group of artists and gallery patrons.

Read more: http://www.elsewhere.co.nz/travelstories/3772/sydney-australia-family-friends-and-fine-dining/