We know the Grimalldi Restaurant at East Dean very well, as do other members of our family circle. A superb place.
Instead of writing a review which is totally unnecessary for such a nice place, I append a copy of the poem I constructed after a party for my eightieth birthday celebration . . .
Came a Sunday in December - the 16th to be sure;
A day before a milestone date affecting Granddad Ron.
Dinner at Grimaldi's - now who could want for more !
Certainly 'twas not a case of being put upon . . .
True to boy scout fashion, our Bev and John prepared,
Mustering the family - a secret all to hold.
Surprise would be the ultimate that they would then have shared;
Granddad Ron would not detect - was never to be told !
On Saturday, the day before, came Bev-n-John-n-Edd,
Agreeably announcing that tomorrow they'd eat out.
A celebration meal - and nothing else would then be said.
A cosy meal for five - 'twould be fine without a doubt.
"There's nothing like a corner in Grimaldi's at East Dean"
Thought granddad as he contemplated times there gone before.
A well done place providing always quite a pleasant scene;
And certainly enough to eat - never wanting more.
That was it then, all's arranged; Grimaldi's they could meet;
But first a visit would be paid as they were on their way,
By Bev and John to Netty's house, before they came to eat.
Granddad Ron had not a clue that this would be his day !
Arriving at the car park was a full house to behold.
"We can squeeze in by the restlaurant" Grandma Joy remarked.
As was sometimes such the case, Granddad wouldn't be told.
It wasn't long before he'd found a place and the car was parked.
Walking up the path towards Grimaldi's place of eating,
Granddad mused how long t'would be that Bev, John and Edd would take.
(He knew of Netty's nattering). How long before they're eating.
Meanwhile Grandma wondered what impression they would make !
Knowledge of arrangements held so strong in Grandma's mind,
Gave a sense of pleasure at what surely they would meet.
They'd all be there - a rare event - and the finest food to eat.
Yes - she knew - she knew all right - the lady oh so kind !
In the door stood waiting, our man who was in charge;
"Upstairs" said he `'for Spicer." granddad was slightly puzzled.
He didn't normally suffer from the whisky he had guzzled!
Oh well, he'd been here times before - was held in some regard . . . ?
Up the stairs and to the door, slightly open, strange face showing.
Must be the other room he pondered, audibly remarking.
Grandma knew much differently - up wrong tree he was barking !
Slightly shoved and through the door - he once again was knowing !
Surprise, surprise, they were all there, a room of smiling faces.
What pleasure, what emotion - an overwhelming event.
Not just Bev-n-John-n-Edd were there, occupying places.
The room was full of family - strong feeling deep was rent.
Grinning Barry - Baz to some - with obvious elation,
Said loudly to the gathered group in voice that was so clear,
"Granddad saying nothing - now that is some occasion!"
Granddad didn't care. He liked it all, just being here !
And so a day so pleasant passed; a day to long time treasure;
A day that Granddad Ron will for ever then remember.
With Grandma Joy so caring and so secretive as well,
There was no way, no way at all that Granddad Ron could tell.
A thank you then, to one and all for showing such devotion;
For showing how the family group is clearly much together;
For proving how togetherness can rouse such sweet emotion.
Me, I'm Granddad Ron - and I'll remember it forever !
Olesplice.