Gabriella's, Bedford, Virginia, January 29, 2004

Gabriella's is a cozy Italian Restaurant in small-town Bedford Virginia.  It's run by an Italian family - some immigrants, some first- and second-generation American, all moved from New York.  Great people, great food, great atmosphere.

One of the best parts of this gig is the last little bit of the drive, during which I get to wander along the Blue Ridge Parkway through national forest.  I love Appalachia.

This is the sink in my motel room.  It is identical to the sink from my old apartment when I lived in Knoxville, TN.  One of my favorite things about my Knoxville apartment was the bathroom reminded me of a motel bathroom.  That's right: my apartment bathroom reminded me of home.

The restaurant is right next to the motel, so I wander in early for some food.  I have some incredible chicken parmesan, then Roxanne, the bartender, hooks me up with desert to take back to my room and eat when a spot in my stomach empties out.  Tiramisu ...... mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

This is great: the plastic ware comes with two forks.  To be sure one uses proper etiquette when eating off of plastic.

I get to work with my friend Pat Miller!  I've worked his Blacksburg, VA room a lot, but this is the first time I've done a show on the road with him.

Here's Pat's friend, Kevin, who showed up for the festivities.

Here's Bonnie!  And on the right is her alter-ego, Roxanne.

Bonnie working the bar.

Gianfranco -- the boss man.  Gabriella's is named after his daughter.

Some of the regulars.

My bar napkin drawing after the show, autographed, and in the hands of the sap who actually wanted it.

A photo from my departure.  The Appalachians are a prominent (and breath-taking) view from anywhere in Bedford.

Another photo taken from my car window as I leave Bedford.