Celebrate with us!

Grace started working as a hostess at The Mark after moving back to NYC in 2020 and was immediately taken by the handsome, well-dressed sommelier named Joseph. After a few months, she finally worked up the courage to ask him out. Joe was surprised and slightly hesitant since he himself was anti-coworker dating, but he decided that she would be worth it. While both were certainly interested, the first date was postponed at least thrice. The first time there was a snowstorm. The second time both decided it would be too cold to eat outside, as NYC was only offering outdoor dining...in the dead of winter. The third time a friend of Grace's was in a crisis. As the saying goes, third times the charm. Both figured this was the universe's way of saying that it wasn't meant to be. Grace decided to leave The Mark in March 2021. While chatting with Joe, she explained she would start work around the corner at Sant Ambroeus. Joe was elated and asked if she had gone to one of their sister restaurants, mentioning that he was a huge fan of Felice right by his apartment. In a unusually suave moment, Grace remarked, "Well I guess you'll have to take me sometime." Another date was set, and they both promised they would not bail! March 24th, 2021. A cold, rainy day in NYC (indoor dining allowed again thankfully). Grace met Joe at Felice and they settled into their cozy table. Grace barely ate anything that night because Joe was such good conversation. They bonded over an intensely nerdy love of How I Met Your Mother and mused over places they have travelled. Grace knew that this was someone she wanted to pursue when Joe took her through his previous life. He was unhappy with his job and chose to start a new career in wine and hospitality where he could feel truly passionate. Grace was taken back by how brave and confident he was to follow his dreams, something she herself is trying to do as well. Grace and Joe both consider it to be the best first date either of them have ever been on. The rest is history!