Gatsby’s was one of the classier restaurants in Toronto’s gay village of the 1990s. With entertaining cabaret dinners and delicious cuisine, it was one of the favourite romantic dining experiences for many. In operation since 1969, the family run restaurant was touted as a place “ for a night of fantasy that will take you back to the roaring 20′s.” One could have a romantic dinner by candle light surounded by Victorian Decor. It has since been replaced by a predominantely drag and tranny bar called George’s Play - affectionately known as “Play on Church”. I’m not exactly sure why they went out of business, and the location changed hands, but the memories of that night in Gatsby’s restaurant remain an important moment in their relationship.
As Gary was still getting to know David, Gary thought it would be an ideal romantic place to celebrate David’s birthday with a cabaret dinner - considering David’s amateur musical theatre background in performances like Evita and West Side Story, and semi-professional performances dancing and singing at Canada’s Wonderland for a summer in the late 80s.
The evening didn’t disappoint with strolling table-side musicians and a cabaret mix of operatic, classical, jazz, and broadway singing.
Although neither one of them can remember what they had for dinner that night, they both knew something delicious and special was cooking up in the relationship department. And since it was David’s birthday after-all, Gary decided to surprise David with a “little gift” – a new watch (eventually lost on a trip in Miami and later replaced – but that’s another story). Engraved on the back of the watch was a lovely sentiment “D heart G” or “D ♥ G” which, if you looked at it quickly, appeared to spell DOG!
***Wait until you hear about our tattoos – which were much better thought out initial-wise, and before the popularity of Dolce & Gabbana’s D&G (we claim it first)*** – but again – that’s another story!
Apart from the “cute initials” sentiment, David was surprised that someone he had only known for barely two weeks would buy him such an expensive birthday gift. Gary wondered, was it too soon to give something of greater value to someone who seemed more than just another fling? Yet, there was something about David that Gary had never felt with someone else before, a connection that went beyond mere lust - not to mention the great gay Gatsby’s impression that David made on Gary that night. Either way, Gary decided to take the chance – and he’s still glad he did!
It was also a personal moment of transition (perhaps loss?) for David as he replaced his old watch given to him by his ex-partner with the new one given by Gary. Painful? Symbolic? It was the first of many future surprises and transitions to come. It was also the first time David had an entire cabaret opera cast sing him happy birthday – more birthday firsts in later posts!
More importantly – it was their first time celebrating David’s birthday together, and as the song on the cabaret play-list suggested…’twas a grand night at Gatsby’s! A great place to fall in love!
‘Twas a grand night at Gatsby’s
Our songs were flying high
You see how our stars who have studied afar
Have sung out their hearts here tonight.
‘Twas a grand night at Gatsby’s
And you were here tonight
The room was aglow and to add to the show
We hope you have fallen for us
Fallen, fallen, for us.
Maybe ’twas more than our song
Maybe ’twas more than you heard
Maybe the music has swept us away on a night
Too lovely for words
Maybe ’twas more than the wine
Maybe ’twas more than the food
Maybe the reason we’re singing so well
Had something to do with you!
‘Twas a grand night at Gatsby’s
Our song “still” flying high
And now we do hope you will come back again
So bring your friends and stop by.
‘Twas a grand night at Gatsby’s
Our songs we sang tonight
The room was aglow and to add to our show
We hope you have fallen in love
Fallen, fallen in love.
And perhaps we did that night!
