The other day, I was cooking at an elaborate special event in New Jersey. The adrenaline was pumping. In the frenzy of activity, I felt close to my “old friends”: the energy, the aromas, the heat, the pressure of the kitchen. After scrutinizing and adjusting every dish, I walked out on the floor and was greeted so kindly, so warmly---by quite a few of you---that my heart nearly burst.
I realized at that moment just how much I have missed cooking these last fourteen months; and, even more; how much I have missed all of you.
For more than sixteen years, hundreds of thousands of you honored and delighted me by sharing your life’s most special moments with us at the Ryland Inn. Cooking in such ideal circumstances as prevailed at the Ryland tends to insulate one from the vagaries of real life. At the Ryland, celebration was the norm, pain the aberration. Over time, many deep friendships evolved.
For the last fourteen months, I have been entrenched in a struggle to overcome obstacles and reopen the Ryland. Self-centeredly, I for a time lost my connection with the vital purpose of it all: to serve.
The event the other day got me thinking that I am surely not the only person facing difficulties. Perhaps some of you (hopefully very few) might be in the midst of great challenges or loss. Therefore, I thought it fitting to share a message of inspiration which has helped me a great deal of late.
This version was found written on a wall inside the home that Mother Theresa ran for needy children in Calcutta...
DO IT ANYWAY
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
Hoping to be cooking for you all soon,
Craig
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Comments
Le plus de choses change...
...le plus ils restent le même!
And despite the adversity, clearly you are the same mensch--a lovely and generous gentleman and scholar--you have always been.
We have missed you greatly on the NJ food scene and hope to see you again soon. As always, we'd be honored to do anything we can for you.
Truly, our best wishes,
Vicki & Steve
Posted by: Vicki & Steve Caparulo, | Apr 15, 2008 08:51:52 AM
unclaimed gift certificate
To Whom It May Concern,
My husband purchased a $300 gift certificate for the Ryland Inn and we were unable to use it before the closing. Is there any way that we can be refunded the value of the gift certificate?
Thanks,
Melinda
Posted by: Melinda Bariso, | Apr 15, 2008 13:42:15 PM
Gift Certificate from my children
My 2 children saved their hard earned money and purchased a $200.00 gift certificate for the Ryland Inn and presented it to me and my husband as a Christmas Gift prior to its closing. I truly hope that the Ryland Inn reopens, it's a landmark in the area. Also, I would only hope that if Ryland Inn does not reopen that the "special" gift my children gave to us does not go unrecognized or refunded in some way. We are all very concerned about the whole issue. I check the status page often, but there is no new information regarding "gift certificate refunds" only that they will be honored. When? Also, more of a concern is that the Ryland Inn is up for sale. If you have any information that can help with this issue, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Linda
Posted by: Linda , | Apr 15, 2008 22:04:27 PM
Right back at you
Craig - We look forward to your return as well. Your fans have not forgotten your work.
Posted by: Danielle, | Apr 23, 2008 20:26:45 PM
gift certificates
I have repeatedly stated that in every deal we have considered, whether a partnership, lease-back, or any other form, honoring gift certificates was an absolute requirement. However, as a further assurance, it should be pointed out that it is the law that all creditors, both secured and unsecured be satisfied before the seller can profit.
I have been using C.B. Richard Ellis, the world's largest & most esteemed commercial real estate brokerage firm to assist me in finding the right sort of person/partner for the best outcome possible - balancing the interests of the owner, the community, the lender, etc.
It is a very special property, which deserves a special kind of stewardship.
Posted by: Craig Shelton, | Apr 24, 2008 15:47:57 PM
Miss the Ryland, Chef and the customers..
Dear Craig,
Been a while since I have seen you or talked, but I have certainly missed performing at the piano for you and all the lovely customers at the Ryland, many that have become dear friends. I have kept you, the staff and all in my thoughts and prayers as you seek a resolution to the situation. Know that many people are thinking of you and hoping for the best for all. The Ryland is a one-of-a kind that can never be replaced, and I for one, miss it terribly. I miss our conversations on music and life and hope that one day soon they can be resumed and well as the wonderful art of food that you serve that no one has matched.
I can only imagine how difficult this has been, but I am sure that soon, somehow, all will be well and Sir Frank will be back singing, and Fritz will be holding court and Bob and I will be back at the Yamaha... All the best
Jerry Kozic
Posted by: Jerry Kozic, | Apr 28, 2008 06:09:50 AM
The Ryland Inn and Craig Shelton
It breaks my heart to think that an artist like Chef Shelton has had to undergo some of the same trials that I and probably some other Ryland Inn regulars have had to endure. Since I left the area in 2004 I have been back to that wonderful restaurant at least twice and have been wondering what was going on. The Ryland Inn was my favorite restaurant of the many I have sampled in New Jersey, New York, the continental US and Europe. Mr. Shelton always made mew feel welcome and was most generous in every way when I experienced a reversal of fortune. The many great dinners, chats, and personal friendship moments I will always hold dear and I look forward to being able to dine with you again.
Posted by: James Beal, | Apr 28, 2008 13:40:57 PM
The Ryland
Friends,
When, I was a young boy my father thought it wise to prepare me for adversity, though he surely hoped, like all fathers that I might be spared much of it. I remember his thoughtful cadence and nuanced pitch as he read aloud to me Kipling's poem, "If".
I am touched by the kind sentiments of all of you who remind me that the Ryland was never about the money. There were sublime moments of real connection.
I feel a sense lately of peaceful confidence that the Ryland will emerge from these tribulations with a new deeper purpose.
With great gratitude,
Craig
Posted by: Craig Shelton, | Apr 29, 2008 19:16:27 PM
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