A diamond in the rough.  

Years ago while on a layover, I found an independently owned small business near San Francisco called Gabriel & Daniel's Mexican Grill (250 Anza Blvd, Burlingame, CA 94010).

Gabriel & Daniel's is not fancy, huge, or a corporate franchise by any stretch of the imagination.  In fact, it’s housed in a building that hosts operations for multiple sports fields.  It's off the beaten path…almost hidden. The cook there, and he is there every single time I’ve visited, is an artist.  Not only is the food great, but every dish is meticulously decorated with various designs that encourage goodness in life! 

When Elizabeth came along on a work trip, there was a plethora of places I wanted to show her.  Gabriel & Daniel's was the first stop.  Not surprisingly, she loved it.  There was even a specialty aviator dessert!  We present to you... the '7churro7', (like the 747, but edible, of course)!

Quick side story - one day I went in for lunch.  I’m a repeat customer.  I’d be back….again and again.  When I arrived, there was a line of several people waiting to order and the kitchen was hopping.  I approached the cashier (who is always SO NICE) and ordered, and just mentioned that they didn’t need to make 'it pretty'. I was already sold, I knew how great it was, and loved it, but I hoped they’d take the time on the next customer and get them to come back too!  Well, the cook is but a few feet from the cashier and turned around with an ever present smile and said, “No, no…it's no problem!”  Sure enough, the food came out and (look below)it was just as beautifully embellished as always.  

Reminder… or ‘molé’ of the story:  Be Small & Mighty, always present your best, and make someone smile at every opportunity!