It is a curious thing watching your wife fully enjoying a thorough massage from another man, especially when it happens in a place where you least expect it.
I haven't visited too many restaurants on Hvar this summer - projects elsewhere meant I covered less of the island than usual - but one place I have been spending a little more time is at Me and mrs Jones in Jelsa. Now in its seventh year, Jones has become a firm favourite with many, offering quality cuisine and very personal service from Josipa and the team.
I was there a few months ago with a film crew from Croatian national television, and the HRT presenter summed it up perfectly after lunch (and then went back for three nights in a row):
"I have been to many restaurants all over Croatia, but here is one where everything is done out of love."
A perfect summary of the Jones experience. As Josipa is part of the extended family I married into, I often pop in for a chat over a cold one during the day. There is a very polite giant of a man called Dario who looks after the bar expertly adn efficiently, and his quiet and polite efficiency behind the scenes is surely one of the reasons the restaurant has had such a successful summer.
But this young man has several versatile talents apart from looking after the drinks. At a large birthday celebration for 40 Australians this summer, Dario was busy sorting the drinks orders when he was asked if he could sing a tune for the birthday girl. I had no idea what was coming next, but listen to it yourselves below, just one of a few great numbers he produced for a very appreciative audience. One of the highlights of the night.
Posted by Paul Bradbury on Sunday, 6 September 2015
And about that massage. Having popped in for a cold one, my wife joined after work, complaining of stress. Young Dario promptly gave her such a detailed and relaxing massage that she completely forgot about her stress and her husband. So as to even things out a bit, he then proceeded to do the same to me, and we left a lot more relaxed than we entered. Go in for a beer, come out with a massage, Me and mrs Jones is that kind of place. Where everything is done out of love.
Thank you Dario, Sir, for your excellent service throughout the summer, from cold ones to music and massage. My wife tells me I will be in touch to learn your technique.
