One of my favorite places to visit when I am back in Cincinnati, Ohio is Sebastian’s.  Sebastian’s is a cozy Greek diner that overflows with hospitality. The food is delicious and Alex the owner always treats you like a long-term friend. Although I have known him for a long time, these days I only get there only a few times a year, but am always greeted with the same warm welcome.

The last time I was there,  I could help but pay attention as Alex prepared my lunch and noticed how he interacts with his customers. He is often very busy but will offer a question to everyone: “What are you up to today?” “How was your holiday?”  “How’s your work these days?”  or simply. “How is it going?” This often opens the door for a deeper conversation and sometimes engages others the whole restaurant in conversation.