Deep Captions
Eat, Drink and Be Merry.
By far one of the most enjoyable pieces to work on. After being a server and “foodie” of sorts, I chose to highlight one of my favorite restaurants, Sava’s and Ashley’s. Fortunately, with the help of my best friends and some of the most personable waitstaff I’ve ever met, the product was deeply enriching and exciting. This essay is meant to be told like a story with the hopes that the reader lusts to be within arms reach of the subjects.
Beyond the draft: Minimal changes in captions were made to this assignment since it was designed with a strong background in photo journalism. With the help of techniques learned while working on my high school yearbook and college newspaper, I was able to strengthen the captions from the beginning. Small grammatical changes were made to gain clearer understanding from the reader, these were made almost immediately, so the progress is not shown here. However, I took a completely black and white standpoint for the final revised draft, and the result is vastly different in the perceived environment of the subjects. [original work can be found here.]
Sabrina Masciulli, student teacher in Livonia, MI, meets with friend Haley Johnston of 8 years to explore Ann Arbor with dinner and drinks. Haley is visiting her hometown of Northville, MI while in town for fall break from Indiana University Law School. Sabrina and Haley met in high school and have remained close since age 14.
Sabrina opens her menu at Sava’s restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor. Sabrina begins her night with a glass of cabernet sauvignon and Sava’s well-known southwestern chicken salad. This is her first time eating at State Street’s fine dining establishment.
Sava’s waitress Janelle suggests the speciality wine of the night to newcomer Sabrina. Janelle has been a part of the restaurant’s staff for a year and feeds off the customers and her co-workers in order to enjoy her work experience. “I just love working with people,” Janelle expressed with a smile.
Bartender Erin laughs as roommate Janelle speaks of her photo being taken while serving. Erin and Janelle are currently roommates. “There’s a joke around here that Sava’s says I came with the lease,” Erin comments. Erin has been an employee with the restaurant since it’s opening in August 2009 and is known for being its longest standing employee.
Waiter Dave sports his Van’s sneakers while serving on a Wednesday evening. The waitstaff is encouraged to add Van’s to their ensemble in order to keep a casual, cool environment to an upscale dining experience. “Go Tigers!” he cheers as he returns to work while the girls head to their next destination.
Sabrina moves down State Street after dinner to one of Ann Arbor’s most famous beer bars, Ashley’s. Being a bartender herself, Sabrina enjoys branching out and testing seasonal brews such as Blue Point Pumpkin Ale.
Caught beerhanded.
Sabrina blows Ashley’s waiter JP a kiss as he slinks into the table’s beer avoiding snapshots. JP’s shirt capitalizes on the bar’s reputation for having 50+ beers on tap at all time by coining the phrase ‘I’d Tap That’ on the back.
JP makes customers feel welcome with his easy to talk to approach to service. JP talks with Sabrina and Haley about their night noting that Janelle and Erin of Sava’s are good friends of his. “The two of them are the best! We all hang out all the time. It’s great working in Ann Arbor with them,” JP spoke of the Sava’s roommates.