PROVIDENCE, RI
April 24, 2010

STRANGER: Bob Black
LOCATION: Andreas, 268 Thayer Street, Providence, RI
THEME: Dinner with a realtor/blogger

Bob Black has a lot to say.

It helps explain why the busy realtor has three blogs. It also explains why he proved to be good dinner company, because his ability to touch on any topic that comes to mind, and to do so in an engaging way, protects against any awkward pauses in conversation.

Sometimes when I meet strangers for a meal I wonder whether they’ll be reticent, with little to say, or incredibly shy about the whole situation.

With Bob, I knew I wouldn’t have that problem.

It was a Saturday night in Providence and I was running late for our interview, having taken a few wrong turns on my walk to Andreas Greek restaurant. But only a few minutes after schedule I found the place on the bustling Thayer Street. “Bustling” seems like a throwaway word to describe an area, but it’s perfect to describe the scene. The pavements were crowded, every restaurant and bar overflowing, and most people having a good time.