Jason M

Ok, story time. On Father's Day 2016 I was out to brunch with a friend in Park Slope and I brought my then new puppy Stevie Nicks. Midway through the meal a young woman and an older man were seated next to us. He was wearing a bucket hat and sunglasses. After a few minutes they both start asking me questions about my dog, then start petting her, then start playing with her, then ask if we can combine tables. Thought it was kind of forward but whatever. We talk a bunch about pet ownership and about how bad they both want a dog but can't due to work travel. In fact, they had just gotten back from a business trip. I tell them they should just do it. It was all very pleasant. Throughout the meal the man didn't look up much and when he spoke it was mostly in hushed tones. Just thought he was shy or quiet, or maybe sick. Its New York so you encounter weird stuff all the time. Until, for just a brief moment, his voice broke out in excitement. I looked at my friend a bit puzzled, he looked back at me. The voice was unmistakeable. It was in that moment that we both realized we were having brunch with SIR PATRICK STEWART. He could tell he was outted. But we played it cool, he played it cool, we all ate together and then went our separate ways. I later realized the "business travel" he had just come back from was filming Logan. I often forget about the encounter but a few years later there were a bunch of pieces that were written about him and his wife and their love of fostering pitbulls and it made me happy. Can't help but feel like my encouragement played a small, small part in their decision to do so. Anyway, rest easy Sir Patrick Stewart. My dad was the biggest Next Generation fan and I'll always treasure how Captain Picard loved my dog.