Cynthia's Celebrates 15 Years:
Share Your Proposal Memories!

Did you get engaged at Cynthia's? Email us your story and be entered to win InBloom flowers and a Paducah Main Street commemorative brick! The Cynthia's staff will select the best memory by July 31. Submit your proposal story now!

While we didn't get officially engaged there, Cynthia's most definitely played a major role in our courtship. Some folks know that my now-husband, Bruce Brockenborough, was an old college sweetheart some 20 years ago. We'd had no contact since the night before we both graduated, so you can imagine my surprise to receive a note from him in early December 2003. Very lucky for me, Bruce Googled my name and found me in San Francisco.

The note led to a thank-you call, which led to two years' worth of Southwest Airlines flights back and forth.

During each of my visits to Paducah, we'd always go to Cynthia's. I just loved the friendliness of the staff, the beautiful atmosphere, the way Brett Duwe shakes a martini and, of course, the amazing food. Each evening there, I could always count on seeing Bruce's friends, all of whom quickly became my friends.

Cynthia's was even part of our courtship between visits. When Brett's little brother BZ worked as a waiter, I was so enamored with his accent that Bruce would call and have BZ recite the specials over the phone just so I could hear that accent again.

Getting to know one another's friends and families is such an important piece of any courtship-headed-toward-the-altar. Our many lovely experiences at Cynthia's helped make our two years of dating and our first two-and-a-half years of marriage (and counting!) filled with fun, friendship and love.

Which is why you'll almost always find us coming back for more a couple of times a week.

Happy Anniversary, Cynthia's!
* OK, so Mary is totally disqualified because, you know, she's slightly involved with this site. Everyone else: You're in! Send us your story!

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My favorite Cynthia's memory is easy because it's also one of my favorite moments in my life. It was the evening of July 11, 2003. This was the day when my then-boyfriend, Nate Wilson, asked me to marry him.

I had gotten up from the table to "powder my nose" and when I returned there was champagne at the table. I thought this seemed a little unusual. After all, none of our previous meals at Cynthia's had warranted champagne! I took my seat and at the same moment my boyfriend got on one knee and proposed. People all around were congratulating us. It was so special!

We went back to Cynthia's one year later to celebrate our "engagement anniversary." During our dinner, a bottle of champagne arrived at the table. I looked at my husband and said "that is so sweet." He looked at me sheepishly and said that he hadn't ordered it.

At this time, our waiter said the champagne was from the table behind us. We turned around to see two ladies having dinner. They explained to us that they wanted to do something nice for us because we "looked so in love."

Actually, I guess I have two favorite moments!

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My mother passed away one month shy of my parents' 25th wedding anniversary in 2004. As we all know, losing a loved one is hard, especially during the holiday season. At the time I didn't realize we would be starting an annual tradition, but I took my dad to Cynthia's for dinner sometime around Christmas in 2004. The food and drinks were wonderful, and we had a great bonding and reflecting time. We've gone back to Cynthia's every year since to engage in the past, laugh and talk about fun times and Christmas memories of my mom. Thanks to the wonderful staff, service and atmosphere at Cynthia's, it's an Edwards family holiday tradition.

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"In the spring of 2002, we went to Cynthia's to celebrate my twin sons' graduation from high school. Cynthia's was a favorite of their dad (Bill Hale) for special celebrations. Bill had a gold signet ring when he died (a month before they turned 15).

Not wanting to choose which son should receive his ring, I had their Dad's ring melted down; then I added enough gold to make identical rings. We sat upstairs that evening for a little more privacy, and after dinner they were surprised with the rings. It's a precious memory for me. And of course, they still value the memory and their rings.



Well, without a doubt, my favorite memory has to be my graduation from graduate school on May 12, 2007. Mom flew in to town for the commencement ceremony, which was very nice...but very, very hot. Good thing my fabulous friends had organized a post-graduation hydration hour(s) at Cynthia's!

iDate Brett Duwe greeted Mom with his southern charm asking, "What would you like to drink, darlin'?" She replied in her distinct New Jersey accent, "Ummm, yeah Brett, how about a Pina Colada, honey." Brett said, "Angie, I can't make frozen drinks...I don't have a blender." She replied, "Alright doll, make it a daiquiri!"

In fairness (and respect) for my sweet Catholic mother, I should note that she rarely drinks alcohol except for her annual celebration of the Jewish holiday, Passover, when she indulges in a glass of Manichewitz (pronounced "Man-uh-chevits").

Not wanting to strike out for a third time, she said to Brett, "Manichewitz, please." But Brett heard her say, "Man, a Chivas, please!" So, he poured her a glass of scotch!

All's well that ends well though...a great day, a great restaurant, great friends and my great Mom (who ultimately enjoyed the coldest Coke in Paducah courtesy of Mr. Duwe)!

Thanks for being a special part of my special graduation day, Cynthia's!


Here is my Cynthia's moment – or almost not:

I must preface this entire story with two important points. First, I am not, not, not the most ungrateful person who walks the face of the Earth. And secondly, I am a "foodie" beyond belief.

Cynthia's had been open for nearly two years and I couldn't believe I hadn't been there yet. Some of my friends had been and loved it! I had heard all about the menu, the wine list, the intimate décor, the fabulous art and every last detail. I really, really, really wanted to go. But we were very busy with a toddler, and we just didn't get sitters very often. So I was content at that moment to live vicariously through my friends who had experienced this phenomenal restaurant that was receiving such rave reviews.

Imagine my excitement when my then-husband announced he was taking me to Cynthia's for my 30th birthday! I quickly arranged for one of my good friends to watch my 2-year-old for that evening and then began shopping to find just the perfect new outfit. I was so excited I couldn't wait. I was finally going to experience Cynthia's for myself!

I was more than slightly confused and astonished when I walked in my friend's house to drop off my son and all of my friends popped out to shout, "Surprise!" It was a surprise 30th birthday for me. Of course, I was glad to see everyone but I immediately turned to ask, "Yes this is great! But I am still going to get to go to Cynthia's right?" I was teased about that forever.

And yes, eventually, I did get to go to Cynthia's, and have enjoyed many, many wonderful evenings there since!

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The email to share Cynthia memories is making its way around the country, perhaps even the world, at this point. That fact alone is a testament to how special the restaurant is to so many of us.

I left Paducah over 12 years ago, but memories of many wonderful evenings at Cynthia's have stayed with me over the years. Memories as treasured today as they were over a decade ago. The fact an old Paducah friend would remember my love of the restaurant and forward the email to me after all these years, half a continent away, pretty much says it all.

My memory of Cynthia's is not of one evening, but many wonderful evenings. Whether I was entertaining out-of-town business guests or having dinner with cherished friends, we always left Cynthia's feeling we had just been part of something very special.

So how good is Cynthia's? I've had the opportunity to dine in many wonderful restaurants around the world, but Cynthia's is still my unchallenged favorite. I suspect the restaurant will always remain in that spot for me. Hmm, I need to arrange a visit to Paducah in the near future – If any old friends would like to join me for dinner, you'll find me at my favorite table.

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My favorite memory of Cynthia's is of a recent evening just spent there. The evening of April 24, I was invited by Kathleen Sullivan Cockrel to attend an evening out in honor of her mother! The family had been through a terrible year in 2007, losing two family members. We wanted this evening to be special for Kathleen and her family. And I believe, with Cynthia's help, it was a very special evening.

The room that you gave us was perfect for our group, and we filled it to the max. The food was so delicious and presented beautifully.

But I can't say enough about the two gentleman who took care of us that evening. They couldn't have been more attentive to us. It turned out to be a special evening for me, as well, because I made some new friends that night who were willing to listen to the problems that I'm having in my life.

We closed the room down, and I feel I made a new good friend in one of your employees who chimed in with our conversation after he was finished with his work. And all of the conversation with new friends was very helpful, needed and appreciated.

Your staff goes above and beyond!

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My favorite memory was Valentine's Day of 2007. My girlfriend and I experienced one of the most incredible meals we have ever had.

We started with a bottle of wine and a wonderful lobster appetizer. I can't ever begin to describe the main course. There were so many different flavors that complimented each other. Bill is so creative.

We topped it off with a chocolate dessert that was so rich and delicious, we could only moan.

This meal was so special because I experienced it with my dream girl. She is no longer a part of my life, which has made me a very sad man. But I will always cherish our time together, and especially that night! I pray, every day, that God will return her to me. And if He does, I will be quick to take her back to Cynthia's.

I am thankful to Bill, Cindy and their staff for bringing some first-class food to Paducah.

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Several years ago, Oscar and I had reservations at Cynthia's for our 30th wedding anniversary. Our daughter, Amy, had secretly called from Dayton to make our dinner her treat.

Just as we drank our first sip of wine, Jim came over to the table - of course we're thinking we're about to hear the fabulous dinner offerings - and quietly and ever so calmly, whispered, "The kitchen is on fire and the fire department is coming!"

So we grabbed our wine and marched out the door with the other patrons. Everyone congregated on the sidewalk, except for one single female patron who never left her seat at the bar. She stayed to finish her delicious dinner, with firemen racing in and out!

With sirens blaring, the firemen continued to rush in with heavy gear and drippy hoses to put out the fire in the back. George and Lana Sirk were also on the sidewalk with us. It was quite the memorable evening!

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I actually have two stories, one romantic, and one kind of funny.

#1. My wife, Kim, and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary with dinner at Cynthia's, as is our tradition, about 10 years ago. We were having a nice romantic dinner upstairs. We ordered dessert and when the waiter came out they had the dessert in a covered dish. When I removed the cover, much to my surprise, there was a new wedding ring. I had lost my original ring several years earlier.

#2. My wife was turning 40. The evening was all planned out. We were going to eat at Cynthia's of course, to be followed by an evening of dancing with our best friends. I was the DD. After dinner and a couple of bottles of wine, I received a phone call that someone wanted to see a duplex we had for rent. Kim didn't want to go as they were all having too much fun and we were supposed to meet some other friends down at the Silver Saddle after dinner.

We told her the interested party was from out of town and were leaving after they looked at the duplex and that it wouldn't take long. I told her she could just wait at the house with our friends while I showed it and then we could leave and go to the Saddle.

Finally we got out of Cynthia's (still finishing off the wine, ya know) and made our way home. We pulled in our garage and I finally got her to go into the house where she was met by about 20 friends yelling "SUPPRISE."

We had successfully pulled the party off without her knowing what was going on. We had a great evening.

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Our daughter Shelley was shot through her neck in the Heath shooting. She stayed in the hospital for 10 days. We were exhausted.

We received a phone call that an anonymous someone wanted us to go to dinner as their treat to Cynthia's. We didn't know if we could summon the energy to get dressed to go out. We went. It was the first thing we did that was not directly involved with Shelley's care.

We will always remember that dinner as very, very special. It felt like the beginning of being able to say, All will be well. Not the same as before. Different, but good. And all is well.

Whenever we see your ads in the paper, or walk by, or someone mentions they have plans at Cynthia's or we go in to eat, we are filled with good thoughts of that night. Thank you. Bill, Cynthia, Brett and the Gang,

When you opened, I knew it was going to be a huge success! And, that was without the wood burning oven. Imagine that!

I would love to tell you my favorite story/memory; however, the people/person involved would probably be embarrassed. There have been so many great times that I'd better not even try to narrow them down to one.

Thanks for the memories.

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Mike and I moved from the Chicago area and retired in the Kentucky Lake area in 2001. That first year, we asked our building contractor for a recommendation on where to celebrate our anniversary. He told us about Cynthia's. What a treat!!

We have returned every year on August 15 for our anniversary, except for one year when a big party was being held there and we had to go somewhere else. Gloom!

We enjoy the knowledgeable waiters, the wonderful food (my personal favorite is Cynthia's Salad) and the charming atmosphere. We sit at a different table each year. We look forward to coming again this year!

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We were new to Paducah, and it was my wife's birthday. Someone at work told me about a gourmet restaurant downtown named Cynthia's. I'd never heard of it but they told me the food was wonderful. At the time, my children were 6 and 10. However, they were taught not to run around a restaurant. Eating at a fine establishment wasn't an issue. That is, except for the youngest. He was a very picky eater and very specific in his meals.

I phoned the restaurant in the afternoon and a gentleman answered. I told him I had a picky eater and asked if the restaurant had a children's menu. He said they didn't, but they could put together whatever he would like to eat. Perhaps some pasta with cheese or grilled chicken.

I then asked him about the desserts for the evening. He listed them off and could tell I was concerned. He asked me what the problem was. I told him we were coming down to celebrate my wife's birthday and she was a chocoholic and none of the desserts were chocolate.

He said, "I'll take care of it." Later I would find out I had been talking to Bill Gardner, proprietor and chef.

The boys enjoyed dressing up for mom's birthday, selecting sport coats and ties for the occasion. We arrived at the restaurant and perused the menu. As my wife was reading hers I slipped a case with a diamond wave pattern bracelet under it. When she finally looked up she found it and opened it. She was very delighted in my purchase.

Our waiter was Jim, and I'm sure he came to the table with a bit of trepidation seeing the youngsters. He needn't worry as he would soon find out. Taking our order, he was introduced to my youngest, who was full of vim and vinegar. "I want pasta, no sauce, with butter and parmesan cheese. Only. No sauce. And grilled chicken on it," he stated, pointing toward Jim to emphasize every part of the order.

Jim looked up at us and said, "Well, yes sir!"

We enjoyed our dinner and my youngest was enjoying the bartender, chit-chatting with her as he went for refills. His Shirley Temple was filled with cherries due to his schmoozing. And I do mean filled!

As the meal was drawing to a close, a gentleman approached the table. He and his wife had been sitting at a table by the door in view of ours. He said, "I don't mean to intrude, but are you celebrating something tonight?"

I said, "Yes, it's my wife's birthday."

He said, "Well, my wife and I have had a great time watching you and these two fine young men. We've enjoyed watching you celebrate, and your dessert this evening is on us."

I said thank you as they departed without even getting their names.

Jim came back to the table to inquire if we were ready for dessert. Remember the conversation I'd had on the phone? He came out with four ramekin dishes filled with a fallen chocolate soufflé, a chocolate-something center and chocolate drizzled over it. I believe the chocoholic in my wife was completely sated that evening. Or she was in a diabetic coma from chocolate overload.

Thus was the first of many ventures to Cynthia's, a delightful haven in downtown Paducah.

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