Restaurants are where stories unfold, memories are made, and connections deepen. For ATR clients Maggie and Jacob, The Milton in New York City was a backdrop for one of those special stories, one that began over dinner and blossomed into a lasting love.
I had the privilege of hearing Maggie and Jacob’s story firsthand, and it’s one of many that inspires my work. Their connection to The Milton, their favorite restaurant on the Upper East Side, led them to commission a print to commemorate their shared memories. This hand-drawn print now hangs in their home, a visual reminder of their journey together. Here’s a little more about the love story behind The Milton print and what makes it such a special gift.
There’s something about The Milton that feels like home — a warmth and charm that welcomes you from the moment you walk in. It’s the kind of restaurant where the hustle of the city outside fades away as you step into its inviting atmosphere, with its relaxed vibe and classic charm. With its dim lighting, exposed brick, and intimate setting, it’s no wonder The Milton has earned a reputation for being a place where special moments unfold. (Its American, Irish, and English-inspired menu options are an added bonus for the foodies who choose to dine here.)
For Maggie and Jacob, it became the place where their relationship blossomed and a pivotal chapter in their love story was written. They had been friends since teenagers where they met at their church youth group in Augusta, GA. Their paths diverged for a while until they were both in their early 30s.
Fast forward to 2019, when Maggie was living in NYC. Jacob had a work trip there, so they decided to meet up at The Milton for a casual date. It was the backdrop where they shared a meal, caught up on each other’s lives, and lingered in each other’s company late into the night. It’s the place that helped shape the pivotal moment when they moved from “acquaintances” to “something more.”
As Maggie said, “After Jacob left on the train that night, I was like, “Oh, my gosh! Something is different about this. Like he doesn't feel like my friend anymore. And I was wanting to explore becoming more.” So, they started dating and Jacob proposed to her in Paris. And the rest is history.
Since that initial first date, Maggie and Jacob frequently revisited The Milton to continue their ritual of cozy meals and shared laughs. These are the kind of moments that stay with you, long after the last bite.
After they moved to Nashville, it was natural that they wanted to immortalize that special spot with a keepsake they could hang in their new home. So, they purchased a hand-drawn restaurant print of The Milton penned by yours truly. They both saw it as a way to keep their special place alive despite the distance.
What makes a hand-drawn print so powerful is that it captures the essence of a place: the characters of the waitstaff, the hum of conversation, the clinking of glass. These are the things that make The Milton so memorable for Maggie and Jacob. When they look at the print, they revisit a special moment in their love story.
A hand-drawn print of a meaningful restaurant makes the perfect gift for engagements, anniversaries, or just because. It’s a gift that’s personal and meaningful, crafted with care, and designed to last. Whether you’re looking to surprise your partner with a piece of your shared history or want to commemorate a beloved family restaurant, these prints have the power to evoke emotions every time they’re looked at.
Take a cue from Maggie and Jacob. Hand-drawn restaurant prints are a way to keep memories alive on the wall — whether it's a gift for your partner, a housewarming gesture, or a way to honor a favorite spot in your life. Explore the collection or request a commission to start celebrating (and showcasing) the places that matter.
