Dear Kid,
Sometimes I worry that you don’t speak another language. Today, I am going to teach you how to speak and interpret Standard Restaurant Arrival Banter. Or possibly Sub-Standard Restaurant Arrival Banter.
The other night (let’s call it Sunday), Grandma and Grandpa and I went out for dinner. Let’s call the restaurant DD Flats.
It was an adorable little place with about a dozen tables half of which were full when we got there.
Because you are a smart college student, I probably do not have to point out that this means that half were empty. As in not occupied.
Shortly after we arrived, we entered into the Standard Restaurant Arrival Banter.
“How many?” [Hello]
“Three.” [We’d like to eat here.]
“Do you have a reservation?” [Let me see if you’re on our List.]
“Um, no.” [Um, half your tables are empty.]
“One minute.” [I don’t care if the tables are empty; you have to wait because you don’t have a reservation.]
“OK. Thank you.” [Fine, but who are we really kidding?]
<Pause>
“Would you like to sit outside?” [Economy seating is available.]
“No.” [It’s a tad chilly for that. But thanks for asking.]
“It will be a 20 minute wait.” [Told you you’d have to wait if you don’t have a reservation.]
“Thank you.” [Seriously? Half of these tables are empty!]
<Pause>
“I checked with the Head Waiter and it will be a 20 minute wait.” [I’m just saying what I’ve been told to say.]
“OK. Thank you.” [Yeah. We heard you the first time. And the tables are still empty.]
EEEE-ventually (and I do mean eventually, but that’s a different story), we were seated and had a very nice dinner.
The two middle tables (which were apparently reserved for a party of 8) remained empty. All night.
Love, Mom
Food photos taken by Grandma. Because she’s better at it than I am.
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