Restaurant Experience From Hell?

Another need to vent .... I was in the "Cities" this week visiting Kelly. During the day I put the top down on the convertible (thanks, Doug) and drove to somewhere (not a "chain") to eat. I had an "interesting" experience on Wednesday and I had a "not so good" experience on Thursday. I'll focus on my Thursday trip today. First, I had trouble finding the suburb I wanted (not a good start and certainly MY fault). But once I got to the area I wanted I drove easily to the restaurant where I wanted to eat. (Jan & I had eaten there before...) I got a great table on "the patio" that looked directly out on the marina. I was in the shade life was good..... that was about to change. After a short wait (5 minutes) I was able to "catch" a waitress and ordered a beer, a water, a "black & blue" burger, and fries. How long is a wait for your food (non-noon rush) before it becomes excessive??? Think about this before reading on .....

I didn't wait 20 minutes.... nor 25 minutes.... nor 30 minutes.... nor 35 minutes..... but 40 minutes - not once seeing my waitress to ask if I needed another beer or explain why my order was taking so long. (Maybe they had to catch the cow before taking it to be slaughtered?) Anyway after 40 minutes she returns w/ my burger ..... no fries.... "they will be here in a little bit." After finishing 1/2 of my sandwich my fries did arrive.... w/ 1/3 of them so crisp they could not be penetrated w/ a fork! (I imagine you are all rolling on the floor w/ laughter at this point, and we arent' "through" yet!) The menu said my sandwich & fries would be $8.50. This must be true everyday, but Thursday when I was charged $10 for the pair, coupled w/ my $4 beer and $1 in tax for a bill of $15! This almost put me over the edge.... in fact it did, but because I have developed the skill to "detect" when I am about to make a "significant mood change", I didn't rush to see the manager and "through up" on them about my experience... I was too afraid I would be unable to stop yelling (ranting?) and end up being visited by the local police department. (All of the time references given are accurate, not guesses because I called Kelly immediately after ordering and re-checked the time on my cell phone.)

Anyway.... it was "an experience." We often "pay" for our experiences and memories and, I guess, that is how I'm going to need to look at this..... The funny thing - it was a beautiful table and could have been a wonderful time, SO I may well go back, but only when I have someone w/ me to share the experience.

I hope to go to KC in a couple of weeks and spend a couple of days w/ my brother Andy and spend my mid-days in a similar fashion .... just w/ a short "wait" time. Take care......