When one’s capability to forgive is stretched . . . one’s heart wrenched . . . one’s soul stomped like a bug running across the kitchen floor. Grace under pressure a near impossible challenge.
Can a reasonable person even pretend to be civil to the perpetrator?
You may laugh at my rage, but last night was an evening of staring evil in the eye.
Eight of us were to celebrate an evening where departures were closely pending and we chose an old friend as our forum: _______ Restaurant in __________, Michigan.
Scanning the wine list, two wines caught our eye as affable additions to the evening. The white, a Pinot Grigio, was available . . . . our choice for a Cabernet was not – the only alternative was $90 per bottle. This was not a major “harrumph” but was a precursor to an evening of frustration.
Throughout the evening, we learned of varied staples of the restaurant being unavailable; including their signature scallop dish and (even!) proper red wine glasses. We were seated at dinner at 7:30 – food arrived at 8:55 . . . some proffered in stark departure from its description on the menu.
Yes, I’m being more than a bit whiny (as you have likely already concluded) . . . I did, however, experience a major service and food quality failure on Monday, 8/15 at another well-touted eatery . . .these failures are especially obvious when contrasted to the flawless pierogi service provided in between (August 16 post).
As I became more and more grumpy over the service (more so management problems than anything in the control of the server) I began thinking about what would be a soothing mantra. From the Merchant of Venice, by my buddy Bill Shakespeare:
“Let me play the fool:
With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come,
And let my liver rather heat with wine
Than my heart cool with mortifying groans.
Why should a man, whose blood is warm within,
Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster? “
In other words, “shut up, Pete – smell some roses, enjoy the company you are with and consider your blessings.”
Still, I’ll probably eat in tonight.
You were sweet to not name the restaurant, or the city. I like your attitude.
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