SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

On Friday, my husband and I had the rare opportunity to have a date night. These chances come vary far and few between so, we decided to enjoy a nice meal at a local restaurant that did not include the usual chicken fingers, pizza or video game motif. The boys had a school social to attend. They were excited because it was two whole hours to run amok with friends out of site of mom and dad’s line of vision. I was excited because it was two whole hours of free baby-sitting service, a commodity even more difficult to come by than the actual date night. I sent my husband to drop the children off at school thus allowing me a few extra minutes to doll up for our big night. At approximately 7:10 pm I heard the summoning honk in our driveway reminiscent of our wooing years. Out I bounded ready to go out on the town with my prince charming. Something I had looked forward to all day. Hell, I even showered and put on make-up for the big event! Knowing full well the two hours would pass quickly we chose a cozy local establishment that we were anxious to try. It boasted the exotic eats of India and entertainment on Friday evenings. Belly Dancing!!! Something we were both looking forward to, although for very different reasons. Upon arrival the exotic aromas of curry and the sound of sitar tunes welcomed our senses. We were quickly seated and brought our drinks. While we perused the menu, Bathsheba the belly dancer entertained us, along with the many other happy diners. When it was time to order I chose a sampler platter that would take a full 20 minutes to prepare because of its variety. No problem I replied, we’d start with an appetizer and enjoy each other’s company while indulging in some adult dialogue. Moments passed, we enjoyed the show and each other. Happily munching on the bread and dipping sauces, we eagerly awaited the appetizers. While the entertainment was happening we lost all sense of time. At 8:00pm, approximately 40 minutes after we had placed our orders, the show ended and we realized our appetizers had yet to arrive. OK, I thought, we still have a good 45 minutes until we must leave to get the kids. I’m sure it will be out soon. Looking around we noticed newly seated diners enjoying their exotic treats unlike us who had only each other’s company to feed our souls. Flagging down our waitress in wonder of our meals arrival we were assured that they would be right out. Ok, no problem except that we had finished the bread, licked clean the dipping sauce dishes and began to drool over our neighbor’s plates. At a quick glance at my watch I realized it was now almost one hour since we had placed our orders and still nothing. Back and forth walked waiters with the meals of those surrounding us yet our table remained vacant of sustenance. Yet again flagging down our waitress, I asked if there was any idea where our meals were. Is 20 minutes in India time different than American time? Did the chef actually journey to India for our food? Let me check she replied. In a rush she returned and explained that the order was entered into the system but the kitchen never received the orders. WHAT!?!? We only had 20 minutes until departure. We were fit to be tied! I explained that at this point we needed our meals to go because we had to leave post haste. Can you at least accomplish that in a timely manner? “Of course, I’m very sorry.” By now we were both agitated from hunger. So much for our grown up meal. At least we didn’t have to hear the kids whine about how hungry they were, and when was the food getting here? “ So when will we get to eat?” my hubby asked. “ After we put the kids to bed we’ll eat.” “ I can’t wait that long.” Me either but, what else do you suggest?” “ I don’t know, let me get the car while you pay for dinner. We’ll figure something out.” The food finally arrived packaged to go with a brief apology. At least we saved on the tip since technically we didn’t eat at the table. Hopping into the car I suggested that we save the meal for dinner the next night, after the kids go to bed. We could eat it while we watch a movie, cozy on the couch. Ahhhh, the comforts of our usual date night. As for dinner tonight, let’s stop at Wendy’s on the way. OK, HHMMMMM, I think I’ll have the chicken fingers!

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC??