Recently, my husband and I had lunch at our usual weekend haunt known for its New Orleans flair. When we arrived some of the lunch crowd had subsided but it was still busy enough that we had to wait a few minutes to be seated in one of three dining rooms. No sooner had we ordered our food when two women were seated in an adjacent booth behind my husband. We couldn’t see them. We could hear them plenty…and therein lay the point of this story. Now, I am not so unreasonable that I don’t expect to hear a laugh, a word, or sentence, or two from a nearby table. However, I don’t expect to hear the entire conversation and in this case, the entire feud.
One woman spoke loudly and at a fast, almost nervous rate. Her tone and pitch suggested a friction between them that was about to explode. For the first few minutes they made general chit-chat about their kids, their husbands and a possible trip to New York. Then, everything changed and out came the emotionally loaded pistols. Turns out ,these two women were sisters…bickering 20-something sisters. They bickered about this and that, about how one never phoned the other enough, how she felt shut-out, what their mother had said, and about things that had happened years ago.
“Oh, this is gonna go south real fast,” I said to my husband.
“It had the tell-tale signs from the start when they told the waiter, we’re going to be here for about 2 hours and we don’t plan to order anything.”
“You’ve got to be kidding,” I whispered.
And sure enough things got worse and stayed loud. Said the one sister to the other,
“….and I don’t know if it’s because of your immaturity and lack of experience but…”
“You are so hurtful,” retorted the other sister.
My eyes bulged and I mouthed, ‘Oh my gosh,’ to my husband. He nodded his head in disbelief at such an embarrassing public display.
Our food arrived.
“Is there anything else I can get you,” asked our waiter.
“No, but I have to say….we’re enjoying the show.”
“The show?”
“Yes, the people in the next booth are quite loud,” I pointed.
The waiter asked if we wanted him to tell the squabbling sisters to keep it down, but we said no. Honestly, a part of me was agitated at the extreme rudeness and the other part was curious to hear how far things would go. The feud became so loud that we could scarcely hear the conversation at our own table. I looked around the dining room and others were agitated as well. Even fussy children weren’t as loud as these two grown-ups. We were further shocked when overhearing that one of the sisters was a teacher for the past seven years. I expect better public behavior from a teacher than that! Forty-five minutes later, the bicker sisters were still at it and in my opinion had made no progress to resolve their dispute. My head hurt. Before we left and purely from curiosity, I walked to the back of the dining room to find out if I could still hear their every word. Somewhere around four tables back from our booth I could no longer hear verbatim, but I could distinguish their voices from the others in the dining room.
And now some general rules to remember when dining out:
1. A restaurant makes money when you order food
2. The bulk of a waiter/waitress’s income is based on tips which is relative to the bill
3. People go out to eat to have fun, relax and enjoy time together
4. Leave your unresolved personal and family arguments at home or save it for the therapist’s
office
5. If the entirety of your table conversation can be heard by others then you are speaking to
loud.
Cheers!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Alert! Random Act of Kindness Found
I diverge for a blog-moment from my usual restaurant reviews to report on a random act of kindness. I must admit, as a rule, I’m a little cynical. Whether it’s because I lived in New York for the first 31 years of my life and my street smarts get the better of me, or because I watch too many true crime stories on television, I don’t know. From boy scouts crossing old ladies to the other side of the street, to people adopting animal shelter pets at the eleventh hour before the big adios, I know that people do good deeds. Sometimes these do-good stories make the last 30 seconds of the news so that we don’t all commit suicide from the despair of listening to 28 minutes of daily terror reports. Oh yeah, people hold elevator doors and occasionally let me line jump them at the super market if I only have a gallon of milk, but heck, that isn’t anything that I haven’t done for others a million times. Still, I have to wonder, if no one were looking, or if the other person never said thank you, would there be good deed doers at all? What happened recently at a Chinese Restaurant gave me a much needed dose of refreshed hope. For you fellow skeptics, be on the lookout—unmotivated, uncompensated human kindness exists-- and for no other reason except because it feels good to be kind. Case in point, this random act...
It was lunchtime on a Tuesday and I had an hour to kill before my chiropractor appointment, so I decided to grab a bite at a restaurant that I had hadn’t yet reviewed. As for style and ambience the place was akin to Shrek's swamp...okay at least a dark alleyway. The food however was stellar, but I digress. I sat in a torn up booth, alone, at the back of the restaurant and surreptitiously scribbled my notes. I ordered 3 different items. As each item arrived I’d pause to taste and then write some more. I’d occasionally glance around at my surroundings and noticed several groups of patrons enjoying their lunch. This place was obviously a well kept secret among hard-core Chinese foodies intent on a delicious bargain. In one corner of the restaurant sat the lovers, probably in their early 20’s. They giggled and flirted. In another corner sat 5 techie guys dressed in polo shirts and Dockers. They looked like professional eaters and hadn’t seen a ray of sunshine in years. At another table were two golf guys. They intermittently discussed their swing and upcoming business trip to Chicago. In another booth was an older gentlemen, I’d say in his late 60’s to early 70’s. He was at the end of his meal and his bill was already on the table. He wore a tweedy sort of jacket that kind of reminded me of an English professor I once had. By the time my second entrée arrived I noticed that the older gentlemen had left and his table was being cleared away. The head waiter came to my table and in his broken English pointed to where the man had been seated and asked me,
“Did you know that man?”
“No,” I said. His eyes looked incredulous. He didn’t seem to believe me.
“Are you sure?”
“I don’t know him,” I repeated. “Why?”
“He just paid for your meal.” I was speechless (a rare occurrence).
“What?”
“Yes, he said that he wanted to pay for your meal and to tell you happy Mother’s Day.
I’m not a mother and it was long past Mother’s Day. I was at a loss for what to say next. I laughed.
“I guess it’s my lucky day.”
The other restaurant workers gathered around to hear about this rare occurrence. A total stranger buys lunch for another total stranger and doesn’t stick around to receive gratitude or recognition for his kind deed? It’s almost old-fashioned…and it felt really nice. My eyes started to brim with tears. For a few seconds I sat frozen with amazement. Why? What had I done to make this man do something so nice? I hardly noticed him—hadn’t so much as nodded in his direction to acknowledge his presence. Maybe I reminded him of someone—an unrequited love, a far away daughter, a deceased wife? Could he somehow tell that I wasn’t yet a mother and longed to be one--did he know my sadness? Or, maybe it was because we were both dining alone? Or, maybe….he just wanted to be kind. After a few seconds of mind racing my shoulders relaxed from around my ears and I simply enjoyed the fact that someone cared. I had a bounce in my step for the rest of the day.
It was lunchtime on a Tuesday and I had an hour to kill before my chiropractor appointment, so I decided to grab a bite at a restaurant that I had hadn’t yet reviewed. As for style and ambience the place was akin to Shrek's swamp...okay at least a dark alleyway. The food however was stellar, but I digress. I sat in a torn up booth, alone, at the back of the restaurant and surreptitiously scribbled my notes. I ordered 3 different items. As each item arrived I’d pause to taste and then write some more. I’d occasionally glance around at my surroundings and noticed several groups of patrons enjoying their lunch. This place was obviously a well kept secret among hard-core Chinese foodies intent on a delicious bargain. In one corner of the restaurant sat the lovers, probably in their early 20’s. They giggled and flirted. In another corner sat 5 techie guys dressed in polo shirts and Dockers. They looked like professional eaters and hadn’t seen a ray of sunshine in years. At another table were two golf guys. They intermittently discussed their swing and upcoming business trip to Chicago. In another booth was an older gentlemen, I’d say in his late 60’s to early 70’s. He was at the end of his meal and his bill was already on the table. He wore a tweedy sort of jacket that kind of reminded me of an English professor I once had. By the time my second entrée arrived I noticed that the older gentlemen had left and his table was being cleared away. The head waiter came to my table and in his broken English pointed to where the man had been seated and asked me,
“Did you know that man?”
“No,” I said. His eyes looked incredulous. He didn’t seem to believe me.
“Are you sure?”
“I don’t know him,” I repeated. “Why?”
“He just paid for your meal.” I was speechless (a rare occurrence).
“What?”
“Yes, he said that he wanted to pay for your meal and to tell you happy Mother’s Day.
I’m not a mother and it was long past Mother’s Day. I was at a loss for what to say next. I laughed.
“I guess it’s my lucky day.”
The other restaurant workers gathered around to hear about this rare occurrence. A total stranger buys lunch for another total stranger and doesn’t stick around to receive gratitude or recognition for his kind deed? It’s almost old-fashioned…and it felt really nice. My eyes started to brim with tears. For a few seconds I sat frozen with amazement. Why? What had I done to make this man do something so nice? I hardly noticed him—hadn’t so much as nodded in his direction to acknowledge his presence. Maybe I reminded him of someone—an unrequited love, a far away daughter, a deceased wife? Could he somehow tell that I wasn’t yet a mother and longed to be one--did he know my sadness? Or, maybe it was because we were both dining alone? Or, maybe….he just wanted to be kind. After a few seconds of mind racing my shoulders relaxed from around my ears and I simply enjoyed the fact that someone cared. I had a bounce in my step for the rest of the day.
Sushi: 9 Fish
3211 Preston Road/Frisco, Texas 75034/ 214-618-FISH (3474)
http://www.ninefishrestaurant.com/
It’s jazz! It’s urban chic! It’s 9 Fish of Frisco! This hip sushi and grill restaurant is as pleasurable as it is deliciously memorable. Live jazz weekends and trendy patrons create an unrivaled atmosphere. The sushi bar is my favorite place to sit and the sushi chefs can be quite entertaining …especially when you do saki shots with them. As for the sushi—in a word—fabulous! Plus, there’s many grilled menu items too. Some of the best martinis I’ve ever had. Located off Highway 121 and Preston Road, just north of Stonebriar Mall. If you’re tired of your same old corner sushi hangout then you must try 9 Fish. You won’t be disappointed! That’s a promise! Yankees Eat Rating = 5 Impeccable
http://www.ninefishrestaurant.com/
It’s jazz! It’s urban chic! It’s 9 Fish of Frisco! This hip sushi and grill restaurant is as pleasurable as it is deliciously memorable. Live jazz weekends and trendy patrons create an unrivaled atmosphere. The sushi bar is my favorite place to sit and the sushi chefs can be quite entertaining …especially when you do saki shots with them. As for the sushi—in a word—fabulous! Plus, there’s many grilled menu items too. Some of the best martinis I’ve ever had. Located off Highway 121 and Preston Road, just north of Stonebriar Mall. If you’re tired of your same old corner sushi hangout then you must try 9 Fish. You won’t be disappointed! That’s a promise! Yankees Eat Rating = 5 Impeccable
Thai: Banana Leaf
www.thaibananaleaf.com 17370 Preston Rd., Dallas 75252 betw Campbell and Frankford 972-713-0123/972-735-8778
You’ll taste why Banana Leaf has earned its share of community kudos. For less than $10 you are served delectable dishes served with soup or salad and of course, rice. The soup was a pleasant surprise of the non-ho-hum variety, sort of lemony and herbishly refreshing. The curry is hot-hot-hot, but oh so delicious and cured my sinus headache. They can turn down the heat if you ask. Don’t go if you seek chic décor to impress your guests but do go if you want terrific Thai food and gracious service. Yankees Eat Rating 4=Excellent
You’ll taste why Banana Leaf has earned its share of community kudos. For less than $10 you are served delectable dishes served with soup or salad and of course, rice. The soup was a pleasant surprise of the non-ho-hum variety, sort of lemony and herbishly refreshing. The curry is hot-hot-hot, but oh so delicious and cured my sinus headache. They can turn down the heat if you ask. Don’t go if you seek chic décor to impress your guests but do go if you want terrific Thai food and gracious service. Yankees Eat Rating 4=Excellent
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Ethiopian: Queen of Sheba
14875 Inwood Road, South of Beltline/ Addison, TX/ 972-980-9450/ http://www.thequeensheba.com
It’s socially acceptable to eat without utensils at Queen of Sheba. In fact, there are none. When I heard that there was an Ethiopian restaurant in Addison I couldn’t resist. Though the portions appear small don’t be fooled. We left stuffed to our eyeballs! If you like it spicy you’ll love Ethiopian food. Lamb, chicken and vegetables are marinated in a combination of indigenous and unpronounceable spices plus some common ones like cardamom, clove and cinnamon. Everything blends to a perfection that makes your capillaries sing Zippity-Do-Dah! Throughout the millennium the Ethiopian people have endured the ravages of food shortages and found a way to survive with the amazing Maskal Teff grain. This grain is integral to Ethiopian cuisine and its use has been recorded as far back as the ancient civilizations of Abyssinia. What’s so important about the Teff grain? Lots! The small grain is ground into flour and made into crepe-like pancakes called Injara which is steamed and then rolled. Injara is spongy, hot air infused, instead of baked and expands inside your stomach to create that feeling of fullness. The Injara bread is your plate—that’s right no plates, or utensils! Just tear off portions of your bread and use as a utensil and to also mop up that yummy, spicy goodness. Teff is highly nutritious and gluten free and thrives in difficult climates predominantly in Ethiopia and Eritrea. However, the restaurant owners, who are Ethiopian, told us that because of famine in Ethiopia no foods are allowed to be shipped outside its borders. Maskal Teff consumed in the U.S is grown in the Midwest. The staff is super friendly. You’ll feel like extended family. If you’ve never had Ethiopian food they’ll walk you through. The décor is Greco Roman. Queen of Sheba is top notch and a very classy place for any night out or for your next party. Live music and dancing too! Yankees Eat Rating = 5 Impeccable
It’s socially acceptable to eat without utensils at Queen of Sheba. In fact, there are none. When I heard that there was an Ethiopian restaurant in Addison I couldn’t resist. Though the portions appear small don’t be fooled. We left stuffed to our eyeballs! If you like it spicy you’ll love Ethiopian food. Lamb, chicken and vegetables are marinated in a combination of indigenous and unpronounceable spices plus some common ones like cardamom, clove and cinnamon. Everything blends to a perfection that makes your capillaries sing Zippity-Do-Dah! Throughout the millennium the Ethiopian people have endured the ravages of food shortages and found a way to survive with the amazing Maskal Teff grain. This grain is integral to Ethiopian cuisine and its use has been recorded as far back as the ancient civilizations of Abyssinia. What’s so important about the Teff grain? Lots! The small grain is ground into flour and made into crepe-like pancakes called Injara which is steamed and then rolled. Injara is spongy, hot air infused, instead of baked and expands inside your stomach to create that feeling of fullness. The Injara bread is your plate—that’s right no plates, or utensils! Just tear off portions of your bread and use as a utensil and to also mop up that yummy, spicy goodness. Teff is highly nutritious and gluten free and thrives in difficult climates predominantly in Ethiopia and Eritrea. However, the restaurant owners, who are Ethiopian, told us that because of famine in Ethiopia no foods are allowed to be shipped outside its borders. Maskal Teff consumed in the U.S is grown in the Midwest. The staff is super friendly. You’ll feel like extended family. If you’ve never had Ethiopian food they’ll walk you through. The décor is Greco Roman. Queen of Sheba is top notch and a very classy place for any night out or for your next party. Live music and dancing too! Yankees Eat Rating = 5 Impeccable
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Indian: Chettinaad Palace
2205 N. Central Expy/Plano, Texas 75075/469-229-9100/www.chettinaadpalace.com
Chettinaad Palace is named after the region of Chettinaad located in the South-East of Tamil Nadu state of India. Authentically prepared dishes reflect the region and its people who are mostly vegetarian. This is the real deal! Other menu offerings include fish, seafood, chicken and beef dishes as well as Vindaloo (delicious!), Vathakulambu, and Karakulambu. If you’ve feared trying Indian food because of its tendency for fiery spices, this region’s flavor isn’t known for dragon breath. Indian food uses a cornucopia of spices such as coriander, cumin, pepper, fenugreek, and anise. Affordably delicious daily lunch and Sunday buffets feature Chettinaad Idlis, Dosas, Biryani, Vegetarian Curries, Chettinad Pepper Chicken and many other scrumptious Indian favorites. You’ll want to sop up every last drop with delicious Naan bread! In case you have room for dessert Mango or Pineapple Kesari awaits, along with Gulab jamun, Payasam/Kheer, Almond or Mango Kulfi. Good prices, portions and service. Chettinaad Palace received an A inspection rating from the Plano health department while others…not so much Check it out for yourself at https://forms.plano.gov/health/restaur.html#Indian. Yankees Eat Rating = 4/Very Good
Chettinaad Palace is named after the region of Chettinaad located in the South-East of Tamil Nadu state of India. Authentically prepared dishes reflect the region and its people who are mostly vegetarian. This is the real deal! Other menu offerings include fish, seafood, chicken and beef dishes as well as Vindaloo (delicious!), Vathakulambu, and Karakulambu. If you’ve feared trying Indian food because of its tendency for fiery spices, this region’s flavor isn’t known for dragon breath. Indian food uses a cornucopia of spices such as coriander, cumin, pepper, fenugreek, and anise. Affordably delicious daily lunch and Sunday buffets feature Chettinaad Idlis, Dosas, Biryani, Vegetarian Curries, Chettinad Pepper Chicken and many other scrumptious Indian favorites. You’ll want to sop up every last drop with delicious Naan bread! In case you have room for dessert Mango or Pineapple Kesari awaits, along with Gulab jamun, Payasam/Kheer, Almond or Mango Kulfi. Good prices, portions and service. Chettinaad Palace received an A inspection rating from the Plano health department while others…not so much Check it out for yourself at https://forms.plano.gov/health/restaur.html#Indian. Yankees Eat Rating = 4/Very Good
Friday, June 1, 2007
Tomo Sushi Bar & Hibachi
2205 N. Central Expy/Plano, TX 75075/ 972-578-0981
If your in need of a new after-work Happy Hour hangout Tomo Sushi Bar & Hibachi could be it! For late night fun after 11:00pm there are $1 sushi specials and free Karaoke. Play it safe and call to confirm times and days before you bring your posse. As a self-confessed sea urchin fanatic Tomo Sushi didn’t disappoint. Sushi rolls and sashimi are artfully displayed. Customers can’t contain themselves and readily respond with delighted surprise and exclamatory approvals. The staff is attentive and friendly. The prices are competitive and the bar is large and well stocked. For those concerned about cleanliness, Tomo received an A inspection rating from the Plano health department while others around town did not. Check out the ratings for yourself at https://forms.plano.gov/health/restaur.html#Chinese/Japanese. Yankees Eat Rating 4=Very Good
If your in need of a new after-work Happy Hour hangout Tomo Sushi Bar & Hibachi could be it! For late night fun after 11:00pm there are $1 sushi specials and free Karaoke. Play it safe and call to confirm times and days before you bring your posse. As a self-confessed sea urchin fanatic Tomo Sushi didn’t disappoint. Sushi rolls and sashimi are artfully displayed. Customers can’t contain themselves and readily respond with delighted surprise and exclamatory approvals. The staff is attentive and friendly. The prices are competitive and the bar is large and well stocked. For those concerned about cleanliness, Tomo received an A inspection rating from the Plano health department while others around town did not. Check out the ratings for yourself at https://forms.plano.gov/health/restaur.html#Chinese/Japanese. Yankees Eat Rating 4=Very Good
Vietnamese: que Huong Pho Noodle & Grill
240 Legacy Drive/ Plano TX/ 972-527-4444
If you’ve got a hankering for truly authentic Vietnamese food then come to Que Huong Pho Noodle and Grill at the Asia World Market Center near Central Expressway. If you’ve never tried Vietnamese food then be adventurous and give it a whirl. Unlike, Thai food, which is often too spicy for some people, or Chinese food which can be too salty, Vietnamese cuisine is an in between that’s just right….Goldilocks would agree! From steaming noodle bowls with fresh vegetables and herbs, stir fry dishes, or traditional Vietnamese BBQ, this menu is loaded with nutritious choices. Escape the hot outdoors, rest your tired tootsies and languish a while with a fresh coconut drink or a fruit smoothie while watching television on the flat screen TV. Serves lunch or dinner. Eat in or take out. Décor is sparse and unimpressive but compensated by abundant ethnic flavor, affordable prices and hassle free service. Yankees Eat Rating 4=Very Good
If you’ve got a hankering for truly authentic Vietnamese food then come to Que Huong Pho Noodle and Grill at the Asia World Market Center near Central Expressway. If you’ve never tried Vietnamese food then be adventurous and give it a whirl. Unlike, Thai food, which is often too spicy for some people, or Chinese food which can be too salty, Vietnamese cuisine is an in between that’s just right….Goldilocks would agree! From steaming noodle bowls with fresh vegetables and herbs, stir fry dishes, or traditional Vietnamese BBQ, this menu is loaded with nutritious choices. Escape the hot outdoors, rest your tired tootsies and languish a while with a fresh coconut drink or a fruit smoothie while watching television on the flat screen TV. Serves lunch or dinner. Eat in or take out. Décor is sparse and unimpressive but compensated by abundant ethnic flavor, affordable prices and hassle free service. Yankees Eat Rating 4=Very Good
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