by waiter | Mar 5, 2006 | Uncategorized
The couple on 24 finishes dinner. The busgirl clears the plates. As I crumb the table the man and woman fall silent. It’s obvious they want to talk in private. There’s an energy passing between them. The air hums with tension. Experience tells me to give them space. I...
by waiter | Mar 5, 2006 | Uncategorized
The couple sitting at table 22 is very young and attractive. I’ve seen the guy in here before. He’s been serially dating for a while, playing the field, bringing in a different girl every week. Very poised for his age, not a hair out of place, well dressed and polite,...
by waiter | Mar 1, 2006 | Uncategorized
Beth and I are drinking martinis at Cafe American, one of our friendly competitors, after a hard Saturday night. We’re both tired and in need of post shift medication. “So did you hear about the guy who died?” Beth asks. “Who died?” I reply. “You know the bartender...
by waiter | Feb 27, 2006 | Uncategorized
It’s a busy weekday night at the Bistro. Fluvio’s taken his kid somewhere so I’m in charge. The door chimes. Two women walk inside. “Hello ladies,” I say, “How many for dinner?” “Two,” a rather glum looking woman...
by waiter | Feb 24, 2006 | Uncategorized
WARNING! If you’re squeamish, skip this post! It’s a slow shift and I’m kibitzing in the back with the other servers. It looks like it’s gonna be a dead night. “So did you see that story about Craigslist on the news last night?”...
by waiter | Feb 22, 2006 | Uncategorized
Maximilian, our head busboy, is having a baby. Well, sort of. Max’s daughter Isabel, who also works at the Bistro, is six months pregnant. Max is only a few years older than me and this will be his first grandchild. When Max discovered the stork was paying his...
by waiter | Feb 15, 2006 | Uncategorized
The couple on Table 22 orders the dessert special, a confection of white chocolate mousse and strawberries. Of course, it’s in the shape of a heart. “Happy Valentine’s Day Madam,” I say, gallantly presenting the dessert. “Oh!” the woman exclaims. “Thank you!” “My...
by waiter | Feb 14, 2006 | Uncategorized
The phone rings. I already know what the person on the other end wants. I already know what my answer is going to be. It seems pointless to even answer. But I must. It’s my job. “Hello the Bistro,” I say cheerily, “How may I help you?”...
by waiter | Feb 10, 2006 | Uncategorized
It’s my day off. I’m writing on my laptop when my dog bounds into my lap and starts licking my face. “What do you want now?” I ask. Buster looks at me, panting expectantly. “Dog park?” I ask. “You want to go play?” Buster emits a low growl. That’s “yes” in his...
by waiter | Feb 9, 2006 | Uncategorized
It’s a busy night. The hostess is in the bathroom so I’m covering the door. The door chimes. A man walks in. “Four,” he says, holding up exactly four fingers. How nice. “Do you have a reservation?” I ask politely. “No,” he grunts, “Do I need one?” “I’m afraid we’re...
