the worst place to be a 1-top…

March 28th, 2007

is a casual dining sports themed restaurant

when it’s crowded with sports fans.

By 1-top I mean someone dining solo.

I’ve had this experience at least 3 times,

2 of which I have suffered through (and paid for)

lousy food and not-so-hot service.

The third time, this Sunday last, was different.

I just walked out.

After being seated near the entrance,

watching countless waitstaff pass by me,

3-5 minutes pass,

and the host checks to see if anyone got my drink order.

Another 10 minutes pass, and still no drink order.

I ask myself â€œhow badly did I want those nachos and fish and chips anywayâ€?

I stayed for another set of commercials,

then calmly left the menu on the table,

gathered my things, and left.

A new person was working as hostess,

and she wished me a good day - as I left.

I later thought that I should have left

my business card with the message

â€œsorry, I couldn’t wait any longerâ€

written on the back.

What I did do was go to a pizza joint

and get 2 plain slices and a Diet Whatever

then just went home.

â€œTurning the Tables: Restaurants from the Inside Outâ€ (Steven A. Shaw)