Inspired by V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #81: regulars
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I see you here more often than most of the wait staff!
I looked up.
It was one of the waitresses.
I recognized her – 50-ish, tall, dressed in the black non-uniform worn by all the staff…a front apron pocket stuffed with pens and order pads. She tended to march from table to table. Very business like. An air of efficiency. The woman who called everyone Honey.
She had spotted me sitting at the table I usually request – at the rear of the restaurant – in a quieter section where chairs are straight backed and kind to my osteoporotic spine. I was alone, waiting for a friend to join me for lunch. Studying the menu…which was unnecessary really, as I practically had it memorized.
I wasn’t sure what her comment was meant to convey. Was it a positive? A negative? Her expression…non-committal…perhaps even a bit stern…as if this was an announcement of some significance. And I was missing the point.
I do tend to overthink…while at the same time always curious as to why people say what they say. So I plunged ahead…
You have a great – and varied – gluten free menu. It is hard to find a restaurant that takes it seriously for those of us with celiac disease. I really appreciate the care you take here.
She nodded. Agreed with me. And off she went…or rather…marched.
I am also a member of their Loyalty Program – points and a free lunch after 10 visits. Ten salads with chicken and hold the onions and dressing on the side. And please remember the warm gluten free roll. They usually do.
Apparently I am a regular, although for reasons I am still trying to understand…I am not entirely comfortable with it.
I’d much rather be the observer than the observed.
one letter UP ~ diary 2.0 
As an over-thinker myself, wondering what people’s statements/questions mean (a potential plague in Comment boxes), I totally get you! Now, do tell me what the plant is in the photo, please–gorgeous color…might spark a poem 🙂
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Thanks! The flower/plant was a gift and I am fairly sure its name is Bougainvillea.
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Oh WOW, I didn’t recognize it as that–such a romantic flower 🙂 ❤
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Interesting. You choose a tucked away place, try for anonymity, and still you are seen. True for all of us, I’d say, and a lesson about life.
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Thanks. An ongoing lesson it seems. What’s also interesting to me is how and what we are seen for as time passes no matter what we do. And how that perception changes as we age.
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Yes. True.
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That’s creepy in a way – or good customer service to remember faithful patrons? I’d chose a spot as you did too. I don’t like being in the middle of all the noise and activity at restaurants. Do you go there to write or think or just for the yummy food? Nice, they have gluten-free options! Can you use almond flour or coconut flour with celiac disease? I don’t know much about it, but the recipes I’ve used for keto use almond and coconut and they are delicious. I was pleasantly surprised by them and we have one that only takes 90 seconds to make.
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It was an odd interchange mostly due to her countenance – there was no friendly smile or tone to her voice; yet it wasn’t unfriendly. Hard to describe – hence kind of creepy. I go there to connect with friends – catching up over lunch. And I am grateful to have found a place where I can eat safely at the same time!
Yes, you can use almond flour or coconut flour for gluten free cooking as long as it is specifically labeled “gluten free.” Otherwise there is a real risk it could have been contaminated with gluten in the processing or packaging, etc. I do like the 90 seconds prep time 🙂
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Yeah, she does sound creepy – maybe not so much great customer service. But, from the restaurant owner’s perspective, she shows up faithfully – that’s a commodity in their workforce.
That’s great that you have a place you can trust for food prep that’s truly gluten free. It is definitely hard to find!
I thought maybe that was so on the flour. We’re going to try the coconut flour soon. I checked and our labels do say gluten free so we should be good to go. We made cloud bread yesterday – it was a delicious replacement for the hamburger buns! 🙂 Having switched my diet, I have more empathy for those who can’t eat gluten. I’m cheering you on as you continue to persevere through the challenges!
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Thanks again 🙂
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You’re welcome!
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