We went for a merienda cena time thinking that the place could seat us right away, but we were surprised when we had to wait. Instead of listing our names, the receptionist gave us that circular disc that blinks incessantly when our table was ready.
It was a good 10 minute wait when our waiter showed us a cozy side table nook , and we slid right into the cubicle resting our winter coats and bag right by our sides. I noticed that all the waiters would carry a bottle of wine when taking our initial orders, which of course were the drinks. I ordered a glass of their house wines, while Donna ordered coffee. Normally I would wonder why people would drink coffee right before a meal instead of after, until I read somewhere that coffee can be an appetizer as it cleanses the digestive tract making it ready for a meal. So they say!
After a few minutes, our waitress came back for our orders. I got the 'Stewed Beef and portabella with three cheese tortelini' while Donna got the lasagna, and we opted for a salad instead of the soup, which went along with our pasta orders. Looking around the place, it was pretty much filled with diners even at such an early afternoon. It wasn't long into our chitchat with Donna, when our waitress came back with our salad bowl.
We were each given a salad plate which was properly cooled (refrigerator cold is the word), and then pretty waitress started grating parmesan cheese on the greens. After three grinds of grated cheese, we told her to stop, and she was off again to serve other customers.
The salad was fairly crisp, and had just the right amount of dressing on them. I loved the italian peppers in the salad and wondered if they placed the number of pieces with the corresponding diners at the table. Donna was in her cup and a half of coffee (I think) when our entrees arrived.
On one hand, the waitress had our orders on a tray, while on the other was the foldable table which she opened and later laid the tray on. I was fidgeting for my phone camera while the waitress asked who ordered what. No sooner had she placed the lasagna on Donna's place, when the plate flew off the waitress hand, sending the steaming lasagna down by Donna's side. We all shrieked in disbelief as the lasagna was now sprawled all over Donna's area. I looked to see if she had food all over her, but I could only see some red sauce by the side of her sleeves. Hmmm! She probably took karate lessons without my knowing since she was able to block any food coming her way.
The waitress was more shocked than we were. She kept on apologizing that the plate was hot (and it really was) and tried to scrape any food off Donna. My jaw dropped and my eyeballs almost popped off, but it was only Donna who had the presence of mind. She got her coat and looked at it, found no food, and handed me her coat while wiping off any remnants of lasagna. She then proceeded to the bathroom.
Meanwhile the manager was called to size up the situation and a cleaning guy came over to sanitize Donna's area. The manager inquired for Donna and asked if we wanted to seat at another table. For me, it was no big deal to move, just as long as they cleaned up the mess. A few minutes later, a smiling Donna was back. The manager came over, handed her business card, and told her she would take care of any dry cleaning bill as a result of the incident. Meanwhile, the kitchen made a new batch of our entrees.
As we waited for our new set of orders, we were amused by our reactions. We wondered how many incidents like this happened and how they would react. Some would probably be upset and walk out, or others would curse the waiter for being clumsy.
But Donna and I were just laughing our wits off. We were in so much high spirits that nothing could hamper the moment. We likened ourselves to little schoolgirls giggling as they would talk about boys, crushes, or clothes. But as grown up women, we were talking about MENOPAUSE. Now how funny could that be!!!!!! Hysterical is the word!
And what could be more fun when we were informed that our meal was free and that management took care of it. As we left the restaurant, stomach filled with free food and outrageous laughter, we looked up to the sky and noticed that it was a full moon. No wonder we had such a lunatic time!
Donna's new order of lasagna...she said it was yummmy!!!
My order of the stewed beef with tortelini...yummy as well!!!!
the sign that says it was indeed a LUNATIC evening....
