Alabama wins! So does Sidelines!

Last Saturday was hectic. Working at a home decor store during the pre-holiday season is more demanding than I expected it to be. The Christmas decorations were flying out the door. Trying to serve many people at one time mad my meal break extremely beneficial.

I timed my lunch so that I could drive to the Sidelines on Chastain Road (not the same one I wrote of in an earlier entry) in time to see the last half of the Alabama/LSU football game. I really wanted to see part of that game, and this was wonderfully convenient.

That particular Sidelines has a no smoking section, which is where I headed. I asked to sit in the corner booth where I could see the big screen that showed my game. The back seat of the booth was a long bench that connected three other tables, two of which had been pulled together to seat four adults and a seeming multitude of kids, one of which was quick to show me that he had a french fry. I now had 48 minutes.

My waitress, Michelle, appeared quickly. She asked me what I would like to drink, and I asked for a coke. I looked her in the eye as I answered, but was quickly distracted by a good play in the football game.

Michelle then asked if I needed a minute, and my phone rang. I rudely answered as I nodded yes. It was Phyllis, excitedly asking me if I was where I could watch the game. I said yes and that I had to go. Michelle had gone on her way to another table. I now knew that I wanted chicken noodle soup and a salad. 45 minutes left.

At the next table, the kids were getting restless. They were loud, but the game was muted, so I didn't care. I love kids, so I was doubly entertained.

Michelle was running from table to table, getting more exercise than Richard Simmons at a fat camp. It was eventually my turn to order (my fault entirely for answering my phone when I knew what I wanted), and she took my order and disappeared into that place all waitresses disappear into. 38 minutes left.

Michelle reappeared with a fantastic looking bowl of soup and a decent salad. The soup had thick noodles and one inch squared pieces of chicken breast. It was thick enough to eat with a fork. I ate my soup first, then my salad.

Michelle came back with another coke, and asked the questions required of all waitresses. I had already witnessed the fact that she was the only waitress working this room, and she did so quickly. What surprised me more was the smile on her face and the feeling she evoked, making me feel like I was her only patron. The game progressed, tied, not tied, tied again. 10 minutes left.

My boss called my cell. Business had not slowed. When would I be back? I had to leave with the game tied. Michelle heard me say I was on my way as soon as I paid my bill. She stepped over quickly and I gave her my money - keep the change - and a card telling her to read my review. Her face changed to one who thought she was being tested. I tried to put on my best reassurance face, and asked her again to read my review.

Everybody in the room was happy, my food was great and I returned to work with 5 minutes left in my lunch hour.

Michelle, I would say you were great....