Night on the Town

Bill with the Town Lech

For us down here in Lower Slower (Sussex County, Delaware), a "night on the town" could mean one of two things:

• An evening in Rehoboth Beach (or Lewes)

• An evening in Milton.

Since this is the summer season and the throngs of visitors have descended on the Rehoboth Beach area like a biblical plague of locusts, Bill and opted to go to the newest restaurant in Milton.  I am not naming the restaurant because I would like to go back there and I don't want them to find this posting about our experience last night.

Long story short, bad experience.  

Three times this week I wanted to visit this restaurant which makes a falafel sandwich that I find very tasty, if expensive. The only restaurant that knows how to make a veggie staple like a falafel by the way. For contrast when I visited Pat in Toronto there seemed to be an Ali Baba's

on every other street corner selling fabulous falafel sandwiches for half the price ($5.00 versus $9.95 which I pay for in the Milton restaurant).  And every Tuesday Ali Baba's has a two for one sale.  Try finding a deal like that in resort expensive Lower Slower. 

Oh yes, I know somebody has to pay those high rental fees. 

Anyway, back to the program in progress.

Tuesday I attempted to go to this restaurant.  The town of Milton as packed.  Turns out it was "Truckin Tuesday."  

Truckin' Tuesday rolls food trucks into Milton

Hannah Carroll, DelmarvaNow 4:05 p.m. EDT June 11, 2015

Truckin' Tuesday will be held in Milton every second and fourth Tuesday this summer

(Photo: Staff photo by Hannah Carroll)

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Nearly 700 foodies gathered for Milton's inaugural Truckin' Tuesday event held June 9.

Sponsored by the Milton Chamber of Commerce, Truckin' Tuesday will feature a convoy of food trucks parked in Milton's historic town center, serving a variety of freshly prepared options ranging from fish tacos to traditional summer burgers and dogs.

The event's first line-up included Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen, Day Go Donna, Maxie's Grill, Sherri's Crabcakes, Sno Yo and Vinnie's Pizza.

"I couldn't be happier about the turnout," said Lisa Sumstine, executive director of the Milton Chamber of Commerce. "Each of the six trucks sold out of food."

Nearly 700 people gathered June 9 for Milton’s first Truckin’ Tuesday event. (Photo: Staff photo by Hannah Carroll)

Okay, forget dining out every Second and fourth Tuesday during the months of June, July and August? Forget dining out in Milton unless you like crowds and fighting for a parking spot.  Hey, I understand building the businesses up and all that folks but me and Bill?  We're just two old guys who want a quiet night out.  Going down Route One to Rehoboth Beach is absolutely out of the question.  The crowds, the parking (which is very expensive if you can find a spot) and the (yes, here we go again) the screaming kids and, if you lucky, the baby basket with poo poo in the baby's diaper placed right next to you whilst you eat.  Oh no, the Two Old Guys just want a quiet night out.

We tried Friday but that was out too.  "Farmer's Market Night" out.  

Milton Farmer's Market, Milton, DE

Here we go again folks. Two Old Grumps,

this scene just isn't for us.  While I love Milton and think it is a lovely, quaint town and definitely way better than Rehoboth Beach and all that craziness, Bill and I just don't do these crowds.  At least the parking is free, if you can find it.  

So we tried last night.  Viola!

However, first problem was still the parking. There are three spots across the street but one has to parallel park.  I can't parallel park.

 
I pulled the car in half-assed and let Bill finish the parking. Yes, I'm ashamed.  I should learn someday to parallel park just like I should learn to change a flat tire (that's why I have AAA by the way).

So we get to the restaurant.  Seats are available.  But we were there early (5 PM) and apparently the staff wasn't ready for us.  

The young girl who waited on us could hardly understand English.  Then Bill started to flirt with her which is embarrassing because she had to be all of 18 years old and both her parents are there (they own the restaurant).  Bill likes to flirt with waitresses but an 86 year old man flirting with a 18 year old with BOTH of her parents there?  Borderline inappropriate to say the least.

I won't dwell on this uncomfortable subject but her mother did stop by the table and ask Bill what he wanted (Bill never gets a meal, only an sweet iced tea, which they didn't have so he got a $5.00 strawberry/banana smoothie which he hated,

Bill likes dairy in his smoothies like a milkshake, he said this was like water ice

and when he found out it costs $5.00 later he hated even more).  The girl's father was seated nearby keeping an eye on Bill.  Thus the whole "dining experience" was uncomfortable.  Oh Bill.  

Then as we're getting ready to leave the Town Lech (no names) comes by.  This is the 86 year old guy who attempted to put "the moves" on me a few weeks ago when Pat and I were frequenting the local coffee shop.  Bill didn't know this guy was the Town Lech until we drove away.  And here I come out of the restaurant after paying the Bill and Bill's engaged in conversation with this guy.  God.

Of course the Town Lech saw me and said asked if we lived together.  I said we did and we were leaving.  He said he would leave with us.  Yeah, right.  

Some night on the town huh?  Hot, humid, meal too expensive, uncomfortable with Bill's inappropriate flirting then the Encounter with The Town Lech. 

Ask me when I'm going out again in Milton.  

Oh how I wish there was an Ali Baba's in Milton that I could go in and get a take out.

We don't need any more crab cakes. 

We're crab caked out.

Diversify LSD!

El Compadre

The El Compadre restaurant on Sunset Boulevard - Pat and I were looking to replicate our experience of the La Quetzalteca restaurant in Millsboro, DE

Little late on my posting today folks.  Messing around with my slow, slow computer.  I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a new computer.  This one, an iMac 27 inches, is five years old.  I fear the hard drive is failing.  Heck, I'm failing.  So I called the Apple store this morning and put in an order for a super duper charged iMac to last me for the duration.  Oh yes, this is Apple so you know I'm spending major bucks (got to contribute to the Apple bottom line don't you know) but I NEED my computer.  Some people buy motor cycles, some people take a cruise around the world. Me?  I buy the latest in computers so I can stay connected with the world.  Gone are the days when our only source of information was what the three major TV networks doled out to us after they filtered the news, now we not only can go on the Internet to filter our own news (which can still be a challenge because we're going through the "American" filter) but we can also contribute to the social intercourse via blogging, like I'm doing now and, to a lesser extent, Facebook.  Wow, that was a long sentence. I try to keep my sentences short and simple folks but sometimes you just have to let the thoughts roll onto the keyboard as they rattle out of my head.

So folks, here is the latest installment of my ten day stay in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.  This post is about our dine out one night (our second or third night, I forget which) at the El Compadre Restaurant on Sunset Boulevard.  All of our other meals were at vegan establishments but I want to sample the local Mexican culinary delights just once.  And I did.  

Interior of El Compadre restaurant, Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA

As we were walking down Sunset Boulevard one balmy evening in January (doesn't that sound great? Balmy in the same sentence with January?).  I heard music and joyful sounds coming out of this hole in the wall on Sunset Boulevard.  I suggested to Pat that we venture in.  He acquiesced, knowing that even in the Cheese Palace he could probably get something vegan (he did).  

We enter the raucous environs. I look for the seating hostess.  She tells us there will be a half an hour wait.  I look at Pat in askance.  A couple waiting nearby detect our uncertainty   He says to me "It's worth the wait."  I'm easily persuadable and make The Decision on the spot.  We wait.  

After the aforementioned half an hour wait (the hostess knows her business) we were seated.  We peruse the menu.  I see a cheesy mess that appeals to me.  Oh, I almost forgot.  I ordered a lime margarita while I was standing sand waiting to relax me.  By the time I was seated, I was relaxed, in spite of the salt that rimmed the margarita glass (I don't like salt with my tequila libations). 

Our meal, I almost pigged out on the spicy salsa alone - I can taste this food now

We order our food, I order another lime margarita, without salt this time, and settle in to enjoy the vibes of the El Compadre restaurant.  While we were waiting for our order, I almost totally pigged out on the chips and salsa alone.  Oh how I love good, fresh, spicy salsa.  Yum!

Chips and salsa, that's me!

A three man combo was playing not two feet from us.  This video is not the best representation of that delightful combo but it does give you a flavor of the night. Yet another good night in West Hollywood, California.  Oh and yes, I was a little tipsy on the way home.  Actually, this was the only time during our stay in California that I had a drink, they don't serve alcoholic beverages at the vegan palaces we frequented during our holiday odyssey in California.  





You know, I've often wondered what musicians are thinking when they're playing beautiful, melodic music like this in a restaurant when just about everyone else is either talking, laughing of feeding their faces. Well, I can tell you both Pat and I appreciated their music. We were sitting right next to them while they played. A very pleasant evening indeed. I was stuffed when I got back to where we were staying but contented and just a little bit tipsy, which was alright.

The Bay Leaf Restaurant Milton Delaware

The Bay Leaf Restaurant on Rt. 16 Milton, DE

This evening I had a very pleasant early dinner at the Bay Leaf Restaurant in Milton, Delaware.

I like to dine out occasionally.  However, I've never gotten used to eating alone even though I've been the "lonely guy" many times during my long tenure on this earthly pane.  



My high school friend Ed is down this week from his home in Pennsylvania.  When he's down at his home in Rehoboth, we usually do dinner once or twice.  However, I just didn't feel up to traveling the dangerous Route One to his home in Rehoboth Beach to have dinner at one of those loud, expensive and stressful Rehoboth restaurants.  When I go out to dinner I like it QUIET which is doesn't happen during the Season in Rehoboth.  I remember a time a few years ago when I met my friend Ed for an early dinner and the table next to us was the typical extended family:  Mom and pop, three kids, grandmom and grand pop plus a Baby in a Basket which they placed on the table right next to us.  Oh lovely.  Please don't misunderstand me, those folks are what keeps our economy going but I prefer not to stuff my face with a Chicken Caesar Wrap listening to a two month old baby cry.  Just not my thang, you know?  

I suggested to Ed that we have an early dinner in Milton.  The restaurant is called the Bay Leaf Restaurant.  I've eaten there several times and never been disappointed.  Milton doesn't have a whole lot of restaurants.  Three others that I can think of which will remain unnamed.  I haven't been impressed with the other three.  Been disappointed every time I've eaten in them so I haven't returned.

I was surprised when we went into the Bay Leaf this evening.  There was only one other patron in the restaurant.  A middle aged woman who was eating by herself.  I don't mind so much eating by myself as long as the restaurant isn't crowded and I feel like I'm taking up a whole table and thus depriving the restaurant of paying customers.  However, I prefer to dine with someone.  I like to talk, which should come as no surprise to any of my regular followers.

This evening we had a delightful meal.  My friend Ed had a pasta and spinach dish.  

I had a Chicken Caesar Wrap and fries.  I didn't get a dinner because I just can't eat that much anymore.  I ate half of my wrap and I'll keep the other half for lunch tomorrow.  I splurged and have a Triple Chocolate cake (topped with a cherry) for dessert.  It was licentiously delicious.  I really shouldn't of.....but I did.  Pangs of guilt are sweeping over me now.  As I so often say after Going For The Dessert After the Meal, I'm telling myself "Never again!"  But I will.  

Strawberries Sauvignon - a Bay Leaf Chef Special

After finishing our meal and wrapping up exchanging information on our latest medical adventures, Ed and I checked out.  At the cashier's station the owner asked me "Aren't you the guy with the blog?"  OMG!  You know folks, I'm encountering this situation more and more often.  I've had my blog going on seven years now and apparently I am becoming quite well known in certain quarters.  Of course the first thing I thought of "What did I write in my last blog?"  Even more I thought "What pictures did I post?"  Ah yes!  I did post a picture of Channing Tatum in his, well um....undies.  Oh my.......oh well. 

Lauren - the owner who asked me "Aren't you the guy who blogs?

One of the first things that went through my mind was that she would ask me "Do you practice the gay lifestyle?" as was the question my ignorant, homophobic North Carolina distant cousin asked me when I was on vacation in North Carolina in March and who, when I affirmed I was gay, growled to me "Now get this, if you set foot on my parent's land (I was going to introduce them to another cousin and his wife) you'll have to deal with me, you got that bud!".  Yes folks, I have been permanently scarred by that accusatory question.  I was prepared to be asked not to "set foot" in that restaurant but instead had a very pleasant conversation with Lauren about how slow business was for her restaurant on Monday nights.  I wasn't in Kansas North Carolina anymore folks.  I was in the First State which (mostly) welcomes diversity....and marriage equality.  

Folks, this is a fine restaurant. You want to get away from the traffic, the crowds, the noise of Rehoboth?  Travel six miles north to the historic, quaint town of Milton and the Bay Leaf Restaurant.  They are open for business seen days a week including Mondays!  Comfortable seating, good service, large menu, freshly prepared food, reasonable prices and FREE PARKING.  What's not to like?  

Me in the front of the Bay Leaf Restaurant this evening. Plentiful, free parking folks!

Yes, I do plan to go back on Monday nights.  Now to send out my invitation for dining companions.  Wish me luck! I prefer not to eat under a spotlight.

Stood Up

My view from my Table For One - I was too embarrassed to ask the waitress to take a picture of me alone at the table. I've never gotten used to dining alone.

Yesterday I was stood up for a luncheon date.  No big deal in the whole scheme of things but to me it was a reminder of how much I hate to dine alone.

Ironically, it wasn't me who called for the luncheon date.  It was my friend.  "Let's do lunch!"  I said "What's a good time for you?" (as I usually do, I am the accommodating one).  He said Tuesday.  I knew that was his day off although it wasn't my day of but what the hey, I can accommodate as I usually do.  

Yesterday morning I sent a text message to him "See you at 11:30."  I didn't receive an answer because I know that he sleeps late.  No big thing.

Eleven o'clock rolls around and I bundle up to go out to lunch.  A cold wave has rolled in.....finally.  Actually, I really didn't want to go out to lunch in the cold and also because I had to go to work yesterday afternoon near the same location where we were having lunch, the Rose and Crown Restaurant in Lewes.  Two trips into town.....in the cold.  I can do that.  What they hey.

So I get there and cross the threshold of the Rose and Crown at 11:24 pm.  The bartender gives me one of THOSE looks that says "Oh uh, a single diner hogging up one of our tables that could fit more."  I know THAT look because in my past I have often dined alone.  And the reason for that is because Bill doesn't like to eat out and most of my friends either can't afford to eat out or have something more important to do than dine out with me.  Sounds harsh but it is true, trust me, I know from experience.  I'm one of those saps people that other people make lunch or dinner dates with and if something else comes up better, they either cancel or postpone their date with me.  I don't know how I got into that position (maybe because I'm just too damn accommodating) or maybe just because I'm a bore.  I don't know which but it's a fact folks, I know from experience.

Anyway, I tell the waiter "I'm meeting somebody."   I want to go to a booth but he tells me "Oh no, they seat six."  Uh, okay. I've sat at that booth before and been comfortable but God forbid, I wouldn't want him to lose any business.  So I seat myself at one of those rickety tables for two out in the open (see above photo).  

The waitress comes over.  I tell her "I'm waiting for somebody."  I order an iced tea.  Fifteen minutes later she sashays by giving me THAT look. I tell her "Oh, I'll go ahead and order while I'm waiting."  As I said before, I had to go to work yesterday afternoon (at 2:30) and I do like to take an hour nap before I go to work, so I better order now. I sent my friend another text message "I'm here!"  

I order their overpriced $11.00 bacon cheeseburger, well done with fries.  Fifteen minutes later I get a plain hamburger, medium rare with luke warm fries.  Last time I was there I got luke warm fries.  I've seen reviews of this restaurant about their lukewarm fries.  Must be a speciality of theirs.  The fries are good but would be better if they were hot.  Oh well.  

I begin to eat feeling like Steve Martin in the movie "The Lonely Guy."  Remember that scene when he was eating alone in the restaurant?  When the disdainful waiter sat him down in the middle of a crowded dining room, every one stopped talking and a spot light clicked on to highlight Steve Martin's character EATING ALONE.  That's the way I felt folks, like a lonely, old fool (which I am actually but that's a subject for another blog posting).  

Ever eat alone?  I'm sure most of you have at one time or another and probably only did it once after discovering how unpleasant it is.  So there I was, chewing my medium rare $11.00 hamburger, trying not to make eye contact with the other diners who were obviously pitying this poor soul who has no friends and has to eat alone.  I tried to see the humor in my situation at that time but failed to do so.  I'm sort of feeling it now though, that's why I'm writing about it.  

I was half tempted to ask for a take out box to pack up my $11.00 medium rare hamburger (that I ordered well done) and end my embarrassment.  But I didn't want to admit defeat quite just yet.  For what seemed like an interminably extra long time, I chewed and chewed on that hamburger (which surprisingly had that nice charcoal taste that I like in spite of the pink middle which I despise) until I was finally finished.  I asked for a take out box to take my now totally cold fries home (I can reheat them in my oven at home at taste them the way they were supposed to be served....hot).  

The time was now 12:30 pm. Out in the cold again, into my car and the four mile ride home.  When I got in the house Bill asked "How was lunch?"  I told him "I got stood up but the hamburger was good."  I told him that I was going to take my nap which I usually take before I go into work.

Nap taken, got dressed in work drag and off to Lewes again.  I arrive at work at 10 minutes to 3 pm, the start of my shift.  At 2:56 pm my iPhone beeps. I see I have a text message from my friend who was to join me at lunch.  Text message:

"Shoot!  I forgot.  I'm really really sorry."  

Yesterday wasn't a total loss, I got a blog posting out of it.  And I'm sort of seeing the humor in it....I think.  

Rose & Crown Restaurant Lewes DE

Rose & Crown Restaurant - Lewes, DE

My neighbor Barbara took me out to lunch today at the newest restaurant in Lewes, Delaware.  It is called the Rose and Crown and is located on the first floor of the Rodney Hotel.

Our booth by the window - Barbara is the blond to the left

I'm always eager to check out new restaurants, especially ones in Lewes where I work part-time as a hotel front desk representative.  I like to personally dine myself at the restaurants so I can give first hand knowledgeable reviews of the restaurants that I recommend to hotel guests.  I also like the social aspect of dining out.  Always good to get out of the house and experience a change of pace from my own very excellent cooking.  

Barbara and I in our booth awaiting our orders - loved the skylight!

Barbara and I didn't get too adventurism with our orders today.  She ordered fish and chips.  I ordered a very well done (which drives Barbara crazy) hamburger with fries.  Barbara ordered deep friend pickles as her app and I ordered a butternut squash soup.  The pickles were excellent.  I thought the soup was on the bland side but maybe that's the way with butternut soup.  "Butternut" always sounds better than it tastes in my experience.

My hamburger burnt to perfection (just the way I like it!)

We had a minor emergency though before we ate.  Our waitress came up to us and informed us that the restaurant was "out of gas."  That meant they couldn't cook out food.  At least right away.  She said an emergency deliver of propane gas was on its way and should only delay our meal by 15 or 20 minutes. Time to put that ice tea aside and order a cocktail.  I ordered something called a "ginger fizz."  I forget the ingredients but it tasted like a gin and tonic on steroids.  First sip and I was transported back to my weekend bar cruising days in the 70's.  My Drink of Choice then was a gin and tonic.  After a couple of sips I was getting that familiar, self confident grin on my face.  I had to remind myself I was in a straight restaurant at midday in one of the straightest small towns in Delaware.  Down Ron.

Barbara's fish and chips (which she said were "excellent") with Remoulade sauce

Our meals arrived.  My hamburger was properly burned black and tasty just the way I like it.  The fries looked good with skins on them but were luke warm.  I like my fries hot but managed to devour more than a few fries on my plate.  I asked for a small container to take the rest of my fries home with me for rejuvenation at my meal tonight.  I may even let Bill have a few.

All in all we had an enjoyable, pleasant, afternoon diversion on this brisk, late fall day with my friend and neighbor Barbara.  The only thing that would have been better is if those fries were crackling hot. 

Note:  the restaurant graciously took $15.00 off our bill because of the "we're out of gas" delay.  

Also, the Rose & Crown is open seven days a week, 11 am to 11 pm.  Good news for me and my hotel guests on Mondays and Tuesdays when most of the other restaurants in Lewes are closed.  A nice place to stop for a casual lunch in Lewes.

Lewes, Delaware

Dining With Ron

This movie is a compilation of some of the many photos I have had taken of me dining out with friends and at different functions like class reunions and birthday celebrations.  Most of the time when I dine out, as most of my friends know, I usually ask the waitress or waiter to take a picture of me and my dining company. Sure, sometimes I can be an annoyance to my friends when I ask the waitress "Would you mind taking our picture first?" But when you look at this collection of pictures you will see that it was all worth whatever minute or two I took out of our Dining Experience to memorialize my time together with friends and family for light hearted camaraderie and good food.


I haven't posted all the photos.  I wanted to keep this movie under ten minutes lest I put anyone to sleep.  This isn't quite as bad as watching a slide show but I know I take the risk of boring the casual reader of this blog.  I'm taking that chance!

I tried to put a theme to this movie.  See if you can pick up on it.

Enjoy!

With Eyes Wide Shut

Friends dining at the Bay Leaf Restaurant in Milton, DE May 24, 2011

As all of my friends know, when I dine out with them I usually ask the waitress (or waiter) to take a picture of me and my dining companions before the meal.  I know that my habit sometimes annoys my friends.   I try to restrain myself but to little avail. Occasionally, like last Friday's Dine Out, I didn't pull out my iPhone camera.  I actually got through the whole meal sans pictures, probably much to the pleasure of some of my dining companions.

However, tonight I wanted to take a picture of me and my friends because we were dining at a new restaurant in Milton called The Bay Leaf.  I was with a group of my VBDF (Very Best Dining Friends) who I hadn't been with for too long because of vacation and my recently crazy full-time working schedule. We call our club "The Old Geezer's Dining Club". Yep, we're all retired and way over the hill.  We're at the age where we just enjoy each other's company.

So tonight right after we placed our orders I asked the waitress to take our picture with my iPhone.  She happily obliged.  She took the picture.  She handed me back my iPhone and I glanced at the picture and saw smiles around.  I was pleased.  I sent the picture to my dining friends by the way of my iPhone.

We had our dinner, which was delightful.  We lingered after dinner over dessert and coffee, catching up on everything since the last time I was out to dinner with my friends.

I come home.  I pull up the picture taken of us dining and what do I find?  I HAVE MY EYES CLOSED!

Can you believe it?  One would think that after all these years of having my picture taken dining out with my friends that I could at least keep my eyes open!

You know why?  After all these years I'm just not a poser.  I never would make a good model.  I cannot smile on command.  Spontaneous pictures of me are the best.  When I pose, and there is even the slightest delay, this is what you get from me.  A doofus with his eyes WIDE SHUT.

Hey guys?  Let's do this again!

Night Out With Friends

Ron, Bob, Don and Ted - Geezers Night Out

Tonight I did something that I don't think I ever did before in my life. I dined out with friends and then saw a show on the same night.  I troll through my memory banks but I don't think I ever did the two at the same time.  I've dined out with friends.  I've gone to a movie.  A movie doesn't count.  


"Dinner and a show" has a nice ring to it.  What really made tonight special was that I dined out with three gentlemen that I like a lot.  The three of us just seem to hit it off.  Maybe it's because we're all in the same age range. Bob is 67, I'm 69 and Don and Ted are both 70.  Four old geezers out for a night on the town.  


We dined at a new restaurant in downtown Rehoboth next to the theater where we were going to see "Dirty Blonde" (a retrospective of the life of Mae West) later in the evening.  The restaurant was called MIXX.  I have no idea what the name means but we were comfortable and well served.  I got the short ribs (fork tender) with asparagus.  The menu said horseradish (which I LOVE) but I couldn't detect any horseradish but I did savor a melody of other interesting flavors which I could not readily identify.  For dessert I had a gingerbread, apple compote with vanilla ice cream (which I am still digesting).  But for me the best part of the evening was spending time with my friends.  


To me this is what retirement is all about.  Quality time with friends and doing exactly what I want to do and not what I have to do to keep afloat. 


Freedom, I love it.  I hope I can live like this for another twenty years at least.

How Not to Dine Out

This evening I took my good friends Larry and Lois out for a quiet dinner at the Irish Eyes Restaurant in Lewes, Delaware. I have dined at the new Irish Eyes before and liked the food. Thus this evening I was looking forward to a return visit and an enjoyable dinner with my good friends Larry and Lois. Ah ha, you know how sometimes the best intentions go awry. Tonight that happened.

We were seated ringside to the Irish singing entertainment. Okay, this won't last too long. Oh how wrong I was. I have a difficult time understanding my friend Larry anyway because he is a very shy person and speaks very low lest he bother somebody nearby. Thus, with the entertainment of the evening singing Irish jigs behind me and Larry mumbling in front of me I was constantly shouting asking him to repeat himself. I usually caught the end of his sentences but couldn't make out the beginning of what he was saying. So much for a nice, enjoyable, QUIET dinner out with my friends.

Oh I can't say I blame the singer, he was just doing his job. In fact, towards the end of his two hour (oh yes, he entertained without break for almost two hours), he gave us special recognition for putting up with him "on the front line" the whole evening. We weren't being too polite to him either by talking (and shouting) while he was singing. He was just doing his job. 

My good friend Bob C. will not go to the Purple Parrot in Rehoboth Beach when they have entertainment (usually a reggae band of all things) because you can't hear one another. So here is the choice, either go to a restaurant with the screaming kids (at least THEY weren't there tonight) or "entertainment" like we had tonight. My head is throbing now.

You know what? I think I'm becoming an old fuddy duddy because I just want things quiet, uncomplicated and smooth.

Next time I call ahead.

Friday Night Dining Group

The Cracker Barrel Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

 I like to dine out.

My partner does not like to dine out.

My Partner Bill who DOES NOT like to dine out - we're at Zorba's in this picture

I do not like to dine out alone.

Dining Alone  -no two ways about it - it is awful

Thus, when my friend Bob C. asked me if I would like to join his "Friday Night Dining Group", I eagerly accepted.

Tonight was the first night I dined out with the group.  Our only criteria is that we dine at a cheap restaurant.  Good food, cheap food.  The Cracker Barrel fit the bill.

Interior of the Cracker Barrel restaurant

I have a good friend who also likes to dine out.  His name is Larry and he and his wife Lois like to "fine dine."  While I like fine dining too, I don't like the price that goes along with fine dining.  I ate with Larry and Lois once.  We at at The Buttery in Lewes and we did indeed have a fine dining experience.  We also had a fine dining bill for the three of us for $169, and that was before the tip.

The Buttery Restaurant, Lewes, Delaware

My friend Lar's goal is a bit different than mine.  Our dining experience is more about camaraderie and friendship than experiencing the latest cuisine.

Larry and Lois at Stripper Bites, Lewes, Delaware

Everyone in our Friday Night Dining Group are male and gay.  You don't have to be gay to belong to our group but that is the way it has worked out.  This group is a good way for single gay men to dine out with a group of friends instead of sitting at home or dining out alone.

Friday Night Dining Group at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant 

My friend Carole T. (a former high school classmate) in Pennsylvania belongs to a similar group called "hy Dine Alone?"  This group consists mainly of single older women.  It makes sense because most of these women like to dine out occasionally but they don't feel comfortable dining alone.  Carole asked me once to join the group for dinner one night.  I was all set to go but at the last minuted I asked how many women would be in the group.  She told me "about thirty."  I asked her how many men.  She told me "You would be the second one."  Ah ha.  I asked her about the other guy.  She said "He's 80 years old."  Hell, he was probably having the time of his life surrounding by all those widows and single women.  As a gay man, dining with thirty women who I'm sure are all delightful, wasn't particularly appealing to me.  What would be talk about?  Now, dining with thirty other gay men, talking would not be a problem.

My friend "Why Dine Alone" Carole

Tonight at the Cracker Barrel, there were eleven in our group.  It was a good mix.  Conversation was not a problem.  Hey, you get a group of gay guys together and conversation is rarely a problem.  It certainly wasn't tonight.

Good camaraderie  - I'm in the red in the middle with my mouth closed (for once)

Another plus is you meet new friends.  I did meet and make new friends tonight.  One can never have too many friend, especially in this cold and indifferent world of today.

I ordered meatloaf, steak fries, corn and string beans (which were cooked to a pulp.)  For dessert I had a concoction called Strawberry Icebox Cake.  The meatloaf was delicious and the dessert delightful.  Even better was the modest check.  No $28 prix fixe "special" dinner a la The Buttery.

But the best part of the night was meeting and making new friends.  Thank you Bob for inviting me to join your group.

Bob and friends Tim, Miles and David