The Ice Cream Prince and Princess

This couple came into our restaurant on a busy Friday night wanting "special attention". She was a young woman who appeared convinced that she was a Russian princess. He was a gentlemen carrying a good 20 years more than her.

This was a night we did about 500 covers BUT they decided that the two of them were so special so that had to sit at one of our booths, which we reserve for larger parties during the summer and on weekend nights (we only have 5 tables in the restaurant that seat more than 5 people). They did not take no for an answer from the hostess so insisted on speaking to the manager (who was quite busy fielding real complaints about real problems). The manager decided their 'problem' did not warrant her undivided attention and politely informed them they could choose from one of four tables, but the booths were not an option. The decided to harass her on three more occasions, insisting that they speak to her again about this same request of theirs.

When they finally chose a table that was satisfactory to their needs, they proceeded to monopolize all the waiter's time with silly, time-consuming questions as well as send back the first bottle of wine. They also chose to "special order" (ie: make up dishes that are not on our menu) several items--one of which carried a $2 surcharge.

When the bill arrived, they refused to pay the $2 and insisted on speaking to the manager whom they felt blew them off earlier. The manager, who'd had a long night, decided she was not going to speak to these people any longer as she'd already had enough of them. She instructed the server to encourage them to pay their bill. They did not. She called the police who arrived in about 3 minutes. The police supervised the complete bill paying process (including the $2). They were the last people dining in this area of the restaurant at the time and an employee overheard the woman crying saying, "I can't believe they called the police," and the gentleman saying, "Well, what did you expect? You gave them the impression we weren't going to pay."

Needless to say, they did not tip the server and then decided to sample about six flavors of ice cream (for free), leaving their slimy germ-ridden spoons all over the ice cream counter before departing. I suppose they were trying to get $2's worth?

- J

It takes a village...but not THIS village!!!

When leaving the beach one sunny weekend afternoon, I saw a toddler girl traveling the width of the beach, headed with determination toward the parking lot. It became apparent that no adult was with or watching her.

Couple A was leaving the beach at the same time. They noticed the girl, as well. I commented that perhaps the girl was headed toward couple B in the parking lot...'no', couple A said, 'They're friends of ours and the child doesn't belong to them.'

At this point, couple B hollers to couple A: 'forget it. She's not your responsibility...'

And couple A proceeded to the parking lot.

I didn't dare pick up the toddler to prevent her from wandering all the way up to Hill Street. Instead, I dropped my arms full of beach 'stuff,' ran down to water's edge, described the child to several groups sprawled on blankets...

Finally, one group of 40-something mommies said 'my god, SUSIE, that's YOUR daughter!!!' At this, mom sprang to her feet and caught up with the child who was now in the parking lot.

Not a word of thanks to me, of course. When I said THANK YOU to the mom as she loaded the girl into the car, she said (get ready, dear reader...): "Three nannies for three kids and this is what happens. They're fired.'

What about mom's responsibility????
 

Sincerely,

Halsey Neck Beach Goer

Observed while grocery shopping

Shopper #1 happily shopping and filling her cart. Shopper #2 comes along while #1 is looking at another item and reaches into #1's cart takes out a box of rice and puts it into her cart. #1 sees this and says, Hey, that's my cart you're taking my groceries, #2 says there are more boxes of rice down the isle to the right, and walks on.

Also I heard it said 2 times to other shoppers. "Why can't you locals shop during the week?" Well guess what? We locals work all week and can't get to the store on a weekday. We also have to pay the high price of living out here. Many locals have 2 & 3 jobs.

Signed,

CP