Gristle

My friend Lana and I are enjoying cocktails at Nice Matin on West 79th. After dealing with crazed yuppies all week it’s nice to sit down and be taken care of for a change. The place serves Mediterranean French cuisine. Good. I’m sick of Italian food. After we finish...

Sparrow

I’m standing outside. I hear a bird chirping. I look down. It’s is a baby sparrow. His song is fearful. A weakling, he’s been tossed out of the nest. His siblings watch from above. “Better you than me,” they seem to be saying. I reach down and scoop him up. He’s quiet...

Get Out

“I love you,” the woman says dreamily. “No, I love you more,” the man replies. “How much more?” she giggles reaching across the table to take his hand. “More than anything in the world,” he sighs. It’s way past closing. The Bistro’s empty. The staff is waiting to...

Waiter Axioms

Anyone who wants a table a half hour before closing is an asshole. If a customer never says “Please” or “thank you” during the course of the meal you’re getting 15% or less. If a customer pays with the Discover Card – your tips probably gonna be bad. If the customer...

Thank God for Aprons

“Waiter what would you recommend? The swordfish or the tuna?” the redhead on table twenty three asks me. “The swordfish is excellent tonight,” I offer. “How thick is the swordfish?” Red asks looking up. Our eyes meet. There’s a spark of electricity between us. We both...