A fine and festive birthday...

They way I figure it, last night Bonefish Grill bought us nearly a hundred dollars worth of free food and drinks.

We showed up for our 7:30 reservation for twelve at West Chester Bonefish about 7:35 - admittedly a few minutes late, but that's life. We were given a buzzer and told that the table would be ready in just a few minutes. No problem...so we headed outside to wait in the incredibly nice November evening.

Half an hour later, I went inside to see if our table was going to be ready anytime soon. "The party at the large table hasn't left yet, sir," I was assured by the hostess. So back to the outside with our group of friends.

Half an hour later I was back inside asking to speak to the manager and asking for free drinks for the crew. He pleasently acquiesced and added that we would be getting appetizers on them as well while we were waiting.

Back to the outside where I was greeted with minor cheering by the assembled crowd.

By the time we'd gotten our drinks and ordered our appetizers, the table was ready - an hour and a half after the reservation's time.

Another hour and a half later, we were full to near bursting and having a great time. The manager's pleasant and generous manner had turned the night into a great time and left us with a great feeling for Bonefish - especially for the bang bang shrimp, a fine appetizer.

And I felt good because I got to be the at least somewhat strong husband taking care of things and getting complimentary things without being a jerk. Probably the first time I've ever taken the direct route of "give us free stuff because you've done us wrong" instead of letting the other person offer. Kinda felt good...

And made for a great birthday dinner for my wife and our friends...