Carded in Chicago
Arthur S. Reber
One of life’s little WTF moments occurred recently and I can’t resist sharing it. Rhiannon and I were in the decent-sized city that is O’Hare Airport. We had a two-hour wait between planes and took a stroll to find lunch. Perhaps surprisingly, there are several good places to eat there. We found a sushi bar, sat down and I ordered a glass of wine.
“I need to see ID,” said the waitress.
“You what?” I said incredulously. [That’s me with my friend the bronze boar!]
“I need to see an ID,” she repeated, completely straight-faced.
“But surely ….” was all I got out. She looked at me and said, “We have to check everyone who orders alcohol.”
“Drinking age in Illinois is 21, right?” I said.
“Yessir, it is,” she said her expression never wavering.
“Just of out of curiosity,” I laughed, “how old do you think I am?”
“I’m sorry sir, we’re not allowed to think here.”
“You’re not allowed to what?”
“Think.”
“So you really do want to see my ID?” I asked.
“Yes sir, otherwise I cannot bring you your wine.”
So I got out my driver’s license while Rhiannon sat there snickering quietly. The waitress looked at it, nodded and walked away.
A few minutes later she returned with my wine. Being an ever-inquiring soul I asked, “I’m curious. What would happen to someone here who stopped to think?”
“Hasn’t happened in the two years I’ve been here,” she answered and walked away.
The wine, a French Viognier, was quite good and the sushi excellent. The waitress, who I hope was a stand-up comic working on a routine, was best of all.
Reader Comments (3)
Arthur is my hero!
Dr. Reber:
Congratulations on the launch of your long-overdue website. Now the world shall shine all the brighter, illuminated by your experience and wisdom. I shall look forward to many more thoughts and stories. May the world deal you more baffling moments such as the one you write about here so your readers, including myself, will be able to enjoy the oddity.
-- ND
hilarious