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I wanted to follow up in regard to my latest restaurant post about Cafe Amore. I called and spoke to the manager, Sean, who was very apologetic. Sure, I can’t get that night back and how the server put a damper on our evening, but I find it very refreshing and just how he took responsibility for what happened. He stated the server did not mean anything by greeting us with “Hey, kids!”, and he may not have. Hopefully he learned a valuable lesson and does not greet the next table with young adults the same way. I will be going back sometime to give it another try.

Listen closely restaurants, and please, please stop your usual discriminatory practices. While I realize not all restaurants fall into this category, I have encountered this in far too many establishments, so those that are doing a great job already, kudos to you – keep up the good work!

When teenagers walk in, please do not dismiss us as other-worldly creatures without respect, dignity, and manners. We, too, are humans. We can dine in elegant, candle-lit restaurants. We may not know what everything on your fancy menu is, so when we ask, answer politely – not like we are stupid. You, too, once did not know what that sauce was covering fine pieces of meat. We came to enjoy an evening, hoping to enjoy your food, ambiance, and service. We dressed up and we even made reservations! Obviously, we are serious about thoroughly enjoying our night – you could help us in that quest. Oh yeah, did I mention we are going to leave you a 20% tip just like the other people in the restaurant? But no, you do not think so. You stereotype teenagers and so we are left with very unfortunate service. Your manners are different, quieter, attempting to conceal the fact that you would rather not be serving us. You tried very hard to seem friendly, but we saw through your act. I know how you would treat a table with adults, I have dined with my parents. Is it too much to expect that same service with my girlfriend? I do not think so, but apparently we do not seem worth it. Your service leaves me not wanting to patronize your restaurant and absolutely discouraging others from dining there, as well. In fact, your service was so condescending, I would rather dress up and go to a fast food restaurant. At least when we get up to the counter, they will not say “Hey, kids!”. By the way, we are not kids. Would you greet a table by saying, “Hey, adults!”? We may not be able to drink, yet, but we are able to partake in all the adult privileges, same as you. For all purposes relating to your restaurant, the only difference between the service you should offer us and a table full of adults is that you take away the wine glasses and the wine menu. Other than that, I expect the same service, just as you would at my age. It is rather unfortunate because I enjoyed your food, the restaurant had a very romantic feeling, and the host was quite friendly, but because your waiter cast us off as typical teenagers and treated us differently than other guests, I will not be coming back. On top of the fact that I will never be coming back, when people ask for recommendations, I will strongly discourage them from dining at your restaurant, Cafe Amore in Seattle, WA. Please, next time young adults enter your restaurant, Cafe Amore, treat them with the same respect and service you would other guests.

I am never quite sure what to use this blog for – images or words? Why not both, right? It seems I usually want to post more thoughts than pictures, but tonight I figured I would combine it a bit.

I just finished my first quarter of college and I have already started my next quarter. College is a little tough to figure out…what am I doing here? I am “supposed” to be learning. But, learning what? You go to classes, you come back, you study, you do something fun, you study, you eat, you may party, you eat, you study, you listen to music, etc. Ultimately, you go to college to further your education and increase your chances at a better job and in turn, a higher salary. Now, what if I told you that’s all nice, but there is more to it than that? In college you are mostly tested on material, information, knowledge, etc. Learn the material, synthesize it, apply it to a test or a paper is the normal process. While you may learn the material to do well on the test, I don’t think it is the actual material that matters. I believe it is the process of learning which matters most. I think through learning you discover yourself and I think that is what college is about. It is about discovering your passions, your beliefs, formulating your morals and re-defining the person you wish to become. It is about trying new things and going out on a limb just for the sake of the new view, whether something is there or not. Sure, I am learning material about philosophy, geology, history, anthropology, and math, but I am learning myself. I am learning about myself through the process of learning. At the end of the day, the material will have come and gone, but what you learn about yourself will always be there the next day. Each day I hope I learn something new about the way I think, the way I perceive things, and the direction or path I am taking in life. I hope it’s a happy one, too. With that, have a happy day – learn something about yourself. Make it fun. Make it strange. Make it worthwhile.

Enjoy this picture of this dog. Her name is Angel…how can you not smile seeing her? She is so joyful.