2 girls, and 4 dollars

No. This is not a post about an evening in Bangkok…

But sometimes, you just have to shake your head and wonder about the future of the World. I was recently in Dallas, staying just for one night at a favorite hotel on the north side of town. It was early evening, after work, not yet time for dinner, but a perfect time for me to indulge in a Gin & Tonic (or two).

I’m sitting at the bar, talking to the bartender whom I’ve known for a few years, while a Monday-Night NFL pre-game show is on the TV discussing 2 teams that I do not care about. Seated to my right are two attractive 20-something young women, making plans for dinner and a night out on the town in “Big-D” Dallas. They flew in from Kansas, and are all excited to explore the big city, the bright lights, the attractions. They were well equipped with guidebooks, extra mascara, nice clothes, and energy. So far, so good…

They start talking about where to go for dinner, and as they come up with ideas, they bounce them off of the bartender and me. For some we shake our heads “not so good”, for others “too far” or “don’t know it”. Then they mention this one Japanese restaurant, actually quite close to the hotel. We both perk up. “That place is great” “It’s not far” “The food is excellent” “Easy to get to”. We quickly sold them on it.

Girl #1 then turns in her seat to face me: “Are the entrees really just four dollars?” she asks.

“Four dollars?” I repeat, “No, they start around $15 and go up from there” I tell her. ‘You’re probably looking at a $40 dinner for each of you.”

“But this book says four dollars” She tells me, and points to the page and the restaurant.

Well, she’s right. Sort of. The guidebook lists the restaurant prices as $, $$, $$$, and $$$$.

Now it’s my problem; How do you explain to someone from Kansas that $$$$ in her guidebook does not mean 4-dollars? No, she wasn’t using the NewYork Times version…

Yeah, I had to shake my head in wonder.

After they left, the bartender and I had a really good laugh though.

Next question; What would you leave for a tip after a 4-dollar dinner???