At First Glance

After a satisfying excursion to Pottery Barn Kids, one in which my wife accomplished gathering the final accents/accessories to the nursery we decided to treat ourselves to a nice meal at Jeff Ruby's Louisville Restaurant at the Galt House. Why not, we're five weeks from having a newborn, our four year anny is upcoming, who knows when we'll have that opportunity again right?

It's always interesting to see how we're treated at nice restaurants, we're usually the youngest couple in the room, which shouldn't matter, you figure a place with that type of reputation delivers good service. The Fleur de Lys in San Francisco is an exemplary example of million dollar service no matter what. On this night you could tell through the hostesses phony pleasantries and the server's fake smile that they were less than enthusiastic. Our server was a middle aged male with thinning hair and it was subtly apparent that we were not his "ideal" clientele.

I never let these observations affect what is most important, the reason I was there was to have a satisfying meal and share a nice experience with my love. I don't brude over or preceive any slight. In between conversation, shrimp cocktail and ordering my fillet and lobster I noticed that aside from a few employees, there were only a handful of minorities dining in the restaurant. That detection served as a catalyst for a common topic of conversation these last nine months, our hopes and goals for Pierce.

One of my goals is to make sure he knows where he came from, a task that is challenging for a couple of reasons: not only is he three generations removed from Jorge and Cruz Hernandez, but also the first to not have a direct connection to them. My desire and part of the challenge is not just for him to know where he came from but for it to be important to him.

Assimilation for future generations of immigrant families is inevitable. Often times it seems like it's a prerequisite for progressing up the "ladder" and advancing in social standing. Balancing success in any circumstance is vital but especially when you risk losing a grasp on your roots.

After coffee and creme brulee, Ashleigh decided to powder her nose. She went ahead while I waited to settle the tab. I gave the server our valet ticket, thanked him for his service and walked to the bar to wait for my date.

As I was waiting next to the bar and foyer area, an older white guy wearing a polo and khaki shorts, (below the "business casual" dress code described on the restaurant's web page) approached me, extended his hand to give me something and asked me:

"do you mind taking care of this for me"?

An empty Bud Light can lay in his open palm. His party (three couples) while waiting for a table were enjoying a few drinks. It appeared to me that he was the only one "classy" enough to order a Bud Light in a $45 a plate establishment, the others were drinking wine and having cocktails.

At first glance he saw a young Hispanic man in a black dress shirt and assumed I was on staff. I looked back at him, surveyed the rest of his crew and took a step closer.

Side Note: It feels like a fitting time to point out that another goal I have for Pierce is making sure he realizes the importance of collecting his emotions before taking measured and appropriate action so as not to compromise himself in anyway......

Wearing a smarmy smile and delivered in a controlled tone that exudes confidence, something I have perfected over the last decade, (a few of you might know what I am talking about):

"yes, matter of fact I do mind, I'm not taking care of anything for you"

Completely caught off guard, he responded:

"Excuse me"?

I leaned in (to let him in on what he overlooked), firmly and politely pointed out:

"I don't work here bro".

Embarrassed, the man responded "oh, I'm sorry.", while the rest of his party and surrounding witnesses rained laughter upon him, he stepped two feet to his left and tossed the can away. The hostess (in a manner more congenial than we experienced) called their name and escorted them to their table without another word shared between us.

I hesitated in adding some of the aforementioned details because I don't want to give the impression that he or anyone ruined our evening, we weren't mistreated. If I only took one glace at the room and situation, I might not have observed any of those coincidental details. I guess that's the point though, next time take more than one glance. In the end, it was a merely a footnote to a beautiful day and memorable experience we shared as husband & wife and now MOM & DAD.