Friday, November 10, 2006

Al Fresco in November

We had the dog with us, out for a walk in our increasingly pleasant burg. He's really enjoying leash time, and when he gets tired (he's little!) he can just jump into the bag and hitch a ride.
But look! Outdoor tables at the local Chinese restaurant? And surprisingly tolerable mid-fall temperatures? No-brainer. And they even served us a couple of Tsingtaos out there.
The food was middling, but the service was phenomenal.
It probably didn't hurt that we were in the company of the world's cutest dog.
When Cranky asked one of our servers (I think we had three people waiting on us) if we could have a glass of plain water, no ice, he happily dashed back inside... and returned with water in a little rice bowl plus a tiny dish of diced barbecued pork.
I don't care if the meals are mediocre, I'm definitely going back.
I just wish the weather would hold, because Bean Sprout wants to go back too.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This post came in as I was reading yesterday's. No one can resist that cute little bundle, no wonder the waiters were falling over themselves to serve you. It's just started raining here in my part of the UK and is getting quite chilly so I envy your mild weather. Enjoy your week end.

Dagny said...

I am sure that even if you did not want to return, Bean Sprout would demand it.

Catherine said...

Now that's a darn cute picture! Restaurant rule #1: Make people feel welcome!

Anonymous said...

I hate to say this, but I don't think you're supposed to feed dogs pork. Or so I've read.

Monkey Gland said...

You know, I've always figured you can tell a lot about a restaurant about the way they treat dogs. The big old school French places would start the commis chefs on food for the clients dogs, they had to pass the canine test before they could cook for humans.

Katie said...

When we take our dogs with us to cafes they are always served first. The waiter will come, see the dogs (who are HUGE) turnaround, come back with a bowl of water and a treat. Then, and only then, are we mere humans acknowledged. Dogs have always been accepted in restaurants here in France, but sometimes....

Stacie said...

I'll take mediocre food with great service anytime! I heart great service! I don't know what it is, but I don't think midwestern corn farmers like to eat al fresco... closest place is in Chicago! Of course, my deck is open for biz, and the service is impecable!

Michelle said...

You DO have the world's cutest dog. And the nicest Chinese place in the world. I think if I took my 80 lb. monsters anywhere, people would not be bringing them little treats...some day perhaps? ah, until then, it's only the gas station attendants that love them as much as we do (gotta love Oregon for that one!). I am also jealous of your nice weather - do send some up to us!

cookiecrumb said...

ChrisB: That just may have been the last warm day. Next time we dine outdoors it will have to be in puffy coats. Lucky little dog has his own purple down vest.

Sher: I'm disgusting, I know, walking about with a purse pooch, but like you, I can't resist.

Dagny: That dog rules. :-)

Catherine: It really works.

KathyF: Did not know that! Maybe that's why you never see pork kibbles. I'll investigate.

Monkey Gland: Good story. I wish California was a teensy bit more dog-friendly in restaurants; we've had to search for the outdoor places that share the sidewalk, and hence can't declare them off limits.

Katie: I like finding restaurants that have placed dog bowls filled with water outside the door; it's usually a good sign.

Stacie: I've eaten so many superb meals, cheap, al fresco on my patio. I hear ya.

Michelle: It rained this morning. :-(

Jamie said...

If you find out about the dogs-eating-pork thing, let me know. Ours are very fond of pork chop scraps and would be very unhappy to hear the news.

Any restaurant that takes care of me *and* my canine companion really well gets a return visit! Look how pleased li'l Bean Sprout is!

cookiecrumb said...

Jamie: Quick Google search turned up a bunch of amateur chat boards, so answers varied widely. Best I can conclude is definitely not raw pork (duh) and not loads of cooked pork, even, because it's rich and causes loose stools. I think you're OK.