Of course...I thought your crazy to go by yourself but in the end it was all worth it. I had signed up for Red Robin's restaurant emails and in doing so they asked for my birthday and the birthdays of my family (little Buckaroo). I figured what the heck if anything we would get a free meal out of it and I was right. With my little Buckaroo's 2nd birthday coming up on Friday, April Fool's day, I got a email coupon for a free kids meal. I rarely go out to restaurants with my little Buckaroo, especially by myself. He doesn't sit still and I end up a total stress case from having to make our table toddler friendly, the 'control your child stare downs' and having to repeat "sit down" so many times I can't count.
Well, I hate letting a good deal pass so off we went for an early dinner. We got to Red Robin around 4:30 pm and there were more employees there then patrons. Perfect I thought...less people, less chances of annoying anyone. As they walked us to our booth, which I requested to put Mikey on lockdown, we walked pass tables being set up for a large party of about 30 plus people. Oh no, my panic set in a bit from the thought of being a disturbance to someones party.
They of gave us the usual paper kids menu and crayons which in most cases would entertain a child for a bit. Not my little Buckaroo, he loses interest in them after a few seconds.
After a quick glance at the kids menu I ordered Mikey's meal right away, knowing it would need time to cool before he could eat it. Since it was his birthday meal I ordered his favorite things (pizza and fries).
I then to a look at the regular menu for myself and decided on a turkey burger and fries.
As I thought, Mikey began to get fussy and wanted down to dance. I gave in and put him down to what I thought was to dance to the music playing. He must have changed his mind mid flight over my lap cause as soon as I set him down he started to wonder off to the front lobby games.
Our young waitress, Brit, was surprisingly friendly and understanding. I say this due to fact most people now in days seem completely annoyed with kids at the slightest sign of what they consider misbehaving. She walked him over to the games, asked him which game he wanted to play and even used her own money to play the Candy Crane game. It was only 50 cents but such an act of kindness. I went to over to rescue her though she seemed fine with him.
We returned to our booth with a slight resistance. I was able to distract Mikey with having him point out the different shapes in the lanterns above the tables. Just as I was about to ask Brit for a plate, she asked if I needed one. I cut up some pizza and fries, then to my surprise Mikey calmly started eating.
I took this opportunity to ask for a to go box and handed over my credit card to pay before the meltdown. Brit was cheerful and totally understanding. I packed up our food except for the little that was on Mikey's plate. Brit then returned with a Ballon and asked me if Mikey would like a birthday sundae. I told her I wasn't sure yet and she smiled and told me to just let her know.
Mikey and I played with the ballon for awhile. I was totally enjoying the moment with him. My little Buckaroo was happy and calm.
Brit seized the moment and brought Mikey his birthday sundae along with a couple other waiters, they sang their version of the Happy Birthday song.
Mikey, who is not much of a sweet tooth, had one little bite then played while I sneaked in a couple of bites the vanilla ice cream. I payed our bill, giving Brit a 50% tip which I had no problem with. She deserved it and more if I could afford it.
So...what was suppose to be a free meal turned into a lesson of kindness.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
