About ten years ago, a few co-workers and I were sent to Hartford Connecticut to take an IBM computer course. After one of the classes I asked the instructor if he would recommend a good place to eat.
He told us that Hartford is really known for its great Italian cuisine. He then recommended a few very good Italian restaurants. One co-worker and myself decided to try the instructor's favorite place. A restaurant called The Hot Tamale.
At the time I was a very competent cane traveler and always used a folding cane. When we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted with a warm welcome by a host. The host obviously knew I was blind but never told anyone else. Anyway, after he seated us, he then explained that someone would be by to take our order.
As I said, I always used a folding cane. I took my cane, folded it then placed it on the floor under the table.
Soon the waiter came by to take our order. I do believe that he also figured out that I was blind, but also did not tell anyone else. Finally, a different person came by to serve our food. This man had absolutely no idea that I could not see. After he placed the food onto the table, he asked, "Would you like some cheese?" Of course I said "Yes, please."
I had no idea that he had a block of cheese and a small greater in his hands. By the way, did you know that grating cheese makes no noise? Anyway, I could tell that he was still standing by the table. I had no idea that he was grating cheese onto my food. Within a few seconds he started looking back and forth between my meal and me. Obviously, he wanted me to tell him when to stop. My co-worker friend was almost crying trying to hold back the laughter. Finally he was able to speak and said, "I think that is enough."
I guess that that server thought, "Boy, this guy really likes cheese!"
I often wonder how much cheese I would have had, if it were not for my co-worker speaking up?!
To return to the previous page use your back button or click here for home page.