Hi,
Arrived 25 minutes late for my 4 pm reservation, alas it was not a problem. The check-in station, which was the top edge of the garbage containers turned toward us, swiftly handled us. This little bit of re-purposing was a nice creative touch.
Mom2 and I sat down to a two-seater with a red plastic tablecloth carefully trimmed to fit just right. There was a lit votive candle, silk flowers with beaded hearts in a tall vase and mini-card stand wishing us a Happy Valentine's Day.
There was a reddish hue to the restaurant from red inserts in the light fixtures and well as heart shaped doilies. Festive helium balloons were tied to at least one chair per table. The atmosphere was humming with happy chatter.
Mom2 and I ordered a sack of shrimp, two crabcake sandwiches, a Coke (with free refills, I asked) and coffee. Later I added a fish sandwich costing 50 cents more than the crab. If anything, I am quite decadent.
While we waited for our food, we talked to the couple next to us. They had tried for several years to get reservations on Valentine's Day at White Castle. The first time, they stumbled upon it and unfortunately White Castle was booked solid. Last year, they called to late and could not get into their preferred White Castle location. These things happen with the hottest ticket in town. While they offered to find another location with openings, they did not want to travel far. This year was their lucky year, because they made their reservations early. Just like me, they signed up for the first time with OpenTable to get those precious seats.
I asked if they told anyone about their arrangements. They said all their friends laughed. I recounted SteveZ's comment, "That sounds like the saddest Valentine's Day EVER." I guess I may have been a bit loud, because laughter came from a few tables over that one.
Dinner was divine. When we had some shrimp leftover, they brought a takeaway bag. The bill was totaled, paid with a nice tip. It was the best $20 White Castle meal without any over-stressed waiters or food slippages due to an overwhelmed kitchen.
Just like at the Pump Room, we could have our picture taken at our table or against a special White Castle Valentine's Banner.
Afterwards, the festivities continued at the three dollar car wash. I extravagantly upped it to six, because I wanted the undercarriage cleaned, too.
Culver's flavor of the day was chocolate covered strawberries, which did nothing for me. Instead we shared a concrete of vanilla ice cream, raspberries, Heath bar chips and pecans.
I recalled for Mom2 about the article Giovanna had linked to. She thought it was wonderful advice on how to make Valentine's Day less disappointing.
This was one fun Valentine's Day, which completely fulfilled our wishes.
Regards,
CAthy2