Chili's Grill and Bar

Had a date with Maryann this evening.  Went to the outlet malls in Clinton and Westbrook to do some Christmas returns and, of course, some shopping.  Now, get this, we returned a couple pair of pants for Nattie and she wants to get a ukulele with the proceeds from the returns.  I'm OK with that.  Seems kind of strange that she'd want a ukulele but then again she is a gifted percussionist who taught herself guitar and piano so I'm sure she'll do well with the uke. 

Anyway, so when we started thinking about eating something it was round about 8 already and we were both so hungry we could have eaten the south end of a northbound skunk.  I suggested we head on back toward home and catch dinner at the Wallingford Chili's.  We had scored a few gift cards on Christmas from an adoring fan so we agreed and headed for Chili's. 

Arrived right about 9 and when we walked in Maryann excused herself to the powder room.  I told the hostess, "2 please," and she said we'd need to wait a few minutes while they wiped down some tables.  I said that would be fine.  While I was sitting there another party of 2 came in and a waitress greeted them and seated them immediately.  I thought it strange but didn't mind too much since Maryann hadn't yet returned from the head. 

She got back to me a couple minutes later and was surprised I was still waiting, pointing out there were several open tables out there.  I agreed it was strange.  Along the front windows there were like 5 tables, completely empty, which seated 6 each.  We would have been glad to take one of those tables but perhaps they were saving them in case a party of 30 walked in at 9:30 but how ambitious is that? 

Just as the original hostess returned another party of 2 walked in and when she told them they needed to wait they just looked at each other and walked right back out without saying a word.  Maryann said that we should just leave also but I couldn't let this go unaddressed.  So I got up and walked over to the hostess and told her there were plenty of opened tables and we weren't going to wait any longer and she just said, "Okay," and turned away from me. 

Despite my utter shock and disbelief I maintained my composure and while Maryann was saying, "Let's leave," I said, "Excuse me, but you might as well call your manager up here so I can fill him in on what's going on."  She again said, "Okay."  A minute later this guy "Sammy" comes up and I tell him the whole deal--describing to him the above and pointing out all the open tables.  I told him we were sorry but we were leaving. 

Sidebar:  Even at this point I still would have sat down to eat and Sammy probably would've comped us but Maryann was operating on the well-established rule of not eating after complaining at a restaurant.

To his credit, Sammy walked us out to our car, apologizing profusely for the hostess's "asinine" (his word) behavior, assuring us he'd find out what was going on, and inviting us to come back on one of his shifts later in the week so he could make it up to us.  Really nice guy but Maryann works second shift so it's difficult for us to coordinate. 

Anyway, we drove back to Cheshire, picked up Nattie at the house, and went ate at the Cheshire McDonald's where we were treated like royalty.  Angus burgers all around.  Guess we'll just use those gift cards another time.  We love Chili's and we will be back.  Probably go to Southington, though.

By the way, did you know if you go to YouTube and search "fat Hawaiian guy playing ukulele" you get this:  The late, great Israel "Iz" Kamikawiwo'ole...