PF Chang's

I walked through the front doors of a modern Chinese bistro guarded with huge stone horses at the entrance.  As soon as I opened the glass doors to PF Chang’s, a unique scent of stir fry or pan fry dishes tickled my nose.  A young lady dressed in black approached me and asked me how many for dinner.  I replied and said, “Just myself tonight.”  She smiled and walked me to my table making small talk. 

(PF Chang's, Oakridge Mall)

I sat alone looking over the menu.   My waiter soon brought a caddy of dipping sauces and introduced himself to me as Justin.  He was very friendly and took my drink order.  As soon as Justin got the signal of a closed menu, he approached me and asked if I was ready to order.  I ordered the Asian marinated New York strip and a side of brown rice. 

I was finished with my meal and set it to the side to hint that I was ready for the bill.  I waited around longer than I thought, because Justin was concentrated on his other tables.  The whole time I was eating, I watched Justin run around back and forth attending to his tables.  He seemed ambushed, although I did notice other servers helping him out. 

Justin moved toward me and asked me if I wanted a box for the rest of my meal.  While he boxed up my remaining portions of steak and mushrooms he handed me the check and told me he would be the cashier when ready.  I went through my wallet, found my Visa, and placed it in the check presenter.  He walked up to me and grabbed the card, and thanked me for coming in. 

Overall, I stayed longer than I thought I would by myself.  I thought I would have been bored but watching others was entertaining.  I walked out of the restaurant as a hostess said goodnight to me and thanked me for coming in.  I don’t know why I was so afraid to eat by myself.