For those of you who have been wondering where I have been of late, let’s just say life has been interesting.
So, my Dad was in the hospital. And, those of you who know my Dad know that he likes Arby’s.
Well, maybe like is not the right word.
Try “loves”.
Better yet – “LOVES”.
Yep, Dad LOVES Arby’s.
So, my Dad and I are sitting at the hospital when he tells me he is hungry.
“Don’t want hospital food?” I asked already knowing the answer.
“Micheal John, I have a craving.” he said.
“Oh? For what?” already knowing the answer.
“Arby’s, of course!”
“Okay, Dad.” I said rising. “I’ll be back.”
Starting the car, I realized that I had no idea where the nearest Arby’s was to the hospital.
MapQuest it is!
Seven freaking miles! Arrrrgh! Ah, well. I was off!
I should have known the trip was going to be an adventure when I had to take not one but TWO detours on the way to the restaurant.
Pulling into the strip mall, I got in line at the drive through. It was one of those annoying ones where there is a brick wall built around it so that it was absolutely impossible to get out of it once you were in it. Add to that the fact that it was elevated, and you have the picture.
“Can I heeeeeeelp you?” came across the speaker in a tone that said they really didn’t give a damn if I ordered anything or not.
“A Number One combo?”
“We are having a problem with the broiler so this will take a few minutes.”
“How much time?”
“At least ten minutes.”
There was not much else that I could do as I could not back up, so I pulled forward and that is when I saw the other twelve cars in line.
“You must be fucking kidding me!” was my first thought.
“I have to get out of here.” was my second.
Unfortunately, the drive through was exactly the right width for a car but gave zero space for opening a door on either side. I was trapped.
After ten minutes, none of the cars had moved. After twenty minutes, the first car pulled from the drive through to the door so they could walk in. That left eleven cars still in front of me.
Now, I was getting hungry…
“Hello, Arby’s!”
“Hey, I am stuck in your drive through and I am wondering what the hold up is?”
“Sorry, can’t talk right now. BYE!”
WHAT!
That is when I saw the police cars. Lots and lots of police cars…
All of them seemed to be heading to the Arby’s at the same time. Well, I guess I know why my order was taking so long.
Dammit! I watched while the restaurant was surrounded and then when the officers went in. As I heard no shots, I assumed no one was hurt.
But, I was still hungry and stuck.
Looking down the strip mall, I spied a Chinese restaurant.
“China King?”
“Yeah, I have kinda of an odd delivery request…”
Twenty minutes later, there was a knock on my window and my lunch arrived! Best pan-fried dumplings and wonton soup I have had in ages.
Oh, Starbucks delivered, too. That venti iced chai latte was great.
Thirty minutes later, the police walked a guy out in handcuffs and the line moved.
My order was free!
NOW LET’S DO IT RIGHT!!!
Ice Chai Tea Latte
INGREDIENTS
Darjeeling black tea
Cinnamon sticks
Cardamom pods
Whole cloves
Star anise
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Vanilla extract
Honey
Whole Milk
- take 2 ounces tea and lightly boil it in 16 oz’s of water.
- Add the spices to taste and seethe on a low heat until reduce by half.
- Strain the mixture to carefully remove all particles.
- Add honey to taste and then chill.
- When ready to drink, add eight ounces milk and pour over ice.
Enjoy!
Copyright 2019 M.J. Hobbs
My Life In Bad Food 