When we drove by the diner 2-3 times on our way to and from the mall and it was on our way to a different store so I agreed to have lunch there....at Bob Evans (you can only see a place so many times before you take it as a sign...right?)
The place was almost empty as we arrived after the lunch rush and we were seated immediately...by this time my knee was acting up very badly and I was happy not to have to wait at all for a table, unfortunately the pain also put a damper in my mood and I found it almost impossible to concentrate on the menu in front of me. I was almost getting angry when I had to ask for a second time for more time before ordering and since they do not serve alcohol or pepsi product what to drink was also an issue...
The waitress was a very kind woman and always came back with a smile, which made me feel bad that I was in such a bad mood and must have looked angry even if I was really trying not to act like a brat....I finally decided on a fried chicken with mash potatoes and green beans and my husband suggested we try the new strawberry lemonades. (you can spot the lemonade in the burger photo...in the upper right corner)I always tell my children that a poor attitude will prevent them from enjoying what could turn out to be a wonderful adventure...it was something I had to remind myself on this trip. Between not being able to find a flower girl dress for my daughter and spending 2 days in search of what almost turned out to be the impossible color shoes (royal blue), not to mention the sharp pain in knee it was close to impossible to put up a decent attitude even if I knew my daughter was watching me.
When the plates arrived I noticed that my mashed potatoes had a pool of gravy (like grandma used to plate it)....but I have never enjoyed gravy and I always ask not to be on my plate....except now, when I was too busy being in a bad mood and in pain. My husband asked me if I want to send it back...should I? It wasn't the waitresses fault or the chefs that I forgot to mention that I have something against gravy (I grew up in Europe, we do not eat gravy)...so I decided that I should do what I tell my kids, try it. WOW, if this is what gravy is supposed to taste like then I will definitely never ask for it to be left of the plate.
My husband was very happy with his burger and so was my daughter...but I was over the moon with my plate. The chicken was actually a version of a schnitzel that took me back to my childhood, and the mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans were delicious. By the time I finished my meal I was in a very good mood and my knee pain even if it was not gone had no effect on my mood anymore.
We finished our meal with a slice of apple pie with ice cream, there is no better dessert than apple pie for a classic meal...just my opinion.
We thanked our waitress for the great service and very good food and left behind a tip ...I will admit that I am one of those people that tips based on the service level and food quality (more on the service...since it is not the waitresses fault if the cook is bad).
When I got in the car I could not stop thinking about how mood affects our experiences, but more importantly how food affects our mood...I am convinced that if the food would not have been as good as it was I would have ended up in a bad mood, hungry, and with a horrible memory.
I should mention that we now look forward to our next trip to Bob Evans for some delicious, simple meals full great flavours....not to mention that the diner setting makes it a great place to have a relaxed meal with family (even with small kids) or friends.....and I would even go there on a date night since the food is that good.
Happy travels
D.
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