In my previous job I used to collect "Esso Extra Points" every time I filled up a company vehicle. Therefore I was able to order two twenty-five dollar gift cards for going out to any one of about five different restaurants. Anyhow, the two cards arrived in the mail this week and last night, it being Friday and all, we thought, "Hey! Let's go out to eat--for free! Woo woo!"

So we figured out where the closest Milestones restaurant was--since we really enjoyed the Milestones in Toronto--and let our GPS guide us. Where we ended up was in the heart of Calgary's downtown. The great thing about it, however, was that the restaurant was on Stephen Street, a stylish street that during the day is closed off from traffic but after 6 p.m. is opened up and has free parking. And we found a spot right across from the restaurant.

Walking in, however, we learned that we'd have to wait 90 minutes for a table unless we wanted to find something in the bar area. So we did (the latter). We sat down on high stools at high tables among a lot of younger folk. After about five minutes a waitress gave us menus, then disappeared. Then we were ready to order, but no waitress. We waited. And waited. So she returned and said, "Oh, you're ready to order now??" etc. So at 7:50 p.m. (I took note) we ordered an appetizer and two entrees. And we waited. And waited. After maybe 15 minutes the waitress appeared and said, "I don't know what's happening with that appetizer!" Then after maybe another ten minutes she said, "I see it and I'll have it for you in just a few minutes." So we waited. And waited.

Okay, the bottom line is, it took 45 minutes to be served an appetizer and close to an hour to get the entrees. And when mine, Mexican Sea Bass, arrived, it was dried out and not too impressive. We had watched others come later and get their meals sooner than us. The apologetic waitress, who really did try to make nice about it, gave some explanation about a large party of 70 having arrived and we got overlooked, but I figured, well, we weren't ordering drinks and we were older, so she probably didn't regard us as the highest priority.

So why am I telling you this? I'm not sure. I mean, we still had a reasonably good time (I was out with my "best girl"!) and we left a smallish tip upon leaving and we contemplated contacting the company head office or management of the establishment or whatever. Maybe later I may do that, if I feel inspired.

The best part of it was finally getting a closer look at downtown Calgary in the evening. Lovely, and maybe later this year we'll drive down and take our sweet time nosing around down there on a summer's evening.