It was 38-years ago on St. Patrick’s Day that I gave the prettiest girl I know a diamond ring and asked her to share my life.
The romantic devil I was in my younger life, I had picked St. Patrick Day for the several reasons.
Sara’s maiden name is Reid, she has red hair and a demeanor to match an Irish reputation. My favorite color is green.
Come on! If you have to find a reasons to give a girl a ring, I guess you should not be doing it. But then again, if you are hopelessly in love, any reason is a good excuse.
We went to Harvey’s in Starkville and it just seemed too public a place to do something so earth-shattering, so it was back back to my apartment and I gave her that little ring as we sat on a little couch.
Fast Forward
Sara and I went to Cheebo’s Tuesday night to celebrate our 38-year accomplishment.
It was the third time we have been there. Sara likes it and that’s all I need to know.
I do like their shrimp-and-grits and Sara likes the creme-brulee.
We have been in this community about 10 months and we had two people stop and speak and others recognized us with a nod of their head.
We have lived in Vicksburg, Dallas, Clarksdale and we have gotten pretty good at judging and enjoying restaurants. Senatobia is the latest stop on the trail we are cutting in life.
This community has some good restaurants and a decent selection. Barbecue, pizza, oriental, buffet and of course Mexican are all menu options when pondering a night on the town or choosing to eating at some of those neat mom-and-pop spots in Tate County.
The Restaurant Industry
People rarely think about restaurants when they think about economic development. But it is a factor.
And while they don’t employ hundreds, the do provide a decent wage for those who know something about customer service.
A good waiter with the right attitude gets good tips, and that’s where the money is at.
One of the best advertising sales-reps I ever hired was spotted by your’s truly, smiling and taking care of the people her business served. I hired her in the space of three days.
And let’s not forget the expenses a restaurant pays to stay open. They buy food, drinks, have a laundry and paper service, and rely heavily on those contractors who keep the refrigeration, lights and plumbing working.
Restaurants have to be ready to open the doors at least 12-hours a day and often seven days a week. I bet they average employing two dozen or more.
I hope this community supports local restaurants on a regular basis. I hope you tip well.
Many head out of town for their dining experience. That doesn’t do Senatobia, Coldwater, Independence or Strayhorn any good.
I worry about a community that likes to jump on Facebook and be completely negative after one bad experience. I also worry about people who give up on friends once the new wears off.
Restaurants are a big contributor to that abstract term we call quality of life. They leave a good taste in our mouth and the mouths of visitors looking to move here.
This town and this county need to support local businesses and that includes the places you choose to eat.
Picking up the tab
It was date night for the Ingram’s.
We once had four boys and carrying that crew out was always a fun adventure. But there are few things that said I was Dad like picking up the tab for that bunch and smiling as I provided another meal for those I love.
It’s a real man’s job to pay the bills.
Tuesday was no different for a couple of empty-nesters - no, let me label us once again as love-birds!
Did I say that ring is still shining bright?
Floyd Ingram is the editor of your Tate Record. He loves to eat with family and friends. Call him at 662-562-4414 if you do too.
