One tough crowd: The restaurant worker and senior citizens

Simply an observation: The toughest crowd to wait on would have to be senior citizens.

And God love them! I'll be there one day, too. These folks are older, of course, but also veterans, mothers, fathers, daughters, survivors of history. They saw it all. And they want their food now.

I am not personally singling them out of difficult because of their advanced age, but more so because they use their advanced age as a reason to apparently demand service in a restaurant that no one else demands.

It's got to be said.

It's a group of people loves their butter, their pie and cake, and their coffee, too. They can literally drink one pot of coffee per senior. How do they take their prescription drugs with all of this caffeine? They rarely even ask for decaf!

One particular busy night a few weeks ago, I waited on a table of senior citizens hell bent on getting their breaded stuffed pork chops. Eight women, combined age of the table most likely was about 560 years old, demanded their straight up Manhattans and Martinis, along with a few Jack and Cokes, their breaded fried chops and mashed potatoes smothered in pork gravy, rolls and butter (and of course every time I'd walk by the table they wanted extra butter pads) and finally apple pie. Microwaved hot, scoop of ice cream on the side. All that and about three pots of coffee later, they were set to go. And go they had to! They demanded quick checks. Half of them had to use the bathroom, the other half wanted water so they could take their prescription drugs. All separate checks, by the way. Another demand often set by tables of seniors.

They're a tough crowd. And they go to eat a lot. Buffets, Sunday brunches, Friday night steaks. They judge accordingly. They've been around.

Like I said, I'll be there one day too, God willing I live a long life. And one day, too, I may demand my stuffed pork chops.

I already like coffee and often take aspirins for muscle and chest pains.

I guess I'm halfway senior already.

I want more butter.