Week 36: Serving a Stranger

My youngest daughter and I went to Kentucky for her spring break to take in all things horses. We stayed at an awesome ranch in Berea where it was proven once again what a small world it is. 

My daughter snapped a friend of hers a picture of the donkeys on the property to keep their streak alive. Her friend asked if she was in Kentucky. My daughter said yes. Her friend asked if she was staying at Nicura Ranch. Why yes we were! 

Wouldn't you know, they were the other family overlapping our visit. What an unexpected treat to meet up and talk horses and bourbon with other Wisconsinites on our trip!

While our trip was planned with only horses in mind, this whiskey-lover couldn't help but scope out the old fashioneds on the menus during our meals and google places known for smokey offerings. ;) 

After one meal, my daughter and I made our way to Sedona Taphouse for me to give their smoked hickory small batch bourbon old fashioned a try. It was delicious! While smoke-infused ice cubes is my favorite way for the flavor delivery, a smoked glass is pretty great too (I don't love the smoke things they put on top, the flavor dissipates too quickly), and that's what I found here, a lovely-coated earthy flavor. 

Anyway, I digress...

While I was taking the last few sips of my cocktail, I noticed a gentleman walk in, take a seat to our right, and ask what the cheapest beer was on tap. He said he was looking to spend $3 and was used to cheap beer being a US Navy veteran. 

I looked over at him and noticed he had done his best to look presentable to walk into a restaurant, most likely spending most of his time on the street. The bartender poured his beer and after setting it down in front of him made her way over to me with my check. 

I asked her to please add some food onto my bill for the gentleman sitting to my right and bring me a new check. While we waited for the new bill, we overheard the man ask the patrons on his other side if they were finished with their food. They said they were and handed him their plates; he ate the food they hadn't finished up fast. 

While we didn't stay to see his cooked-just-for-him food get delivered, I hope he enjoyed it hot and fresh. And I hope this serves as a reminder to waste less. Unfortunately, there are hungry bellies all around.