What used to be a pleasant event has become the subject of much family debate. 'Let's eat out!' was a popular proposition. We would get into the car and cruise the local eateries until a decision was reached. From memory, there was never a unanimous vote, so it was quite common for one of us to sit at a table yearning for Chinese whilst the others plundered the pasta: family democracy in working order. Sadly though, failing eyesight has now placed me in sole charge and the venue is selected to suit my limitations.
Restaurants and bars are now chosen for two distinct qualities: access and lighting. Generally speaking, street access isn't too much of a worry, but steps and stairs should be given a bit of respect, as they have the ability to reduce your culinary adventures to semi-cold takeaway pizzas.
Once inside, seating decisions must be made. Do we (A) sit near the front door, or (B) towards the rear? Option A seems quite logical, it’s lighter and usually less crowded, but what about the toilet? A fair few of us slid past the age of consent some time ago and frequent trips to the loo are part of the dining experience. Others might regard this function in a somewhat casual light but those of us with a white cane find that ready access to the facilities is essential and at times crucial. So (A) has its problems. And do you tackle the toilet trip solo? This isn't for the faint-hearted. Someone much wiser than me once said, 'always treat obstacles as opportunities'. He should try going for a pee in a crowded Chinese restaurant with his eyes shut. Your destination, the waiter says, is "over there and down the hall", scary but reachable with the help of the fellow diners you haven't upset en route!
Some places offer 'Ladies and Gents' options as a sort of extra handicap, so I tend to go for the first one I come to. I return to the table, mission accomplished, flushed with new-found confidence.
Option B is close to the toilet and the kitchen, dark enough to be 'vampire chic' and what little vision you had while still out on the street is gone. A steady stream of waiters and toileting diners makes conversation somewhat stilted. It’s tough enough when you can’t see who you're dining with, but when you can’t hear them either the semi-cold takeaway pizza doesn't seem such a bad choice.
