Mentor Texts with Lynne & Rose
  • Home
  • About Lynne & Rose
  • Our Books & Video
  • Grammar Matters
  • Presentations
  • Bookings
  • Blogging with Rose
  • Blogging with Lynne
  • Your Turn Lessons
  • Notebook Entries
  • Books Too Good to Miss
  • Endorsements
  • Links

Barson's Restaurant: Breaking the Dietary Laws

3/15/2016

22 Comments

 
            Mom always treated us to a lunch at Barson’s when we spent a busy Saturday on Wadsworth Avenue. There was always so much to do – the Cameo Shop for school clothes, buying underwear at Arties, a dozen bagels at the deli. I liked to see all the televisions and radios in Brucker’s (probably because I had a crush on Bobby Brucker, our neighbors’ son).

            Anyway, it was our weekly Saturday routine, and we had ordered cheeseburgers and vanilla shakes. It was a special treat because we did not mix meat and dairy at home – ever!  We kept a Kosher house with three separate sets of dishes – one for meat, one for dairy, and one for Pesach (Passover).  I could never understand why we did this since Dad rarely went to synagogue with me. I used to complain that our religion was the religion of the dishes.

            We were begging for another quarter to play the little jukebox when, all of a sudden, Dad was standing by our booth. We had not seen him come into Barson’s. He thought he’d surprise us – happened to be in the neighborhood on the way home from an appointment – and spotted Mom’s car.  Just then the waitress came and put the plates of cheeseburgers and milkshakes on the table.  Dad wore an I-don’t-believe-my-eyes look on his face. He shook his head in disgust, turned around, and walked out without a word.
 
            Suddenly, my sisters and I were not hungry anymore. We started to sob and pushed the plates away. My mother looked at us and commanded that we eat the food we had ordered. But as hard as we tried, we could not force the food down our throats. My mom sat there, eating her cheeseburger and enjoying her milkshake (or trying to).  She took her time, and finally motioned for the check.  Mom paid the bill, stood up, and said curtly, “Let’s go, girls.” 

            Walking out of the restaurant, I could feel my mother’s anger. I couldn’t decide what was worse – my father’s disappointment that we would mix meat and dairy, or my mother’s silent anger for wasting perfectly good food!

Picture
22 Comments
Donna Smith link
3/15/2016 04:53:26 am

Oh, wow! Now there's a memory that was written in indelible ink! And so well told. Thanks for sharing that!

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 03:21:07 pm

Yes. That story is forever etched in my memory! I can close my eyes and it runs like a movie clip. Thanks for reading!

Reply
Brian Rozinsky link
3/15/2016 04:59:36 am

From humor ('religion of the dishes') to pathos (caught between disappointment and anger) - this slice offered quite a roller coaster! Thanks for sharing it.

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 03:23:40 pm

Hi, Brian. Are you slicing? I will have to find you! Thanks for your response. It was quite a roller-coaster-kind-of-day!

Reply
Clare link
3/15/2016 05:23:07 am

Lynne - I love this window into your childhood - it really helps me understand all the things I loved about you from the minute I met you. My husband has 4 set of friends who keep Kosher. On our wedding they slept in the convent so they could walk to church (they don't drive on Saturday). I still have a set of plates/silverware/pan and grill rack for them. I love having them over and always wanted them to feel at home.
I have to say... I kind love your mom in this piece.
Clare

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 09:01:20 am

Thanks so much, Clare. My mom was raised as a Protestant and her stepfather (my wonderful grandfather) was Catholic. I am the League of Nations - I have so many stories to tell. Mom was always my rock. She was an incredibly unselfish human being - the best!

I have to tell you that I felt the same way the first time we met - I knew we would be great friends. Just wish we lived a little closer!

Reply
Adrienne
3/15/2016 05:26:36 am

I also loved the line "I used to complain that our religion was the religion of the dishes." and the emotional roller coaster this piece took me on.

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 03:26:24 pm

Thanks, Adrienne. I always told everyone that Dad cared more about keeping meat and dairy separate than attending synagogue. In fact, often, I was the only one who went!

Reply
Lisa link
3/15/2016 06:41:14 am

I have so many questions!! I suppose that's what makes it a good slice of life...it's not the whole story. But I want the whole story. :)

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 03:57:26 pm

Loved your response, Lisa! Believe me, I could write a book about growing up! Thanks for this wonderful comment!

Reply
Rose
3/15/2016 06:58:58 am

I agree, the line about the religion of the dishes is a great line. And yes, your mother's actions reveal so much about her - strong and independent, and not about to give in to anyone, yet loving at the same time.

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 09:10:52 am

Thanks, Rosie. You really get my mom - she was exactly that - strong (very stubborn), independent, and always loving. She really raised us - or at least, she was the only one who established routines and consequences for our bad decisions and good ones! Dad never was involved in any of that!

Reply
Janet Wong link
3/15/2016 08:00:07 am

This would make a great first chapter in a memoir or middle grade novel!

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 08:57:38 am

Thanks, Janet. I greatly value your opinion. After this month, I am going to continue to post at least every other day. I am going to consider this idea. It certainly is a possibility! More tomorrow!

Reply
Tara link
3/15/2016 09:06:51 am

You could really feel the tension in this piece.

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 03:58:53 pm

Tara, there certainly was plenty of tension!

Reply
Jackie
3/15/2016 09:23:34 am

This short post tells so much! Of course, I loved the religion of the dishes. I respected both of your parents. Your father was disappointed but he did not make a scene. He just stated his thoughts and left. Your mother, being practical, and yes, stubborn, encouraged you to eat the meal, but did not force you. She respected where you were coming from, too.

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 03:28:35 pm

Thanks, Jackie. I really loved your comment. I read it several times. Yes, and thanks!

Reply
Glenda Funk link
3/15/2016 03:46:21 pm

What a great slice. I love the image of "getting caught" by dad, and I hope your mom did enjoy her burger and shake.

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/15/2016 03:54:14 pm

Thanks, Glenda. At that point, I doubt that Mom was enjoying her meal as much as delaying. When we got home, she would have to deal with my father!

Reply
Rita Kenefic link
3/15/2016 04:49:56 pm

Lynne, I love to both read and write personal narrative. This one struck a chord for so many reasons. I remember Barson's and of course, Arties. (You were a "smartie", too!). We didn't go to Wadsworth Avenue too much (closer to Ogontz) but Barsons had some amazing Sundaes, You share so much about your family and yourself in this little tale. It combines humor and angst in a wonderful way. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Shelly
3/15/2016 05:48:04 pm

Love this slice, Lynne! I felt the tension!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture

    Author

    Lynne loves to write in the early morning hours, especially in warm weather when she can sit outside on the patio.  After a walk with her three Welsh Corgis, her mind is cleared and her spirit is inspired by the choir of birds in nearby bushes and trrees. 

    Archives

    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2012
    December 2011

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.