Decided to get out of the house before the madness of Bay 2 Breakers (which is on Sunday) and visited Japantown, by taking a LONG stroll.
Stop 1: Browser Books, 2195 Fillmore
A bookshop that was taken over by Green Apple Books a while back, it does have a collection of notebooks and journals... at MSRP. Went in, browsed, came back out.
Stop 2: Paper Source, 1925 Fillmore
Not really a pen place, but I was looking for some "thank you" cards too.
Found a damaged NOTEM Uma Notebook, Large - Dark Blue for $5. The back cover is slightly torn. MSRP is well over $25. I am looking for different notebooks to try anyway, and $5 is irresistable.
https://i.imgur.com/fvmlXhc.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/ouAO9As.jpeg
I also bought the thank you cards and matching envelopes, all blank, so I can handwrite some thank you notes.
https://i.imgur.com/MNDSFGk.jpeg
Stop 3: Goodwill Store, 1669 Fillmore
I originally was not going to go in, then I remembered one can occasionally find some interesting stationeries inside. Well, got 2 hits and 1 half-miss. Not bad for less than $10 spent.
The "leather" notebook was the half-miss. The binding was torn, but the rest was clean. Turns out the paper does bleedthrough slightly, and my Jinhao X850 is not even a particularly wet pen. Hmmm...
https://i.imgur.com/MAhDDsK.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/y73f0jJ.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/z77MgI4.jpeg
The other notebook was a genuine hit. Completely blank pages, tried 3 different ink and none bled through including genuine Lamy. Though it "almost" did. And the cover design is pretty cool.
https://i.imgur.com/lCXogTB.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/RwNaVTW.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/mipWo4v.jpeg
Oh, and picked up a little glass jar for pen washing/flushing. That's definitely going to be a useful item.
Now into the Kinokuniya we go...
Stop 4: Kinokuniya Building, 1581 Webster
This is basically the Japantown mall, with restaurants and Japanese knick-knacks, bookstores, and so on. My main target here is going to be Maido, the stationery store, and specifically, the 2nd floor unit, where they stock the fountain pen and stationery stuff.
Got in, and found the prices to be... expected, but at least the selection is good on all the notebooks, notepads, journals, and so on. They have all the Japanese brands on the shelves, but one should probably order online if one do not need the stuff in a hurry. Your dollars just go further online. They sell Lamy at full price ($37 for a Safari, same as Lamy flagship store on Market) but at least the Kaweco Sport is reasonable at $28.
However, by this time I am pretty determined to buy SOMETHING, so I went back to browsing... and finally decided I have enough notebooks and I should just buy a Kaweco Sport, and I want a B nib, since I don't have a B nib (they are all M, F, and EF). That's how I ended up with that Apricot Kaweco Sport B-nib with a converter. It's just over $40 out the door.
https://i.imgur.com/UgnWIkq.jpeg
I did notice they have a cheap brand I never heard of that offers a build-a-pen by buying 3 kits. Buy a body (choose from fountain pen, rollerball, and mech pencil?), a cap, and a clip/finial kit to assemble one that's pretty customized? Or did I read that wrong? Anyway, I barely glanced at it, and as I've spent all I could today, I'm out of there. The place was getting crowded anyway.
So, haven't loaded any ink into the Kaweco Sport yet. Still thinking about the inks I own and all that.
Maybe tomorrow I'll show you all my Temu pen and stationery haul, or perhaps my Jetpens order?

"You gotta know that there's an art to it, Ezra," Hitch said, cutting another piece of duct tape.
The sleeves of his weather-beaten coat were shoved all the way up his arms, to stop the fabric from falling over his knuckles while he was working, and goosebumps lined his skin. He was strapping a rubber chicken to the back of his truck, over the lens of the shattered backup camera, with the legs pointing down so that they hung a couple inches above the ground. There were dents in the hood from the crash last week, and scratches along the door from scraping into a curb. The chicken, hopefully, would keep him from breaking anything else.
"You can't go cheap," Hitch said. "The cheap rubber chickens only make noise when pressure lets go. That's no good. As soon as I back up into something, I want this chicken to be screaming like it’s in the depths of hell."
“Sure thing,” I said in a monotone, leaning against the side of the truck.
There were scrambled electronic parts piled in the back of the truck, the innards of a radio, a broken computer, tangled wires, a couple loose pairs of earbuds. He found the parts in alleyways or bummed them off his friends for a couple bucks or stole them from the vacation homes that were left empty for most of the year. Then he sold them for a profit at the scrapyard. Hitch had bounced between minimum-wage jobs for a while after high school, spending a couple months as a bagger at the grocery store or as a seasonal worker at the farm two hours down the highway. He'd never stuck with it. At the very least, the scrapyard got him enough money to eat and occasionally spend a night in a motel when he got tired of sleeping in his car.
Hitch pressed the last piece of tape in place and grinned up at me. "I've got something for you, duck."
The nickname came from when I’d broken my leg as a child and waddled around in a cast until it was healed. I hated it with a burning passion, and I glared at Hitch with the ease of twenty-one years of practice. He had a duck tattoo at the base of his thumb that he’d gotten in a back-alley shop as a teenager. He said that he’d gotten it to remind him of me, and the fact that I hated the nickname was just a bonus. It was shaky-lined, with an uneven face, but he loved it anyway.
The handle stuck when Hitch tried to open the door, a consequence of the rust collecting in the crevices of the car and running down the sides like blood from a cut. The car groaned when the door finally popped open, a metal against metal screech that had me flinching away. Hitch dug through the cluttered fast food containers in the passenger-side footwell, eventually coming up with a crinkly paper bag. He waved away the flies buzzing around the opening of the bag and held it out to me.
The last time Hitch had brought me food, I’d gotten food poisoning because he’d left it out in the midday sun for two days. The donut was squished slightly, and the icing was stuck to the bag. I still ate it, grimacing at the harsh citrus flavor. Taking Hitch’s food was an instinct engraved from the days when Dad had given us a can of kidney beans for dinner and Hitch had drank the juice, leaving the beans for me.
I rarely went hungry anymore, three mostly square meals a day and granola in my pockets just in case, but habits didn’t die easy.
These days, Hitch only brought me food when he wanted my help, like when he saw a place he wanted to hit but was worried about doing it alone.
I got in the car, like I always did.
We drove past the cluster of seafood-themed restaurants with chipped paint decks, the beachfront park where there were always shifty-eyed men sitting under the slide, the single room library where all the books had been water damaged in the flood last year. The change was quick as we drove across Main Street, heading closer to the beach. The roads were freshly paved, the concrete a smooth black except where the sun had already started to pick away at it. The three-story homes lining the sides of the street were crouched on elegant stilts, with space underneath for a car or three. Most of the garages were empty, with the lights off and curtains drawn in the house. Come summer, the streets would be swarming with tourists and vacationers, but until then, most of the buildings nearest to the beach were unoccupied.
Hitch stopped as the sun started to go down at a house that was leaning precariously out towards the beach, tilted ever so slightly, the edge of its foundation buried in the shifting sand of the beach. It certainly looked deserted, with an overgrown yard and blue paint peeling off the door in sheets.
Hitch took his hammer out of the backseat, hoisting it over his shoulder. It was two feet of solid metal with rags wrapped around the head to muffle the sound of the hits. Hitch squared up, bending his knees and holding the hammer like a baseball bat. Before he could swing, though, the door creaked open on its own, the hinges squeaking. The house beyond was dark enough that I could only make out general shapes, glimpsing the curve of a sofa to the left, what was maybe the shimmer of a chandelier on the other side.
Hitch lowered his hammer, looking vaguely disappointed that he didn’t get to use it. “That’s…weird as hell.”
“Maybe the deadbolt broke, maybe they forgot to lock it, it doesn’t matter,” I hissed, checking our surroundings for other people again. “Just hurry up and get inside before someone calls the cops.”
Hitch flicked the lightswitch on the wall, and the lights flickered on. They were dim, buzzing audibly and blinking off occasionally. The walls were plastered with contrasting swatches of wallpaper and splattered with random colors. There was neon orange behind the dining table, a galaxy swirl in the kitchen, and on the ceiling there was a repeating floral pattern covered in nametag stickers. Each of the stickers was filled out with The Erlking. Chandeliers hung in every room, three or four for each, and rubber ducks sat on every table. A miniature carousel sat in the corner along with a towering model rocket.
Sand was heaped on every surface, at least a couple inches everywhere. It was piled in the corners and stuck to the walls, and it covered the floor in a thick blanket. Our hesitant steps into the house left footprints clearly outlined in the sand.
Hitch took a cursory look around and headed immediately for the TV mounted on the wall. “Look out the windows and tell me if anyone is coming.”
I shook the sand out of the blinds and pulled them open, then had to brush sand off of the window before I could see anything.
Hitch was quick, practiced at finding and appropriating the things that were worth taking. He came back to me with an armful of electronics and chandeliers, dumping it at my feet before turning to head deeper into the house again.
There was a thump, somewhere upstairs, and then footsteps, slow and deliberate. Hitch froze at the threshold of the room, then ran for the door with me just ahead of him, sand flying out from under our feet.
My hand was almost brushing the doorknob, close enough that I could see the light from the streetlamp outside streaming in through the cracks in the door. My fingers touched the wood and it gave under my touch, becoming malleable and warm. I yelped, stumbling backwards, and the door started to melt. The paint ran down in thick drops, pooling at the bottom of the door, and the wood warped like metal being welded. The soft edges of the door ran into the walls until there was no sign of an exit ever being there.
“Well, well, well,” said a cultured voice with just an edge of snooty elitism. “What do we have here?”
The man was well over eight feet tall, with long black hair covering his eyes. He was wearing a yellow raincoat with holes cut out of the hood to accommodate the deer antlers jutting upwards from his head. There was sand settled on his shoulders and hovering around his head like a halo.
“Who the fuck are you?” Hitch said, inching towards a window.
He smiled, just a little bit, and his teeth shone in the dim light. “I am the Erlking.”
Hitch nodded, and seemed about to respond. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the window. I could feel sand in the wind roaring against my back as the Erlking growled in anger, the grains scraping harshly against my cheeks.
We were almost to the window when Hitch was ripped away from me, and I came to a startled halt. The sand had formed long grasping arms that pressed Hitch against the floral wallpaper. His wrists were held tight, and as I watched, a sandy hand wrapped around his mouth and forced its way between his teeth. He gagged, and sand trickled out of the corners of his mouth.
The Erlking strolled towards him, not seeming to be in any sort of rush. “You know, I’m not very fond of your yapping.”
He made an idle gesture and the sand wrapped around my ankles, tethering me in place.
“I yap all the time,” Hitch said. “Three-time olympic yapper, that’s me. Best to just let me go now and save yourself some trouble.”
The Erlking tapped a manicured nail against Hitch’s mouth, hard enough to hurt, judging by the way he flinched away. “But why would I ever let you go when I’ve gone to this much trouble to catch you and your sister? It’s so hard, these days, to find people that no one will miss.”
Hitch struggled against the sand, trying to escape and failing. “What do you want with us, then? You just said it, we’re nobody.”
“I’m fae, dear one,” the Erlking said. “I get my power from my followers. And I think that you two will make lovely additions to my flock.”

He flicked Hitch's nose and Hitch gasped. Feathers started to form on his arms, popping out from under his skin in a spray of blood.
Hitch pushed off the wall, using his bound hands as a fulcrum, and his knees crashed into the Erlking’s stomach. The Erlking fell backwards, wheezing, and the sand around my ankles loosened.
Hitch made desperate eye contact with me as feathers shot up his neck and jerked his head towards the window. The message was obvious. Run.
The last thing I saw before crashing out the window and into freedom was Hitch’s body twisting, his arms wrenching into wings and feathers covering every inch of his skin. By the time I landed on the concrete outside, he was a small black bird, held tightly in the Erlking’s hands. The whole building was sinking into the ground, burnished-gold sand piling up over top and streaming from the windows.
Thirty years later, I saw Sam’s Supernatural Consultation and Neutralization written in neat, looping handwriting on a piece of paper taped to the door. The tape was peeling at the corners and the paper was yellowed with age, but there was obviously care put into the sign, in its perfectly centered text and looping floral designs drawn over the edges in gold marker.
I knocked, hesitantly, drawing my woolen coat closer around my shoulders. I’d bought it as a fiftieth birthday gift for myself, and I took comfort in the heavy weight of it over my shoulders.
“Coming!” someone called from within the depths of the office.
There were a couple crashes, and the sound of paper shuffling. Eventually, the door was opened by a young woman with ketchup stains on her shirt and pencils stuck through her hair.
“Hi, I’m Sam, I specialize in supernatural consultation and hunting, how may I help you today?” Sam said, customer-service pep in her voice. She stood in the doorway, solidly blocking entry into the office.
“My name is Ezra, I’m for a consultation. I emailed you but you didn’t respond?” I shifted in place, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Oh! Yeah, I lost the password for the email ages ago. Sorry for the bad welcome, I get lots of people thinking I’m crazy or pulling a prank and harassing me.”
She ushered me into the office, clearing papers off one of the chairs to make room for me to sit down. There was a collection of swords along one wall, all of them polished to perfection, several with deep knicks in the metal which indicated that they’d been used heavily.
“So what can I help you with?” Sam asked again, more sincere this time.
“Thirty years ago, my brother was turned into a bird,” I started. I’d told this story so many times that it barely felt ridiculous to say anymore. I was used to the disbelieving looks, the careful pity. But Sam just nodded along, face open and welcoming.
“I’ve almost given up on finding him, at this point,” I said. “But I saw your ad in the newspaper, and…here I am, I suppose.”
“Here you are,” Sam echoed, smiling. She pulled one of the pencils out of her hair and took a bit of paperwork off of one of her stacks, turning it over so that the blank side sat neatly in front of her. “Tell me everything.”
I told Sam everything, and she wrote it all down, pencil scratching along the paper.
The last part of the story was always the hardest to tell. “I left him there. I ran and I didn’t look back.”
I had been to dozens of detectives and investigators over the years, once the police had dropped Hitch’s case. I’d been to professional offices with smartly-dressed secretaries and met scraggly men in coffee shops. All of them had given me the same look, pity and annoyance all mixed up into a humor-the-crazy-lady soup. Sam, though, just seemed thoughtful.
Sam leaned forward and put a hand over mine, carefully, like she thought that I would pull away. “Sometimes you have to leave people behind.”
I tightened her hold on Sam’s hand and drew it towards me, like I could make Sam listen if only I squeezed tight enough. “But that’s why I’m here. I don’t want to leave him behind.”
“Okay then. I’ll do my best to help you.” Sam agreed, finally. Then she paused, and said softly, “You know…I think I met your brother once. He might have saved my life. He’s certainly why I started in this business.”
“Really? What happened?” I asked.
This is the story that Sam told me, related to the best of my abilities:
It was a new moon, so the only illumination came from the stars gazing idly down and distant porch lights shining across the scraggly brush of the dunes. Sam’s neighbors were decent people who cared about baby turtles, so the lights were a low, unobtrusive red, and the ocean sloshed like blood. Sam walked on the beach almost every night, drawing back the gauzy pink curtains and clambering out her bedroom window. She didn’t often bother to be quiet; her mama worked the late shift and came home exhausted. As long as Sam got home before the sun, her mama would never find out that she paced the shoreline and dreamed of inhaling sand until her lungs became their own beach.
The sky was lightening. The sun would come up soon, and that meant Sam’s time on the beach was over. She needed to get back to her real life, go to her fifth grade class and stop that nonsense, as her mother would say. Her mother loved to say things like that, pushing Sam into her proper place by implication alone.
“She’s a good kid, of course, but she’s a bit…” Her mother would trail off there, usually getting a commiserating expression from whoever she was talking to. Sam always wondered how that sentence would have finished. She’s a bit strange, maybe. She’s a bit intense. She’s a bit abrasive. She’s quiet enough but when Jason tried to steal her pencil in math class, she stabbed him in the hand so hard that the lead tattooed him.
Her mother was better, for the most part. The days of her stocking up the fridge, and leaving a post-it note on the counter, and leaving for days at a time were gone. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen tile where her mother had collapsed and caved her head in, even though the bloodstains had been replaced with new tile.
“Your auntie got an abortion, you know,” her mother had said from her place on the couch, slurring her words. “Pill in the mail and then bam, no more baby.”
She had clapped her hands together to illustrate her point. Her mother jerked forward and grabbed Sam by the wrist, then, staring up at her until Sam met her eyes.
“I love you, you know? But sometimes I wonder…” She settled back onto the couch. “Yeah. I wonder.”
She’d gotten up, then, back to the kitchen. She’d been stumbling, a shambling zombie of a woman. The ground in the entryway of the kitchen was raised, ever so slightly, and her mother went down hard. Her head cracked against the tile, chin first, and she didn’t move.
Sam had been the one to call the ambulance. She had stared at the scattering of loose teeth on the ground while she waited, and considered what her life would be like with a dead mom. Not so bad, she thought, and immediately felt guilty for it.
Her mom was better, now, for the most part. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen floor where she had collapsed. There was still a matchbox hidden under her bed with the gleaming shine of her mother’s lost teeth, two canines and a molar. It was nice, having a piece of her mom to keep. Even if she left again, Sam would still have part of her.
Sam sighed, and turned away from the ocean. As she faced towards the low dunes further up the beach, she saw a sandcastle sitting nestled among them. It was such a strange sight that her eyes skipped over it at first, almost automatically, disregarding it because it was so out of place.
Sam found sandcastles out on the beach sometimes, usually half-collapsed and on the verge of being washed away by the waves, but she had never seen anything like the sandcastle in front of her. It was life-sized, something that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Scottish highlands, with spires shooting up above her head and carefully etched out bricks lining each side. The front wall was dominated by an arched set of double doors, twice her height, with a portcullis nestled at the top, ready to be dropped. All of it was lovingly detailed, down to the rust on the tips of the towers and the wood grain of the door. It was made out of wet, densely-packed sand, held together impossibly. It had not been there two hours ago, when she had come to the beach.
There was a bird sitting on the overhang of the door, small and black.
As soon as she took a step towards the sandcastle, the bird shook out its feathers and swooped down towards Sam, landing at her feet with a little stumble.
“Hey, kid, get out of here,” said the bird.
Sam closed her eyes, very deliberately. When she opened them, the bird was still there. Sam considered herself a very reasonable person, so she immediately drew the most logical conclusion. The bird was, she was almost certain, a demon.
“Trust me, you don’t want to run into Mr. Salty, the queen bitch himself,” the bird said.
“Mr. Salty?” Sam inquired, polite as she knew how to be. She edged to the side, trying to get a good angle to kick the bird like a soccer ball.
The bird did something similar to a wince, all its feathers fluffing up then settling back down. “Ah, don’t call him that. He’d turn you into a toad.”
The bird gestured with its head, towards the looming sand structure. “That’s his castle. He’s in there, probably scuttling along the ceiling or some shit because that’s the sort of weirdo he is.”
Sam nodded, encouraging. She pulled back her foot and lined up her shot, the way she’d seen athletes do on TV. She aimed right for its sharp beak and let loose. The bird saw it coming, its beady eyes widening, and it cawed in distress. It flapped away, avoiding her kick only to fall backward into the sand in a scramble of wings.
“What’s your fucking problem?” it squawked. “I was trying to help you!”
“I don’t need the help of a demon,” Sam yelled, trying to remember the exorcism that her mama had taught her once, because her mama believed in being prepared for anything.
“I’m not a demon,” the bird said indignantly.
It was at about that moment that Sam gave up and just decided to roll with it.
“What are you, then?” Sam asked.
The bird shuffled its clawed feet, looking about as awkward as it could, given that it didn’t really have recognizable facial expressions. “Technically I’m a familiar of the Erlking, prince of the fae, but I prefer to be called Hitch.”
“You can’t blame me for assuming, though,” Sam said. “Ravens do tend to be associated with murder.”
“Hey, excuse you,” Hitch said. “I’m a rook, not a raven. Ravens are way bigger.”
“Sure,” Sam said, not really paying attention. Her eyes had caught on the details of the sandcastle, and she was transfixed by the slow spirals of the sand, the strange beauty of it. She found herself stepping towards the great doors, lifting a hand to knock, and as she did, the sand warped in front of her eyes, heaving itself towards her with bulging slowness. The door creaked open before her, revealing a vast, empty room. Just before she stepped inside, she felt a piercing pain in her foot, and she yelped, leaping backwards.
Hitch pecked her again, really digging his beak in. “Don’t be an idiot.”
Sam glared at him, rubbing her foot. About to retort, she finally really took in the room inside the sandcastle, and her words died in her throat.
There was a body just past the threshold of the door, face down and limbs hanging limp at its sides. Long hair splayed out in a halo around its head.
“Don’t,” Hitch warned, suddenly serious. “Just leave, kid, I mean it. I’ve seen too many people go down this road and you don’t want to be one of them.”
Sam ignored him. She made her way across the beach, slipping with every step. The sand felt deeper, piling up around her feet in silent drifts. She picked up the nearest stick and poked the body with it through the door, ready to leap back if anything went wrong, staying firmly outside of the sandcastle.
This close, Sam could tell that it used to be a woman. Her head wasn’t attached to her body. It hadn’t been a clean amputation, either. Her upper body was bruised, with chunks taken out of it, and the bones in her neck hung mangled, not connected to anything.
“Well, I warned you,” Hitch said, defeated. “I did warn you.”
Sam nudged the head with the end of the stick, nudging it over so that she could see the face. Her mother stared back at her, torn to pieces, breath still wheezing from her lungs. She wasn’t blinking, just gazing forward with glazed eyes. Sweat dripped down from her hairline.
Sam screamed and dropped the stick, tripping over herself in her haste to get away.
Her mother’s eyes were wide and pleading, and she was mouthing desperate words at Sam. Her vocal cords were broken to bits, and the only sound that came out was a strained groan.
The head rolled, inching closer to Sam like a grotesque caterpillar.
Her mother gasped for air, torn lips fluttering. Finally, comprehensible words came out. “Help. Help me, daughter.”
“That’s not your mother,” Hitch said, quiet.
Sam knew that. Her mother was sleeping back at home, and anyways her mom had never asked for her help. She had an aversion to accepting charity, as she put it.
“Okay,” Sam said, shaking all over. “Okay.”
She backed away from the sandcastle, not looking away.
“Failure,” her mother hissed as she stepped away. “I never wanted a daughter like you.”
The sun came up over the horizon. The sandcastle, Hitch, and her mom all disintegrated into sand as the light hit them.
The beach, the next night, was almost exactly how I remembered it. The beams of our flashlights sent light bouncing across the dunes, illuminating the waves, and I imagined faces in the foam of the waves.
“I’ve been back here a hundred times. There’s nothing left,” I said.
Sam took the car key out of her purse and pointed it at the sand, adjusting the sword slung over her shoulder in order to do it. The key had belonged to Hitch; Sam had requested an item of his, and it was the only thing I had left. She rested the key on the sand and drew a circle around it, inscribing symbols around the borders.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
Sam shrugged. “Not much, really. I’m…I guess you could say that I’m knocking.”
The key laid inert on the sand for long enough that I was just about to give up and go home, admit to myself that Hitch was dead and that I was a fool to believe that Sam could actually help me. Then a building started to take shape, flickering in and out like it was struggling to get away. With a pop of displaced air, the sandcastle settled into existence.
Sam banged on the entryway. Nothing happened. She did it again, harder, and scowled when the door still didn’t open.
“We demand entrance, under your honor,” Sam yelled. There was a hard rush of wind, and I gripped Sam’s arm to keep my balance, but the doors cracked open reluctantly.
The inside of the sandcastle consisted of one enormous hall, the roof arching up out of sight. Rafters crisscrossed from wall to wall, and a cobbled path led further into the building, but other than that, it was completely empty, except for the birds. There were thousands of them, perched on the rafters or hopping along the ground. They parted in front of Sam and I, and reformed behind us, leaving us in a small pocket of open space. They were all black-feathered, with sharp beaks and beady eyes.
The Erlking sat on a throne at the end of the hall, lounging across it with his feet up on the armrest. He watched them as they came forward, the soft caw of the birds the only sound.
“I am here to bargain for the life of my brother,” I said, with as much dignity as I could muster, before the Erlking could say anything.
The Erlking ignored her, tilting his head to look at Sam. “I remember you. I almost got you, once.”

Sam glared at him but didn’t respond.
“You want your brother,” The Erlking said to me, and he almost sounded amused. “Then go get him.”
As if by some sort of silent signal, every bird in the room took flight at once, and their cawing made me think of screams. I covered my head against the flapping of their wings, and my vision was quickly obscured by the chaotic movement of them. I found myself on my knees, just trying to escape them.
A hand met my shoulder. Sam urged me to my feet, and together we ran for the edge of the room, where the swarm was the thinnest. We pressed ourselves into the corner and the swarm spiraled tighter and tighter at the center of the room. It went on until there seemed to be no differentiation between the birds, all of them fused together into one creature.
When the chaos died down, the birds had become one mass, with wings and eyes and talons sticking out of its flesh, thrashing and chirping. Human body parts stuck out of it, bulging out from the feathers. It was hands, mostly, with a couple knees or staring eyes. The bird amalgamation had no recognizable facial features, but there was one long beak extending from the front of its head. Most of the body parts were concentrated around the beak, and they peeked out from where the beak connected with muscle, or grew from the tongue, nestled between the two crushing halves of the beak.
It turned its beak down and crawled forward, using the hands to balance. The fingers scrambled over the ground. I was afraid of centipedes as a child, and I felt that same crawling dread when it started moving.
“Holy shit,” Sam whispered, which was rather disappointing, because I had been hoping that at least one of us knew what to do.
The creature turned, a lurching movement that crushed some of the hands underneath it, and started heaving itself slowly towards our corner.
“Better hurry up!” the Erlking called from his throne.
It was blocking the exit, by then. The shifting body of it had moved to block us off. It ambled towards us and I tried to sink further into the corner.
As it approached, getting close enough that I could smell the stink of it, I saw a flash of a tattoo on one of the hands. I leaned in, trying to find it again, like looking for dolphins surfacing in the ocean. And again, I caught a glimpse of a duck tattoo, the tattoo that Hitch had gotten on his hand as a teenager.
I ripped away from Sam’s death grip and ran for the monster.
I fell to my knees in front of it, wincing as I impacted the ground, and reached into the nest of hands. I could feel them tearing at my forearms and ripping into me with their sharp nails, but I kept going. I pressed further in, up to my shoulder in a writhing mass of limbs, aiming for the spot where I had last seen that tattoo.
The hands were tugging at me, wrapping around my back and hair. They were pulling together, trying to draw me completely into the mass of them. I was aware of Sam at my side, anchoring me in place and bashing any hand that got too close with her sword or the sparks that leapt from her hands with muttered words. But I didn’t think it would be enough. They were too strong, and there were too many of them.
I was up to my waist in the hands when something grabbed my palm. I felt the way it clung to me, and the calluses on its palm, and I knew that I had found my brother.
I flung herself back. The hands didn’t want to let me go, and they fought the whole way, but slowly, I made progress. I kept hold of Hitch’s hand in mine the whole time, gripping it as hard as I could. I finally broke free, Hitch with me, and Sam was immediately charging the creature, able to use her sword with much greater strength without being worried about injuring Hitch. She swung it forward, and it sliced through the wrist of one of the hands. It fell without a sound, red sand flowing out of it. It deflated until it looked like dirty laundry, just a piece of limp flesh. The creature shrieked, scuttling away enough that the door was finally accessible. The three of us ran for it, Sam and I supporting Hitch between us.
I looked back as I left and found the Erlking staring right at me.
“Interesting,” he murmured, his voice carrying impossibly across the vast space between us.
The sandcastle collapsed behind us, the great walls falling in on themselves. We were out in the morning sun, the sandcastle disappearing as we watched. Hitch was on the ground in front of me, as young as he’d been thirty years ago, when he was captured. He started laughing, feathers puffing out of his mouth. He laughed until he cried and I hugged him in the way that he’d held me when I was young, in the times when my life had been defined by hunger and fear.
Hitch left, afterwards. He scratched at the pinhole scars covering his body, where feathers burst through his skin, and pulled his long sleeves down around his wrists. He didn’t know where he was going but he told me that he needed time
I had spent thirty years worth of time without him. I wanted to grab my brother by the shoulders and beg him to stay. But he flinched when I hugged him goodbye and he refused to go near sand and he stared distrustfully at the birds chirping in the trees. Hitch needed to go away and I loved him too much to stop him.
I sat out on the beach every morning. I felt the sun on my face and I waited for Hitch to come home.

Hey Guys!
I have a 7.5 month old male pup and we live in a big city. Recently with the good spring / summer weather, I’ve noticed that there are SO many irresponsible dog owners with very reactive dogs always lunging at us when we go on walks - I’m beginning to notice my dog is becoming skittish / fear reactive after being on the receiving end of so much negative attention over the past month or so…
We live in a neighborhood with lots of restaurants and patios along the sidewalks and owners will just leave their dogs by the table and 50% of the time when we walk by a store front a dog will lunge out from under a table and take us by surprise.
Since he was a puppy I’ve been properly socializing him + we go to training school and are in the middle of a “Canine Good Citizen” intermediate training course, but given that we live in the city there is only so much I can control… anyone dealt with something similar?
Any tips on how to deal with the spooking aspect when on walks? I’m also seriously considering carrying some type of self defense item in case I need to use it to defend us in the future (open to any recommendations) - I don’t care if it’s damaging to someone else’s dog, as long as I can keep mine safe.

Looking for some advice and this seemed like a great place to ask!
We own a small independent pizza shop, and are working on opening up a coffee shop for my wife. Not on the restaurant Equipment business.
I recently saw the Red Lobster Auctions and while I didn't need 90% of the stuff, I saw a great opportunity to get a full POS, lots of plates, smallwares, etc, for a deal.
We actually were outbid but the winner failed to pay so it was offered to us. Awesome! Except then the trouble started.
The auctions were listed as Entire Restaurant Contents. There was a "Sample" inventory list but it was noted that items would vary by location. In the photos on the auction were two items of great interest: A large Ice Maker and a Conveyor Dish Washer.
Thursday evening I contacted two movers who specialized in restaurants (which actually cost significantly more than the auction itself), due to all the stuff being listed as having to be our by end of day Friday. Then I was told the pickup window was actually only 6 hours (9 AM to 3 PM), no big deal though, hired one more mover.
Next bit of trouble came after paying for the auction, which is when they sent an exclusions list. On it there were two exclusions of concern: Dishwashers (if Eco Lab Branded) and Ice Makers in some locations. I verified the pictures of the Dishwasher, no Eco Lab branding, phew. Verified that the ice maker was not only in the list of items but also in the pictures. Figure my location must not exclude it, otherwise why show 5 pictures detailing it.
Then my team arrives. Everything is gone except for the big equipment. The televisions at the bar, the pots, pans, cleaning supplies, smallwares, blenders, mixer. The only things left was the large equipment, most of which was connected, and tables / booths.
For reference on this next parts, my bid on live auction was on Monday, this was now Friday. Two representatives were on site: The old General Manager representating Red Lobster, and a sub contractor representing the interests of the auction company.
When asked about all the missing equipment, the General Manager said they bought a large dumpster on Wednesday and all her team came in and threw everything away in the dumpster, which was already gone. Extremely unlikely, as I doubt Red Lobster would spend the money to throw away items that they're auctioning off. It got even weirder when "employees" showed up and were overheard talking about picking up items from the restaurant.
While my team leader tried to sort all of that out, the rest of my guys went to work on disassembling items. Except, Everytime they touched something (undercounter bar cooler, bar taps, booths, etc) they were told, "Oh no, that's not included," or, "Someone else already bought that."
After about 2 hours of back and forth, the on site representation finally conceded to let us take MOST of the stuff that was still there (which wasn't much). Because of the now reduced time of only 4 hours, most of the valuable stuff being gone already, and the high end items like the dishwasher and ice machine now being excluded, we only filled 2 of the 3 trucks.
I have called the auction company and apparently they said that my experience was not alone, and they were currently having a warroom on what to do next because of all the issues. They said they will likely have some solutions in how to make it right on Monday. The representative on site tried to get my team to sign a waiver of liability before leaving, but we refused.
What can I expect from this process now, and do I have any legal recourse? I would have thought that the buildings would have been secured to prevent theft while the auction was going on but obviously not. My biggest concern is that, while my costs weren't horrible at 15k, only $5500 was to the actual auction, the rest was to transportation. I certainly have concerns now that I won't be able to make my money back, let alone a profit. I know that it's a gamble, but I feel like this experience was borderline fraudulent. Any suggestions?
ETA:
If nothing else, I feel like the auction violates the law in my state (Florida), as there is a statute that covers misrepresenting facts. Specifically FSS 468.388 Subsection 11b 1 through 3 which reads:
No licensed auctioneer, apprentice, or auction business may disseminate or cause to be disseminated any advertisement or advertising which is false, deceptive, misleading, or untruthful. Any advertisement or advertising shall be deemed to be false, deceptive, misleading, or untruthful if it:
1. Contains misrepresentations of facts.
2. Is misleading or deceptive because, in its content or in the context in which it is presented, it makes only a partial disclosure of relevant facts.
3. Creates false or unjustified expectations of the services to be performed.
The auctions were listed as Entire contents, with the only exclusions listed on the auction in the terms being "Photos may show items that are not included in auction (e.g., infrastructure, HVAC, plumbing, etc."
Here's the link for anyone interested in how it was presented
https://bid.restaurantequipment.bid/Public/Auction/AuctionItemDetail?AuctionItemId=NZQh8wj3FOYwR439WdiUvw%3d%3d&AuctionId=S5YS%2bHqu8A9zcHp0d1tyMg%3d%3d&pageNumber=WddRnDis30ojx01x46RicQ%3d%3d&pageSize=WddRnDis30ojx01x46RicQ%3d%3d

Looking for some advice and this seemed like a great place to ask!
We own a small independent pizza shop, and are working on opening up a coffee shop for my wife. Not on the restaurant Equipment business.
I recently saw the Red Lobster Auctions and while I didn't need 90% of the stuff, I saw a great opportunity to get a full POS, lots of plates, smallwares, etc, for a deal.
We actually were outbid but the winner failed to pay so it was offered to us. Awesome! Except then the trouble started.
The auctions were listed as Entire Restaurant Contents. There was a "Sample" inventory list but it was noted that items would vary by location. In the photos on the auction were two items of great interest: A large Ice Maker and a Conveyor Dish Washer.
Thursday evening I contacted two movers who specialized in restaurants (which actually cost significantly more than the auction itself), due to all the stuff being listed as having to be our by end of day Friday. Then I was told the pickup window was actually only 6 hours (9 AM to 3 PM), no big deal though, hired one more mover.
Next bit of trouble came after paying for the auction, which is when they sent an exclusions list. On it there were two exclusions of concern: Dishwashers (if Eco Lab Branded) and Ice Makers in some locations. I verified the pictures of the Dishwasher, no Eco Lab branding, phew. Verified that the ice maker was not only in the list of items but also in the pictures. Figure my location must not exclude it, otherwise why show 5 pictures detailing it.
Then my team arrives. Everything is gone except for the big equipment. The televisions at the bar, the pots, pans, cleaning supplies, smallwares, blenders, mixer. The only things left was the large equipment, most of which was connected, and tables / booths.
For reference on this next parts, my bid on live auction was on Monday, this was now Friday. Two representatives were on site: The old General Manager representating Red Lobster, and a sub contractor representing the interests of the auction company.
When asked about all the missing equipment, the General Manager said they bought a large dumpster on Wednesday and all her team came in and threw everything away in the dumpster, which was already gone. Extremely unlikely, as I doubt Red Lobster would spend the money to throw away items that they're auctioning off. It got even weirder when "employees" showed up and were overheard talking about picking up items from the restaurant.
While my team leader tried to sort all of that out, the rest of my guys went to work on disassembling items. Except, Everytime they touched something (undercounter bar cooler, bar taps, booths, etc) they were told, "Oh no, that's not included," or, "Someone else already bought that."
After about 2 hours of back and forth, the on site representation finally conceded to let us take MOST of the stuff that was still there (which wasn't much). Because of the now reduced time of only 4 hours, most of the valuable stuff being gone already, and the high end items like the dishwasher and ice machine now being excluded, we only filled 2 of the 3 trucks.
I have called the auction company and apparently they said that my experience was not alone, and they were currently having a warroom on what to do next because of all the issues. They said they will likely have some solutions in how to make it right on Monday. The representative on site tried to get my team to sign a waiver of liability before leaving, but we refused.
What can I expect from this process now, and do I have any legal recourse? I would have thought that the buildings would have been secured to prevent theft while the auction was going on but obviously not. My biggest concern is that, while my costs weren't horrible at 15k, only $5500 was to the actual auction, the rest was to transportation. I certainly have concerns now that I won't be able to make my money back, let alone a profit. I know that it's a gamble, but I feel like this experience was borderline fraudulent. Any suggestions?
ETA:
If nothing else, I feel like the auction violates the law in my state (Florida), as there is a statute that covers misrepresenting facts. Specifically FSS 468.388 Subsection 11b 1 through 3 which reads:
No licensed auctioneer, apprentice, or auction business may disseminate or cause to be disseminated any advertisement or advertising which is false, deceptive, misleading, or untruthful. Any advertisement or advertising shall be deemed to be false, deceptive, misleading, or untruthful if it:
1. Contains misrepresentations of facts.
2. Is misleading or deceptive because, in its content or in the context in which it is presented, it makes only a partial disclosure of relevant facts.
3. Creates false or unjustified expectations of the services to be performed.
The auctions were listed as Entire contents, with the only exclusions listed on the auction in the terms being "Photos may show items that are not included in auction (e.g., infrastructure, HVAC, plumbing, etc."
Here's the link for anyone interested in how it was presented
https://bid.restaurantequipment.bid/Public/Auction/AuctionItemDetail?AuctionItemId=NZQh8wj3FOYwR439WdiUvw%3d%3d&AuctionId=S5YS%2bHqu8A9zcHp0d1tyMg%3d%3d&pageNumber=WddRnDis30ojx01x46RicQ%3d%3d&pageSize=WddRnDis30ojx01x46RicQ%3d%3d

Discord: https://discord.gg/pFxsPevXm2
More than anything we need criminals right now! We are also hiring Police and EMS for anyone who has RP experience to bring ideas and opinions to the table!

• Fully realized gang script
• Drug creation and sales from Weed to an unknown alien drug with leveling all throughout. Want to be a weed kingpin? We got you!
• Player owned business opportunities (Restaurants, Car Dealerships, Mechanics, Gas Stations)
• EMS system set up and waiting including the ability to create any legal drug you can imagine!
• Interactive PD system
• Black Market system to interact with all kinds of interesting features
• Prison system also set up to be player ran in connection with, but separate from, PD.
• Custom Cars from local vehicles all the way to supporter only vehicles (supporter vehicles will never be top of the line to avoid "pay to win")
• Car Boosting that ends in your ability to sell or scratch the vehicle WITH FRIENDS!
• Legal civilian jobs also available to be done WITH FRIENDS!
• Hidden items
• Weekly events (double money from certain jobs, double hidden items, etc)
• Randomly found and created mission items that end in a BANG!
• A team that is dedicated to your fun!
• Much much more

First Time Restaurant Equipment went very wrong. What now?
Looking for some advice and this seemed like a great place to ask!
We own a small independent pizza shop, and are working on opening up a coffee shop for my wife. Not on the restaurant Equipment business.
I recently saw the Red Lobster Auctions and while I didn't need 90% of the stuff, I saw a great opportunity to get a full POS, lots of plates, smallwares, etc, for a deal.
We actually were outbid but the winner failed to pay so it was offered to us. Awesome! Except then the trouble started.
The auctions were listed as Entire Restaurant Contents. There was a "Sample" inventory list but it was noted that items would vary by location. In the photos on the auction were two items of great interest: A large Ice Maker and a Conveyor Dish Washer.
Thursday evening I contacted two movers who specialized in restaurants (which actually cost significantly more than the auction itself), due to all the stuff being listed as having to be our by end of day Friday. Then I was told the pickup window was actually only 6 hours (9 AM to 3 PM), no big deal though, hired one more mover.
Next bit of trouble came after paying for the auction, which is when they sent an exclusions list. On it there were two exclusions of concern: Dishwashers (if Eco Lab Branded) and Ice Makers in some locations. I verified the pictures of the Dishwasher, no Eco Lab branding, phew. Verified that the ice maker was not only in the list of items but also in the pictures. Figure my location must not exclude it, otherwise why show 5 pictures detailing it.
Then my team arrives. Everything is gone except for the big equipment. The televisions at the bar, the pots, pans, cleaning supplies, smallwares, blenders, mixer. The only things left was the large equipment, most of which was connected, and tables / booths.
For reference on this next parts, my bid on live auction was on Monday, this was now Friday. Two representatives were on site: The old General Manager representating Red Lobster, and a sub contractor representing the interests of the auction company.
When asked about all the missing equipment, the General Manager said they bought a large dumpster on Wednesday and all her team came in and threw everything away in the dumpster, which was already gone. Extremely unlikely, as I doubt Red Lobster would spend the money to throw away items that they're auctioning off. It got even weirder when "employees" showed up and were overheard talking about picking up items from the restaurant.
While my team leader tried to sort all of that out, the rest of my guys went to work on disassembling items. Except, Everytime they touched something (undercounter bar cooler, bar taps, booths, etc) they were told, "Oh no, that's not included," or, "Someone else already bought that."
After about 2 hours of back and forth, the on site representation finally conceded to let us take MOST of the stuff that was still there (which wasn't much). Because of the now reduced time of only 4 hours, most of the valuable stuff being gone already, and the high end items like the dishwasher and ice machine now being excluded, we only filled 2 of the 3 trucks.
I have called the auction company and apparently they said that my experience was not alone, and they were currently having a warroom on what to do next because of all the issues. They said they will likely have some solutions in how to make it right on Monday. The representative on site tried to get my team to sign a waiver of liability before leaving, but we refused.
What can I expect from this process now, and do I have any legal recourse? I would have thought that the buildings would have been secured to prevent theft while the auction was going on but obviously not. My biggest concern is that, while my costs weren't horrible at 15k, only $5500 was to the actual auction, the rest was to transportation. I certainly have concerns now that I won't be able to make my money back, let alone a profit. I know that it's a gamble, but I feel like this experience was borderline fraudulent. Any suggestions?
ETA:
If nothing else, I feel like the auction violates the law in my state (Florida), as there is a statute that covers misrepresenting facts. Specifically FSS 468.388 Subsection 11b 1 through 3 which reads:
No licensed auctioneer, apprentice, or auction business may disseminate or cause to be disseminated any advertisement or advertising which is false, deceptive, misleading, or untruthful. Any advertisement or advertising shall be deemed to be false, deceptive, misleading, or untruthful if it:
1. Contains misrepresentations of facts.
2. Is misleading or deceptive because, in its content or in the context in which it is presented, it makes only a partial disclosure of relevant facts.
3. Creates false or unjustified expectations of the services to be performed.
The auctions were listed as Entire contents, with the only exclusions listed on the auction in the terms being "Photos may show items that are not included in auction (e.g., infrastructure, HVAC, plumbing, etc."
Here's the link for anyone interested in how it was presented
https://bid.restaurantequipment.bid/Public/Auction/AuctionItemDetail?AuctionItemId=NZQh8wj3FOYwR439WdiUvw%3d%3d&AuctionId=S5YS%2bHqu8A9zcHp0d1tyMg%3d%3d&pageNumber=WddRnDis30ojx01x46RicQ%3d%3d&pageSize=WddRnDis30ojx01x46RicQ%3d%3d

Tonight my husband and I decided to walk our dogs to one of our local spots to pick up dinner. When we got there I held on to the dogs while he went in to grab our order. I checked my phone and saw that i had a camera alert. Someone (with a bag in hand) had rang our bell. I went to check the live feed and the person had already left. It probably took us 15-20 minutes to get back…
When we got home, we noticed the bag on our steps and brought it inside. The slip on the bag had no info about the restaurant or delivery service, however, was addressed to our house with my husband’s name and phone number. We know this wasn’t a friendly surprised from friends or family bc we have not eaten meat in years and both items in delivery were meat items.
I have read stories about this and that people pick up the food at the address etc but no one tried to retrieve the food. I’m somewhat familiar with brushing schemes but I guess I’m not sure how we could inform someone aside from blasting a pic of the driver and asking if anyone knows him (this seems like a terrible option haha) so we can trace it back to a delivery service or restaurant. I don’t want our address linked to stolen food/money.
I am not sure how someone got our name number and address either. We routinely scrub the internet and request our info be removed from data aggregator sites like spokeo.
My thought was to let this one go and report it to police if it continues (assuming we’re not home for the delivery) but I want to make sure I’m not missing anything. Should we be concerned about anything else?
Thanks RBI!

Let's say you are at work and there is a restaurant that's a couple of blocks away with drivers within a mile range waiting for orders. You place an order so you can have something for your lunch break. Because of timing and distance, GrubHub will always choose the driver furthest away in order to justify base pay. If the tip is low, grub hub may add a minimal bonus in order to sweeten the offer, even though the offer is a total 6 miles for 6 dollars.
Now, I know those of you who don't drive on a regular basis think that isn't a big deal. 6 miles isn't much in gas, until you consider round trip. Then it's 12 miles for 6 dollars. And then the next offer might be something like 10 miles for 8 dollars, no tip, only base and bonus pay. Another round trip. 20 miles for 8 dollars.
These are wastes of time. People using GrubHub to waste people's time to get a few items thinking they don't have to spend much because they are staying under $20 isn't okay.
I will say it is TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE to be furious at someone you tip highly only for your food to come back damaged or not get to you at all. It's not right when that happens. If you are going to tip high, you want your driver to get everything right and bring your food to you in the best condition possible. But if you are not tipping at all but expect great service, you are a major time water and deserve the food in whatever condition you get it in, if you get it at all.
If you feel you don't need to be beholden to the driver's and their pay, why should they be beholden to your order when you are willing to waste their time? And GrubHub not only wants things to be this way, they profit from you, regardless of what amount you pay so long as the order doesn't have to be cancelled. Drivers are not profiting, and we should be.

What if for the rest of your life you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life. Nothing else but that restaurant for every meal of the day. It can be any restaurant even if it’s one that is no longer around. You cannot gain weight you stay basically what you are now unless you’re working out than you can change that way. All items are available even discontinued items. What do you choose?
I think I would choose Cracker Barrel. They have a good variety and I can hang out in the gift shop!
Edit: the food is free. It is the only restaurant around for you so you don’t even know of other options. If you choose McDonald’s all you will see are McDonald’s.

what the heck do you do in this situation? The place asks me to contact customer to let them know they dont have something. I ended up contacting support they canceled the damn order, but refuse to give me any compensation and I drove to the place. Its not my fault, the restaurant ran out of a certain item...like WTF.

A couple months back some Chinese food was mistakenly delivered to my house in the NE heights, near constitution and Eubank. I wasn’t home when it happened but I checked the doorbell cam and sure enough, a doordash driver plops it on my patio. I’m a broke bitch and it wasn’t long before I got home and found the food, checked the cameras, weighed the risks and decided to take the plunge. Now let me tell you. This was some of the best Chinese food I’ve had in my life! There was absolutely no indication of where it was from, no receipts or anything on the bag. All I can say is that I must have this food again. I dream of it. I’m hoping I can describe what I had and maybe someone knows of a place that serves something similar. There were two dishes- the first one was maybe a sweet and sour or sesame chicken. Identifying characteristics: it was breaded/battered and CRISPY. Even with the sauce, and I had it for leftovers after it was in the fridge for a day, the crisp absolutely remained strong. There were no vegetables in with the chicken either. It was served with a separate plain white rice in one of those classic looking paper folding containers.
The other dish is probably more recognizable because Id never had anything like it. It was suuuuper thin stir fried noodles (think like, angel hair thickness or a bit wider, but thinner than spaghetti) with thin slices of beef or pork, no more than a few mm thick, 1-2cm wide, 5-10 cm long, so pretty small thin pieces. It had maybe a few veggies in there, but not many, maybe just some onions and maybe bok Choi? It was all perfectly seasoned in a perfectly salted, umami sauce that turned everything a reddish-brown.
Containers were white styrofoam boxes that were not divided for multiple items. I remember the soy sauce packet brand they used was not the super common one with the panda bear that most restaurants have, and the chopsticks were also not the super common brand either.
I know this is a long shot but it’s gonna take me a while to try every Chinese place in my area to find this spot, which I will absolutely do.
PS: I’m sorry if this was your food. There was no way I could have gotten it to you, but rest assured it did not go to waste.

Alright, so this happened a few months ago at work. I’m a restaurant manager, and we were having a normal day. I usually keep my phone on a shelf that’s not really accessible to customers, but is in an open area in the restaurant that customers can see. It’s about 6 ft off the ground and I’m not tall enough to actually be able to see the shelf, I just tippy-toe reach it. It's a small shelf, with 2 decorative items on it but nothing else.
I put my phone in its regular spot and I go about my day. About an hour later I go to check my phone and couldn't find it. I figured that I put it somewhere else so I begin looking, but it’s nowhere to be found. I go and ask my staff and they all say that they haven’t seen it. I start to panic now, thinking maybe a customer watched me put it up there and waited to steal it, so I have everyone do a quick look, and get taller staff to physically check and its gone gone.
My sister has my location tracked on iMessage, so I called her via the store phone to ask if she can see it anywhere. She looks and says that my “location isn’t available” and my phone must’ve been turned off. She sends a few messages pleading for whoever has it to return it and none of them get delivered. About 30 mins after talking to my sister, I started calling the owners so they could review the security footage to determine who took it/if I ended up moving it somewhere weird, and my sister calls. These people are incredibly not friendly, and I avoid talking to them at all costs, and they have not answered my call at this point so I hang up to answer my sister. She says “you’re phone just turned back on! I’ve been monitoring it and it looks like it’s right outside”. I go outside and don’t see anything obvious like someone holding it or anything so I go back in. Right there, on the shelf that myself and at least 8 other people have checked a cumulative 20+ times, is my phone. It’s blatantly on the corner, exactly where I remembered putting it. Dumbfounded, I asked every single person on shift about it and they swear up and down they didn’t have/touch it. I love and trust these people and genuinely believe them.
This all occurred in a 2 hour span. I was so relieved to have found it that I kinda just went on about my day, but I still get weirded out thinking about it. I regret not calling the owners and asking them to review the footage, again, I really really avoid them whenever I can. But damn, I want to know if it just blipped out of existence for a couple hours.
Anyone have anything similar happen?

Chicago, renowned for its vibrant food scene, is home to some of the finest steakhouses in the United States. From the sizzle of a perfectly seared ribeye to the delicate marbling of a dry-aged New York strip, these establishments offer a symphony of flavors that cater to both traditionalists and modern epicureans. Join us as we explore the city’s top steakhouses, each offering a unique dining experience that showcases the best in beef.

Boeufhaus: A Modern Classic

A Blend of French and German Flavors

Boeufhaus, located in the Ukrainian Village, seamlessly combines French and German culinary traditions. Opened in 2015, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite among meat lovers. The menu is concise yet exceptional, featuring dry-aged New York strips and ribeyes that are meticulously prepared. Boeufhaus is also known for its superb lunch offerings, including deli sandwiches and the innovative short rib beignets. The intimate setting and attentive service make every visit a memorable experience.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: A Quintessential Chicago Institution

Mammoth Cuts and Iconic Desserts

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is synonymous with Chicago dining. Established in 1989, Gibsons has built a reputation for serving mammoth cuts like the 48-ounce porterhouse and the 32-ounce tomahawk chop. With locations in the Gold Coast, Rosemont, and Oak Brook, Gibsons is accessible from various parts of the city. The restaurant also features grass-fed Australian beef and an impressive selection of seafood. A visit to Gibsons is incomplete without indulging in their famous chocolate cake, a decadent treat that perfectly caps off a meal.

Artango Bar & Steakhouse: A Taste of Buenos Aires in Chicago

South American Flair and Live Entertainment

Nestled in Lincoln Square, Artango Bar & Steakhouse transports diners to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires. This Argentinian gem is celebrated for its grass-fed beef, including ojo de bife and short ribs, all served with traditional chimichurri or oyster-malbec sauce. Artango’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by live tango performances and 1920s-themed décor, making it a feast for the senses. Steak flights offer a fantastic way to sample multiple cuts, perfect for sharing or indulging in a variety of flavors.

Swift & Sons: Elegance and Innovation

A Contemporary Take on the Classic Steakhouse

Swift & Sons, located in the West Loop, is a creation of the Boka Restaurant Group. This upscale steakhouse reimagines traditional steakhouse dining with a modern twist. The menu features signature items like steak tartare, beef Wellington, and a chocolate trolley filled with assorted desserts. Swift & Sons is also known for its impeccable service and sophisticated ambiance, providing an ideal setting for both business dinners and special occasions.

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf: French-inspired Sophistication

Timeless Elegance and Exceptional Beef

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf offers a luxurious dining experience with a French flair. Situated in River North, this steakhouse is part of the Hogsalt Hospitality group. Bavette’s menu includes a 42-day dry-aged ribeye, complemented by classic sides and sauces like béarnaise. The restaurant’s sultry, dimly-lit atmosphere makes it a romantic choice for dinner dates or intimate gatherings. Bavette’s also features an extensive wine list and expertly crafted cocktails, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Maple & Ash: Decadence and Drama

A Steakhouse with a Flair for the Theatrical

Maple & Ash, located in the Gold Coast, is where opulence meets culinary excellence. This two-story establishment features an open kitchen, multiple bars, and an outdoor patio. The steaks, wet-aged for 28 days, can be topped with luxurious accompaniments such as burrata, foie gras, or black truffle-sautéed lobster. Maple & Ash’s dramatic décor and lively atmosphere make it a standout destination for those looking to celebrate in style.

Asador Bastian: Spanish-Inspired Delights

A Fusion of Spanish Tradition and Chicago Charm

Asador Bastian, found in River North, offers a unique take on the traditional steakhouse by infusing Spanish culinary elements. Created by Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen, the menu features steaks with a distinctive al pastor-inspired fat, giving them a smoky, flavorful edge. The restaurant’s historic setting and exceptional wine list make it an ideal choice for celebrations and special occasions.
Chicago’s steakhouses are a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage and its willingness to embrace innovation. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic porterhouse or an inventive take on beef, these establishments offer something for every palate. Each steakhouse on our list brings its own unique flair, ensuring that your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

I have family coming in town this weekend and they love Mexican food. Looking for recommendations on a place that has the following:

• Frozen Margaritas (slushy style) not strawberry or mango, but regular
• White queso dip (no chorizo, no jalapeños) super basic, but good. Something similar to what Sabor serves.

Gracias!

Job Details
Job Title: Barista/Cashier - Fast Casual Mexican Breakfast Restaurant
Location: New York City, NY
Job Type: Part-Time
About Us:
Ánimo! is a new and vibrant restaurant concept. We’re a fast-casual Mexican Breakfast restaurant located in Midtown East of New York City. Our team is passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience to our guests, and we are looking for a skilled and motivated FOH Manager to join our dynamic team.
Our philosophy and values are endemic to who we are. We feel that these should highly resonate with the candidates applying to this position
Here are our core values
Customer-Centric Excellence: We prioritize our customers' satisfaction and well-being, dedicating ourselves to delivering exceptional experiences through outstanding service, genuine care, and meticulous attention to culinary details.
Passion for Authenticity: We embrace and celebrate the authenticity of Mexican cuisine, weaving the richness of traditional flavors into every dish. Our commitment to preserving and enhancing these culinary traditions is the essence of our brand.
Warmth and Compassion: We approach every interaction with warmth and compassion, recognizing the positive impact a friendly and caring environment can have on our guests. Our team is dedicated to creating not just meals but moments that leave a lasting impression.
Community Connection: We believe in fostering a sense of community both within our team and with our patrons. Building strong connections and contributing positively to the communities we serve is integral to our identity and success.
Optimism and Celebration: Our brand exudes optimism and celebrates the joy found in the simplicity of a delicious breakfast. We aspire to create an environment where every bite is a celebration, leaving our guests with a sunnier outlook on their day.
Position Overview:
As a CashieBarista, you will play a dual role, handling both the cashier responsibilities and crafting high-quality coffee beverages. You will also be the face of our restaurant, responsible for ensuring a smooth and efficient payment process for our guests. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills, be detail-oriented, and possess a passion for providing a positive dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Cashier Duties:

-Greet guests warmly and provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
-Process customer orders accurately using the point-of-sale (POS) system.
-Handle cash, credit, and other forms of payment with precision and efficiency.
-Provide guests with receipts and any necessary information about their orders.
2.Barista Duties:
-Prepare and serve a variety of coffee beverages in accordance with established recipes and quality standards.
-Take customer preferences into account, such as adjusting coffee strength, sweetness, and other customizations.
-Maintain a clean and organized coffee station, including regular cleaning of equipment.
-Stay informed about coffee trends and provide recommendations to guests.

1. Customer Service:

-Address customer inquiries, take orders, and provide information about menu items.
-Ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for guests by delivering excellent service.
4.Order Coordination:
-Communicate customer orders accurately and promptly to the kitchen staff.
-Collaborate with kitchen and service staff to ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment.

1. Maintain Cleanliness:

-Keep the cashier and coffee station areas clean, organized, and well-stocked.
-Monitor and replenish supplies, such as napkins, cups, and condiments.
Qualifications:
-Previous experience in cashier and barista roles is preferred but not required.
-Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
-Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks.
-Familiarity with POS systems and coffee brewing equipment.
-Positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Benefits:
-Competitive hourly wage
-Opportunities for advancement within the restaurant team
-Dining discounts
-Positive and inclusive work environment
If you are a dynamic and versatile individual with a passion for both customer service and coffee preparation, we invite you to apply for the position of Barista/Cashier at Ánimo!. Join our team and contribute to creating a delightful dining experience for our guests in the heart of New York City!
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $13.00 - $14.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week
Benefits:
Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid training
Compensation Details
Compensation: Hourly ($13.00 - $14.00) plus tips
Benefits & Perks: Dining Discounts
Required Skills
Customer Service
Cash Handling
Point of Sale (POS) system operation
Barista Skills (Coffee Preparation)
Order Coordination
Cleanliness maintenance
Interpersonal Skills
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Familiarity With POS Systems and Coffee Brewing Equipment
Positive Attitude
Apply here
Via needabarista.com

Job Details
The Granola Bar is a restaurant, café, and to-go destination designed around an elevated vision of comfort food. Our mission is to be a welcoming, home-away-from-home steeped in community and rooted in friendship and connection.
Job Description
We're looking for someone who can open the cafe/market 4 or 5 days a week and has a true passion for hospitality. Someone who enjoys welcoming guests with a warm smile and a cheerful hello. During the morning this is the first face our guests see, and it means everything for them to feel at home the moment they enter the space. I want someone who remembers that Dave comes in every day at 9AM and orders a no foam skim latte, and can carry a conversation with him or his children. Someone who has an ownership mentality and cares about the work they do and the impact it has on those around them. In this space, the tips aren't pooled and you're the only employee, so you can honestly make between $60-$120 a shift just by being kind.
Please attach your resume to your email and briefly tell us why you think you would be a good fit!
WEBSITE // www.thegranolabar.com
Make and serve specialty coffee, and tea beverages Speak and interact with both new and regular customers Maintain a clean and sanitized workstation Follow health and safety guidelines Adhere to recipes and presentations for food and beverage items Be punctual and able to observe regular and consistent attendance Contribute to a positive team environment 1+ Years of Barista/Bartending/Serving experience is required
Restaurant type:
Fast casual restaurant Upscale casual restaurant Shift:
8-hour shift Day shift Night shift Weekly day range:
Every weekend Shift availability:
Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Preferred) Work Location: In person
Compensation Details
Compensation: Hourly ($15.00) plus tips
Required Skills
Customer Service
Communication
Organization
Attention to Detail
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Barista Skills
Inventory Management
Food Preparation
Cleaning and maintenance
Barista Knowledge
Coffee Knowledge
Coffee Making
Positive Attitude
POS Systems
People Skills
Professionalism
Hospitality Driven
Cash Handling
Espresso Machine Use
Dialing In Espresso
Apply here
Via needabarista.com