Service With a Smile and Hazelnut Coffee

My BFF, Sheila Michie and I were doing some event brainstorming at Panera Bread yesterday. “Bonus for me” — I had told Sheila, “I love their Hazelnut coffee, so, a large one, please!” How precious it was when one of their servers, Ein, brought our food to our table. But that wasn’t all he brought — he brought us his gracious heart. There was a connection right away. A few minutes later, he was back — asking if we needed anything else. The next time around when Ein asked, I asked him if he’d take our photo (thus, the photo here). “Great job, Ein!” — I responded. And Ein’s reply back to me, “Thank you, Cupcake!” LOL! Well, that caused Sheila and I to break into smiles that went from ear to ear. I said, “I think that’s the first time I’ve been called Cupcake since Ron went to heaven!” LOL! Later when I got up to get a coffee refill, Ein saw me and grabbed my cup out of my hand and said, “I’ll get it for you!” I replied “Thanks so much! Be sure it’s the Hazelnut — it’s my favorite!” He said, “Mine, too!” Sheila and I continued our conversation, and way more than enough time to refill my drink, Ein returned with a big smile on his face, “Here’s you’re coffee! You’re gonna’ love it. I fixed it up for you. I added cinnamon and honey to it!” LOL! My first thought — “Oh no. He’s destroyed my Hazelnut coffee and how can I possibly throw it out?” But, it was delicious! I’ll remember that next time. Sheila and I were on the brink of outloud laughter when I asked “Ein, could I get a photo with you? You are such a fine man and I’d like to remember you.” Ein promptly sat down beside me in the booth, put his arm around me and said, “Sure, Sweetheart!” And, gave the “heart” sign on his chest. And to Sheila he said, “You’re Sugar!” I said, “You’re a lady’s man, aren’t you?” His response: “Yes I am!”

Whoohoo! Ein was flirting with us.