...outside my window can mean but one thing--the return of City Stages.
I went out just now to cruise around and see what there was to see, as well as pick up some nice greasysaltysugary things for lunch.
Hmm. That's VERY odd. I went out at 12:30, and there were only about two food stands opened up. There were a bunch around, but most were empty or closed. Usually, the vendors are up and ready to go by 10 a.m. every year, but this year, not. I don't know if the organizers told them they couldn't set up until later, but having people lose a whole day's lunch revenue doesn't seem like the thing to do if you've had trouble with miffed vendors in the past. Oh well.
At least I got something to eat, and a pretty good deal, at that. (Another odd thing. Most of these guys are WAY overpriced.) A nice Italian sub from Firehouse Subs, chips and tea for five bucks. YET ANOTHER ODD THING--nothing sugar-free in the beverage department. I asked, and the managerialesque guy standing there mumbled something about Coke controlling what drinks could be brought in. Well, yeah, I'm sure, but still--seems like it would have been okay to have some bottle of water, or maybe some SUGAR-FREE Lipton bottled tea--I know they make it.
Anyway, this marks my 17th year of non-attendance.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at June 16, 2006 01:08 PMCool. I didn't know the lunch vendors opened up early. I'll remember that for next year. I just assumed it was funnel cakes or nasty "meat on a stick", but I could eat a sub.
Posted by: megabeth at June 16, 2006 02:21 PMWell, they weren't nearly as early as they have been in the past, which was what I thought was so strange. Maybe they'll be open earlier next year.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at June 16, 2006 02:28 PMI'm sure it was a good sub Terry, chains often do "good" very well. Me, I'm more interested in great food that for the most part chains have a real problem doing. There's no real point to this rant I guess, it's just that after this week of work and holding everyones feet to the fire I'm thinking "good" isn't enough.
Posted by: Tony von Krag at June 16, 2006 04:11 PMWell, in my case, the perfect was the enemy of the good. I was a'hungry, and good was good enough.
HOWEVER, having said that, I think it would have been a lot better hot, with toasted bread, and something other than plain old chips as a side.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at June 16, 2006 04:28 PM