| Since it was not there, the French had to invent it, long before the revolution – a restaurant was a cauldron of restorative stew into which for a few sous customers plunged their bowls and helped themselves – and very soon it caught on elsewhere. As how would it not, the idea being so simple and sweet? |
That one may, for a relatively small outlay of cash, walk freely into someone els?s dining room and be greeted by an affable, clean and well dressed person who will smilingly show you to your table, offer you a drink, take diligent note of what you would like to eat and then go and fetch it for you, all the while pretending to be your friend.
A remarkable freedom and a rich pleasure unique in this vale of tears.
John Banville. The Dubliner Magazine
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