Pianos

TheDude called me Sunday and I got the following voicemail:

"Who wants margaritas?"

Click.

It could only mean one thing. It was time for a Sunday fun day at Pianos. It'd been ages since I'd been to Pianos, one of my favorite spots in the city. It's hard to resist $3 frozen margaritas that are guaranteed to have you smiling and giggling like a three-year-old watching SpongeBob. I don't even like frozen margaritas, generally, but I'll drink 'em down like liquid candy at Pianos.

I had spent the day swimming and sunbathing at NYAC's Travers Island, and was worried about showing up with my salty skin, matted beach hair, cover-up/bikini combo, but when I walked into Pianos' casual and welcoming atmosphere I felt right at home. That is, until I noticed a certain someone sitting next to TheDude. We'll call him JohnSmith.

TheDude's eyes practically popped out of his head like a buck caught in headlights. I gave him a "What the BEEP?" stare with arms raised and kept walking to a couple of empty stools beside him. NovaCat was with me to be an additional buffer.

TheDude introduced me to one of his friends and co-workers several months ago, we hit it off, we hung out a few times, I fell in like, it seemed like he returned the sentiment and then I received the "I just got out of a relationship" speech. This cemented my feelings that no, Mona, there is no single, good catch left in this city. They're either about to be engaged, they're maturity-challenged or they've just broken up with a psycho girlfriend and they're scarred for a good half a decade.

I knew I'd run into JohnSmith sooner or later, I just wish I'd gotten a heads up. Maybe I would have changed out of my beach gear and into something a little bit more boy-snagging appropriate. Nah, I wouldn't have.

JohnSmith noticed me and I was suddenly engulfed in a bear hug and "What's up M-?" It was a cute gesture and I sensed we'd both warm to the occasion pretty quickly.

TheDude (laughing hysterically): Sorry, M-. Well, now you know, JohnSmith's here!
Moi (trying to whisper): Um, yeah, hello!? What!? I look like a--.
TheDude: Oh please, no you don't. It'll be fine.
Moi: Lordie...
TheDude (continuing to laugh hysterically): I love being in the middle of socially awkward moments.

What better way to drown the shock of seeing JohnSmith than with alcohol and food. I was starving, ordered up some "margars," as TheDude calls them, and went right for the burger. I hadn't had Pianos' burger, but had seen others devouring it so I went in for the kill.

It is one of my new favorites. Not only did it have my preferred English muffin bun, but it was juicy too. What a great surprise. The French fries were also scrumptious, aided by a smooth chipotle mayo. I know it's tres francaise of me, but I love my fries with ketchup and mayo, to the disdain of some.

After I stuffed my face with goodness, JohnSmith stole me aside for a tete-a-tete which I enjoyed and appreciated. He asked me about my blog, I asked him about work and his dad. He's just as confused as ever, he may get back together with his ex, I dropped a subtle line about boys being stupid and we both laughed. I don't expect to make plans to see him again, but at least now I know we can be friends on the off-chance we do bump into each other on another Sunday fun day. He loves the Great Jones Cafe so I suggested we try there next time. Maybe then I'll be fully clothed and even get a heads up from TheDude.

After dozens of margaritas, the crew was hyper and giddy and forgetting the weekend was coming to a close. Pianos and I work well together because like me, Pianos doesn't know when to stop. I walk in on a late Sunday afternoon and it may as well be a Friday night. Everyone's prolonging the fun in Monday denial mode. I may have had a slight hangover the next morning, but with no pain, there's no gain. I re-gained a friend that day and that made it all worth it.


158 Ludlow, at Stanton
212-505-3733