So I just learned a new Gen Z or Millennial term: beta. It refers to an inconsequential man -- the guy who is wimpy and overlooked. Apparently it evolved as an antonym to alpha, as in dominant, or lead man. Turns out I know PLENTY of betas -- little guys, not just in stature, but those who think small and try to overcompensate by acting tough or knowledgeable while they are anything other than alpha.
But today, I decided to use opposites in a culinary way -- this am I visited the North part of beloved strip center Sunniland. Newcomers pronounce it "Sooney-land" but we longtimers know it rhymes with sunny.
H and H Bagels opened, a famed NY bagelry that opened to fanfare in Boca last year and now has an outpost here in Pinecrest. They had a "soft opening" yesterday, and my visit showed they were still working out the kinks. A young NY Jewish guy was at the register and running stuff, while the Latina preparers were making their way to deli-barista status. I got a classic nova spread with a VERY fresh and delicious everything bagel -- it was indeed delicious. After my coffee, I stepped back into line behind a svelte blonde Latina young Mom type -- guessing a Beth Am Mom -- possibly Judea.
She turned to me and said in perfect pitch B and T accent: "I am soooo excited. We moved here last year, and honestly the only thing I miss about The City (shorthand for Manhattan) was H and H!" I turned to the manager and said "Hey -- maybe hire her as a spokes-maidlach." He laughed -- I don't think she knew much Yiddish -- too many generations between the Lower East Side, or Bronx, and Scarsdale or Rosyln.
I got Wifey a fresh out of the oven (when they bring them out, the yell "Fresh bagels!" egg and cheese sandwich with tomato. I saw her in the kitchen, hiding the bag behind my back, and regaled her with the tale of the delicious bagel, while she looked like a started Retriever whose owner is hiding a strip of beef. And then I said "Just kidding!" and gave her the sandwich, which she pronounced delicious, but responded in the exact way her mother would have "They don't have bialys?"
I today hereby adopt "They don't have bialys?" as the new expression signaling her soft disappointment -- yes, this is good, BUT...
Anyway, I tried. I always try.
As for the omega of Sunniland -- that comes tonight. They opened a Sergios where IHOP used to be, on the southern cap of the Center. Barry, Norman, Kenny and I will muster there at 5:30 for our dinner before Bible Class -- have some good Cuban before we, as Kenny noted, debate how many angels fit on the head of a pin. It's actually much more interesting than that.
Sergio's is a small chain of decent Cuban restaurants, and I read the new one got a liquor license. That may give ME license to order a favorite drink -- a vodka mojito. I was taught about this permutation of the Cuban mint julep by a Cubana friend who, like me, doesn't favor rum. The vodka mojito is less sweet, but still quite good.
Meanwhile, the roof tile installation continues in earnest -- affable Jose sent me photos of some completed sections and it looks terrific. Jose said the job will be done either this Friday, or early next week. Next -- refinishing kitchen cabinets, so we can be ready for the duration.
I love that expression. I first learned it from my Dad, when I asked about his WW II service -- how long did they tell him he would be in the Army? "For the Duration" was the answer -- which for him was from April of 1942 until December of 1945 --December 7th -- Pearl Harbor Day, no less.
Long time when you're 22 -- his age at draft time. I hope my "for the duration" - time spent in Villa Wifey, spans a few decades. We'll see.
All I know is, I plan to keep on taking care of my family. Ain't no one better call ME no beta...
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