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Having nothing better to do last weekend we decided to take a drive down the coast and try another Batson River drinking establishment.

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Until a snow squall moved in out of nowhere and we opted for a late lunch closer to home.

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Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro has served us well in the past, so we headed there.

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As did everyone else because my husband’s beloved bar was full, as were all the tables.

Thankfully a young couple was vacating a bar adjacent high top and offered it to us… because clearly we looked thirsty and pathetic.

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I was thrilled to see the seasonal Apple of My Eye had returned ….

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And promptly drank two.

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My crab cakes were tiny but tasty but my husband complained his meatballs were “different”.

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I blacked out their faces, but here’s a modern family of three… every one of them on their phone and oblivious to the others presence. Ah, technology… thou art a heartless bitch.

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My chicken Marsala with homemade pasta and pancetta was flavorful if a bit thin on sauce.

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But my husband … who was already upset with his meatballs… said his shrimp scampi was “different” as well. When I asked him to clarify, all I got was “different”.

Since he clearly wasn’t interested in eating his meal, I called the waitress over who then brought the manager. He was a lovely young man who immediately removed the offending shrimp, promised to delete it from the bill and offered substitutions.

After talking with the guy for over a half an hour… sigh… husband chose a bowl of haddock chowder, which I thought was an odd choice for an Italian restaurant.

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But ooh la la! It was thick, creamy heaven in a bowl. Full of fish and fresh herbs and damn near perfect.

Too full for dessert we asked for the bill… and were pleased to see good customer service is alive and well in Freeport, Maine.

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The scampi charge was removed, and the chowder was free.

That’s one way to keep repeat customers happy.

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