Why English Matters

  
When we were in Charleston we went to dinner at one of the old line fabulous restaurants in downtown with my cousin Mary and her husband Ward. While we had a great meal with superior service I was especially tickled when the waiter brought the dessert menu.
The waiter dropped off the small leather portfolio with the heavy card stock “southern sweets” menu describing six different decadent offerings. From Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée to pumpkin Pie Tart, each on sounded more delicious and naughty than the next.  
I pursued the offerings with all the guilt of a person who need not eat another sweet. Russ offered to order one so I could have a bite, which is code for, his ordering and my eating. I think this is the key to a successful marriage.
What to do, oh what to do, Carrot Cake Trifle or Pecan Pie? Then I look a little harder. The answer to the question was starring me right in the face. No decision needed at all. At the bottom of the dessert descriptions between the Maple Brown Sugar Cake and the Ice Cream and Sorbet, printed in caps, “ALL DESSERTS 8”. As if it were a dream, every single one of those pastry delights, all of them, yes you get one of each for just eight dollars.
That is what it read. “ALL DESSERTS 8”. How could such a fine establishment make such a mistake, and in writing. Am I really the first person to notice and expect them to live up to their own offering? Thank goodness for my restraint. I did not demand “ALL” of them.  
Actually I did not even point out to the waiter the terrible error of their ways. Certainly they meant “EACH DESSERT 8.” I was tempted. Tempted enough to take a photo. I guess I am waiting until a day when I feel thin enough to go back and demand all six desserts for eight dollars. I hated to miss my chance, certainly someone else will let them know their mistake.