Margaret Bristol was country; in fact, she was as country as it gets. Her demeanor however belied her status. As Chairman of the Biology Department her presentations often resulted in raised eyebrows and rolled eyes. Yeah, she was country; and damned proud of it.

Terrance and Sylvia Burger were big city socialites. The adage, you say “two-may-toe” I say “two-maw-toe” applied to their elitism.

On this day, Terrance and Sylvia raised their eyebrows and rolled their eyes on multiple occasions. Terrance was interviewing for a National Science Foundation Grant and Margaret Bristol was conducting the interview. The Burgers were alerted regarding Margaret’s ways, but neither of them anticipated the level of sophistication she so blatantly lacked.

After what seemed an extraordinarily long day Margaret invited the Burger’s to her home for ice tea and an opportunity to informally discuss any concerns they might have. Among the issues they discussed were housing, financing, and program expectations. When all the concerns were addressed Margaret stood and asked, “Can I make you some sandwiches for the drive home?”

Sylvia quickly responded, “No thank you. Some of those we spoke with earlier suggested we stop at a restaurant called Merry Mary’s Chicken on our way home.”

“Oh, you’ll like that. It’s a bit of a ways, but worth the drive. Most folks around here go there for special occasions like birthday or anniversaries. It takes about an hour to get there, but that’s nothing compared with the wait.”

“How long is the wait?”Sylvia inquired.

“Most often, folks go on weekends and wait as long as an hour before they are seated. If it’s a big group it might even be longer.”

“Wow, we cannot afford that much time.”

“During the week it’s probably not so bad. Besides that a good meal served family style is very relaxing. Of course you ‘ll like the chicken, but the homemade garlic noodles with butter and herbs is especially delightful.”

“We will let them know you and the others recommended them.”

“That would be really good. Many of our students have been employed there, and they always contribute to our annual drives.”

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“Do you really intend to stop at Merry Mary’s Chicken?” Terrance asked without turning to look at Sylvia sitting quietly in the passenger’s seat.

“Yes, I considered it an opportunity to judge the tastes of these rural folks,” she said smiling at the pun and disparaging use of the term folks.

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“Oh, my god! Look at the place. They still have Christmas lights up.”

Terrance was looking. The gigantic Chicken in front of the restaurant was sporting a sign as a makeshift necklace that read, Merry Mary’ Chicken.

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The large chalkboard listed the “Meal Presentations”

The Cluck......2 pieces of chicken: white, dark or mixed

The Comb......3 pieces of chicken: white, dark or mixed

Farm Table.....5 pieces of chicken: white, dark or mixed

**All meals are served with Garlic noodles, green beans assorted breads and beverage.

NO ALCOHOL ON PREMISES

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Sylvia suggested they share a Farm Table and ordered the mixed option. Both of them chose water with lemon as a beverage. They thought the food was delicious, and were stunned by the reasonable price of $10.95.

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“I think Agnes had a hankerin’ for you,” Sylvia teased as they exited the restaurant.

“Probably was the humongous tip I left,” he responded. “She said she put some potato wedges in the doggie bag,” he added as he noticed the sign across the highway.

IF YOU THINK THAT WAS GOOD: WAIT ‘TIL YOU TRY ANNIE’S CHICKEN

“I think we’ll fit right in Miss Sylvia,” Terry said with a wink.

By Robert L. Scarry

From: United States

Twitter: usnavy1990bob

Facebook URL: https://wwwfacebook.com/Robert.Scarry.3