Austin is well known for the diversity among its citizens. According to the 2000 census there are over 20 nationalities represented by its citizens. These nationalities bring with them unique cultures, ideas and personalities that very few people are given the chance to encounter and enjoy.
Among these few are the wait-staff at all-night diners. One particular diner that seems to pull together much of Austin’s mosaic character, Magnolia Café, staffs a crew that is given the opportunity night after night to engage with all walks of life. My waiter shared a story about how he witnessed two late night staff chase each other around with whips while all the customers cheered for the. For some this may seem a bit too extreme of a dining situation. However, there is no denying the high caliber of eccentricity they deal with night after night. In just one night, or early morning I should say, I witnessed cross-dressers, high school and college students, young adults who just finished partying on 6th and hippies all dining in the same room. Many of the people dining together seemed to be from completely different backgrounds.
In a restaurant where local art is displayed along the walls for sale to customers, fluorescent lights line the windows and a wooden model pterodactyl is hung from the ceiling; a compelling vibe is nurtured. In the words of my waiter, “you get to see all kinds of stuff.”
No comments:
Post a Comment