Having secured a babysitter to manage the crew, my husband took me to an Indian restaurant this afternoon for lunch. It is the same Indian restaurant that we always frequent–not because it has the best food, best ambiance, or best prices, but because it has the best service.

Whenever we travel, we peel our eyes to search out new Indian places. We especially enjoy Indian food (and Thai), and if you do too, you know that these restaurants all have one thing in common: they’re always empty. Keep this in mind if you’re looking for a spot on a holiday. In general, Americans prefer dollar hamburgers to Chicken Curry with fresh ginger not because they’re finicky, but because (I hope), they just haven’t tried it.

Having a penchant for marketing, I realize that neon lights, drive-thru windows, and meals that come with a choice of combo-sides all have their draws. Likewise, the usual Indian décor of Christmas lights in February, plastic flowers on the tables, and cheesy music doesn’t do its best to provide atmosphere. Point conceded.

But as we walked in the usual restaurant today, the same owner greeted us, mumbled something that I didn’t understand, and went to get the Raita—a yogurt based cucumber and tomato dip. There were no long explanations necessary, because I always get Raita, which isn’t on the menu.

Try ordering something off-menu at Red Lobster. The computer won’t allow the server. Or order a side of sour cream at a Mexican place, and watch as your bill increases by a buck just for a spoonful of white stuff. Or try saying, “I’ll have the usual,” anywhere, anymore. The employee turnover is too great, so you can’t.

I turned to my husband as the Raita was delivered 30 seconds later and said, “That’s why we come here, isn’t it? He knows what Raita is, he knows that I always want it, and he doesn’t have to have a manager approve a non-menu item on the bill. In fact, he doesn’t even charge us for it.” Furthermore, he doesn’t nickel and dime us when we bring in the kids…which makes us want to bring the kids and leave a huge tip.

My husband replied, “He doesn’t have to wrestle the computer into submission because there is no computer.” Nope, just a nice owner, with a nice accent, and nice service. The food isn’t bad either. No comment on the plastic flowers.