Rose applied her lipstick and pursed her lips at the mirror. She was excited about taking her visitors to Kingsley’s Steakhouse, and the surprise she had in store for them. Kat and Mike did not come to the big smoke very often - graziers only leave the farm for a great big grocery shop in their local town, or to work off farm to help pay the bills. A trip to the city can be a nuisance – but Rose and Kat enjoy each other’s company. Rose loved to visit the cattle station – but tended to stay on the verandah, safely away from lizards, snakes, pigs, roos and dogs. Rose’s husband loved the cattle station and took weekends away hunting and fishing. For a couple of immigrant city folk, Rose and Robert were lucky to have mates in the bush – and were keen to show their appreciation for primary producers. Rose could not help but smirk to herself, thinking about how the evening would unfold. Kingsley’s staff showed them to their table and the menus were handed out. Both Kat and Mike looked askance at the price of a 200g steak, but a good bottle of wine was soon produced, the meals ordered and long overdue chats were had, jokes were told and the story re-told of how Robert almost got gored by a feral pig on his last hunting trip. The Restaurant Manager stood up, when he saw that most people were lingering over coffee and desert, and cleared his throat. “Everyone, please, may I have your attention?” he said. “Please”. Conversations slowly eased, and patrons looked to him with interest. He went on “How many people enjoyed their steak tonight?” The customers nodded and murmured that they did enjoy their steak. “I want you to know that a couple of graziers are here tonight, dining with us.” Heads turned as Kat and Mike squirmed in their seats. “Without the graziers of this country, we could not serve you”, the Manager continued. “Please put your hands together in a show of appreciation for Kat and Mike!” The crowd started clapping, at first a bit hesitant, then one large table stood, giving Kat and Mike a standing ovation. Others followed, with the applause echoing along the Brisbane River and far into the night. Kat kicked Rose gently, under the table. Rose raised her eyebrows and mouthed “Who Me?” One by one, the patrons came up to the table, shook hands with both Kat and Mike, and thanked them for producing beef. ..... To be continued
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 05:34:25 +0000
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