Late Saturday night, I shared a cab to a friend’s place with Rishi, one of his friends Pujan, and one of their acquaintances (some girl whose name I don’t remember). The girl asked how we all knew each other. While explaining our connections, Rishi mentioned that Pujan and I were “best friends through Taco Bell”, after which some through-the-glass high fives took place.

(Explanation: A couple weeks ago, Pujan, Rishi, and I spent an afternoon drinking and bowling at the Port Authority - I know, real classy people we are - and decided to get food afterwards. We debated between Taco Bell or Mercadito (”fancier” Mexican restaurant) and not reaching a decision, went to Rock-Paper-Scissors for an answer, me playing for Taco Bell (obvi), and Pujan for Mercadito. I won two straight throws to win it, but Pujan responded with something along the lines of “You know, I’m really not at all disappointed with this result.” We hopped the train down to the Taco Bell on 14th street. Pujan and I started talking about our favorite items, and as he placed his order, he threw in “and a side of rice”. I found this to be so mind boggling (remember, I had been drinking), and spent the next 10 minutes telling Pujan how awesome he was.)

(By the way, the Port Authority is renovating the bowling alley, and good lord its like stepping into the Twilight Zone. You spend 10 minutes walking through a bus terminal stuck in the past and WHAM go through a set of double doors and it’s like you’re at the hottest club in town. There’s dim lighting, candles, velvet-ish bar stools, wood floors, and a shiny, fancy-looking bar. It’s bizarre.)

(Also, the Taco Bell on 14th street is NOW OPEN 24 HOURS! Late night drunk eats, here I come!)

(Also, early morning breakfast eats, mid-afternoon snack eats, just because I’m in the neighborhood eats…)

Where the hell was I? Cab ride, high fives over Taco Bell friendship. Got it.

We hopped out of the cab, and I stuck my head back through the front passenger window to pay the driver. As he handed me my change, he asked me a question…

Cabbie: Do you mind if I ask you a question?
Amish: Uh, sure…
Cabbie: I overheard you guys talking about Taco Bell. Do you work at one?
Amish: Hahahaha, no I don’t work there. I’m just a really big fan.
Cabbie: Oh.
Amish: Yeah, its my favorite restaurant.
Cabbie: Oh, OK. I was just asking because I work for them.
Amish: Oh, really? Which one do you work at?
Cabbie: No, no, I don’t work at a restuarant, and this cab thing is just a part-time thing right now. I actually live down in Kentucky. I work at the Yum Brands corporate office.
Amish (in utter shock): Oh… Wow… Tell them Amish says hi!

In hindsight, I should have given him a bigger tip.