Today I split a combo with a friend for lunch.  There is an excellent poutine place in downtown Guelph called Pierre’s Poutine.  They sell burgers, hot dogs, etc. as well as their amazing poutine.  They offer a combo deal with the choice to upgrade to a poutine, instead of fries.  So, my pal and I opted for the cheeseburger with a poutine and a ginger ale.  We split it all down the middle.  But that’s the simple version of the story…

This was a meal all about compromise.  My friend and I have similar tastes in a number of areas, but toppings apparently are not one of these areas.  Compromise #1 – which kind of poutine.  Pierre’s has many types, not just the classic… my friend likes the classic, so I opted to forgo my usual “healthy” vegetarian version with sauteed mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.  Choices #1 & 2 – with cheese? yes – with bacon? no.  We came to these agreements fairly easily today.  Choice #3 – we agreed on Ginger Ale to drink.  Compromise #2 – pickles were present on the burger… but the fine burgermaster put them on one side only and said he would , so this worked well for us both.  Only a hint of pickle could be detected from the once nearby pickles.  Choice #4 – ketchup! no problems here.  Compromise #4 – mustard.  Bleck… my friend did without.  Compromise #5 – onions.  I did without.  Compromise #6 – relish.  I don’t usually, but don’t exactly mind it either.  Choices #5 & 6 – lettuce and tomato.  No problems here.  Compromise #7 – mayo.  I didn’t even bother asking.  I guess I could have.  I was hungry at this point and excited that the guy was actually going to cut the burger in half for us.

In the end, we had a meal we could share.  In fact, she paid this time around and I’m on to pay for the next time.  Maybe not exactly what either of us would get on our own, but it was still good and it all worked out.  We had food to eat and were still friends at the end of all the choices and compromises. ;)   It was quite the journey.  Maybe a nuissance to the shop workers, but even they seemed to support our complicated effort at the same time.  And then back at the office it was all about teamwork to successfully split the food up… and dividing up poutine evenly is not a simple endeavour, for anybody wondering.  But we did that too!

Friendship reigned surpreme this day.  And the poutine was excellent as usual.  Even without the veggies.  (heehee)