Regular readers of this blog know that Priscille and I like to get our winter exercise by frequently walking at the Bridgewater Commons Mall. This week, the JCC pool, which is part of my cross-training routine, is closed for about 7 days for refurbishing, so the Mall is it.
We try to avoid the crowds by arriving early to mid-morning. We then head back to control central and get on with the rest of our daily tasks, appointments, meetings, etc. Rarely do we have lunch at the mall – it doesn’t help the calorie intake. But yesterday was different. The pull of the newly renovated food court was too much to resist.
Besides, you’d be surprised at all of the other activities that take place there during lunch. We settled upon Charley’s Grilled Subs. Pris found a natural, light-bathed booth near the outside windows across from Sbarro’s. I stood my turn in line and ordered a foot-long chicken teriyaki sub which we split and washed down with large bottles of Poland Spring (remember when water was free?). This selection set us back a mere $11.92 and was a good, tasty choice.
While sitting in our booth – it comprises one of several rows that form two sides of a triangle pushing against the outside windows – I spied a couple of older guys (who am I to say!) playing a serious, but engaging game of chess. Seated on the outside of the booth was a third man, intently observing their game. Later, a fourth observer joined the trio.
The new food court at the Bridgewater Commons Mall is becoming more than just a place to eat. It seems to be emerging as a public gathering place where people can get together not only to share a meal, but to participate in some of life’s other convivial, yet simple endeavors. Even harried business people can get a welcome change of pace there.
In this fragile, bungled, and overly complex economy, an oasis like this provides a welcome break.
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