When I was in high school, I had a very rich friend that was provided every opportunity to succeed, but was a complete failure in every way. That makes sad. I also had a friend that was much less fortunate with little opportunity to succeed, but he used the little resources he had to become an outstanding member of society. I really looked up to him. It's rare to see a kid pull himself up by his proverbial boot straps and become a positive presence in the community. He had my sincere respect.
Now, I must admit, I went to a very rich high school and there were no poor kids. He was just a figment of my wild imagination. However If I had a poor, admirable friend in high school, I wish he could have been the Taco Bell in Lomita.
Lomita is not typically my first choice for dining. Usually I feel like it's a good place for a new tattoo, maybe some rims, a nose piercing, but decided I would take a chance on a fast food taco concoction. I was really surprised when I walked through the front door of the Taco Bell in Lomita. It was like the employees....cared. I know that's a strong word for a Taco Bell and trust me, it was a weird feeling to have at Taco Bell. (Usually I have weird feelings 30 minutes after leaving Taco Bell)
The decor was different than any other Taco Bell I've visited. It had a Motel 6 lobby vibe but was very clean. The colors of the restaurant were different, it had benches, and even a lounge area like a Starbucks where you could relax while you digested your encharito. It even had a charging station bar made from recycled wood from Azusa, California! How often are dead trees from Azusa imported to Lomita. I say never!
We were the only people inside the restaurant, so we pretty much had our choice of seating. The manager came out several times to talk to us and make us feel welcome. The entire experience was enjoyable, much like you would expect from an overachieving friend that I never knew.
As we left, a stray dog "from the streets"wandered into the restaurant. This is not uncommon in my poor friends neighborhood, but I wondered how he would handle it. Typically, when a dog goes missing at a Taco Bell, you figure there will be a promotion for "steak products" shortly after. Now, I've eaten dog at Korean restaurants, but I've never knowingly eaten dog in a Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito. I like dogs, and I like eating dogs, but honestly I REALLY like Taco Bell meat more. I don't know what it is but I'm pretty sure it's not dog.
So they took the dog to the kitchen, held it down on the chopping table (where they prepare the 7 layer nacho fries), started the IV, and suddenly my friend ("the manager") stopped them. Now, I couldn't wait to see what would happened next, but the diarrhea was hitting fast and I needed to get home. I assume my friend did "the right thing".
Overall, this was an awesome visit to my new favorite Taco Bell in the South Bay Area! I reconnected with a friend I never had and have a new imaginary story about eating dog, but I have so much more. I learned what it means to be a true friend. A clean friend without bugs. A friend that cares. A friend that gives what I demand from a restaurant. A friend that probably doesn't serve dog.
I look forward to getting to know you better this holiday season, Taco Bell in Lomita. You put your rich, spoiled friend, Taco Bell on PCH in Torrance, to shame. I'm impressed with what you've done with so little, hope you get more customers, and eventually kill our mutual friend in Torrance and use his home to better our community. I see you as a taco vigilante and support you in your endeavors. Merry Christmas! read more