Hector's Revenge

I went for dinner last night at Hector's Mexican Restaurant with my friends Dana and Brent, who are kindly putting me up for the weekend in Kelowna. Dana recommended the house specialty, jalepeno poppers. Not one to shy away from a recommendation or more food, I ordered one with my dinner. I wasn't bothered that Dana didn't order one for herself after all of the hype; I figured she'd have some of mine.

I cut my popper up so that others could share. I believe I saved some tears and a potential trip to the hospital in the process. The tiny bite that I had made my tongue feel like it was going to bleed. I could feel the fiery trail it blazed as it moved down my esophagus. When I looked up, Brent and Dana were wide eyed and giggling - and so were the people at the table next to us. I had just been initiated.

We proceeded to spend the rest of our time there watching other tables endure the hazing ritual. The waitress would bring the poppers out, barely able to contain her own laughter. The initiated would 'discretely' look on at the unsuspecting victim as he/she took a huge bite. A look of surprise would follow. Then a look of distress and confusion and a red face, the severity increasing with every moment. The victim would desperately attempt to remain cool, grabbing any sign of relief in sight - chugging a beer, if necessary, without any consideration for the later consequences. Once they regained their composure and speech, it was their time to spectate as the cycle began at another table.

It's an interesting way to break the ice and bring tables of strangers together. It's also rather mean. One has to wonder if Hector is a very angry person and this is his revenge on Kelowna.