My husband and I checked into a Toronto hotel for a short stay, but he felt unwell upon arrival. After sleeping for a few hours, he awoke and asked if I’d get him bread and butter from the hotel restaurant. That simple request began my quest for an “exotic” food. You can’t make this stuff up!

The elevator was the mode of transportation to reach the magic kingdom where one might obtain this delicacy. However, these mechanical marvels were being serviced, reducing the available number. Waiting for a ride on one turned into a lift-a-thon, and was only marginally shorter than waiting for a flying carpet to arrive. Eventually, it delivered me to the enchanted realm where wishes can become reality, the Restaurant.

The hostess directed me to the bar for a takeout order, which was the last time anything in this interaction went smoothly. A young server asked for my order, and when I requested bread and butter, her response was startling: “Only toast, no bread.” I explained that I only wanted the bread, not toast, and she gave the same reply, “Only toast, no bread.” It gets better.

Realizing we were at an impasse, she commandeered a colleague to see if she could get through to me. I repeated my question, and we went through the same song and dance. Twice. Only toast, no bread. Had I unwittingly ridden a flying carpet to a shadow world where “exotic” foods like bread and butter were unavailable?

Out of desperation, the second server disappeared into the kitchen behind the bar and half-dragged another lady from its depths. It was like a genie unceremoniously popping out of a lamp when she reluctantly appeared. I, yet again, repeated my request for the “exotic” food my sick husband desired. She gave the same response, “Only toast, no bread.”

And that’s when what I’m sure was divine inspiration struck me. I asked if I could have toast not toasted. A broad smile lit up the face of the lady who had the power to grant my wish. Yes! Would I like white or brown? Would I like butter and jam? She would heat it slightly for me because that’s how she liked it! The genial genie then disappeared back into the kitchen, and within a few minutes, the delighted wish-fulfiller presented me with a little packet of warm toast not toasted. I was happy, she was happy, and we both walked away beaming. In truth, I was inwardly shaking my head and chuckling.

In all fairness, English was not any of these ladies’ first language, but it led to a challenging quest for an “exotic” food. In future, if I attempt to order something that isn’t on the menu, I’ll have to remember this lesson and reframe my question. I once heard a comedian say she was told she couldn’t order a vanilla milkshake at a restaurant. Eventually, she requested and received a chocolate milkshake without the chocolate.

Ah, the power of asking the right question, my friends!