Dads Eat Free

I’m not exactly sure how Father’s Day came to be, but it’s just around the corner.  For a few theories on the holiday from Answerbag.com, click here.

Just like anything, there’s no such thing as a “perfect father”... though I know several who tie for the damn-near-perfect award. We’ve all seen examples of the best and worst dads, plus everything in between. What makes a good dad to one person doesn’t always resonate with everyone.  Being there, however, certainly does.

According to Blast! Marketing and PR:

Dad Eats Free at Koi and Chen’s PLUS Chance to Win $200 to The Home Depot

Free Entree for Dad from Chinese Plate Menu

Guests can celebrate Dad with the ultimate gift – a free meal.  Dad’s entree from the Chinese Plate menu will be complimentary at Koi in Evanston and Chens in Wrigleyville on Father’s Day.  Limit one “Dad” per table, three person minimum, dine-in only, dinner only.  PLUS one lucky dad will win a $200 gift cart to The Home Depot.

I chuckled at the “Limit one ‘Dad’ per table” rule.  Knowing how often dads are absent in children’s lives, I think the promotion might be better offered this way:

Dad Eats Free at Koi and Chen’s*

Free entrée for ANY man strong enough and brave enough to step up to the plate (Chinese or otherwise).  Guests can celebrate a greater chance at success in life by having a dad present.  The more men you bring who are willing to act as fathers, the more we knock off your bill. 

*Those who’ve lost their dads to illness, war or unforeseen accidents will be granted free entrées for life. Single moms and single dads add a brick of gold to that.  Same sex couples qualify for the original offer, plus male couples receive an extra dessert.

Though I lost my biological father to cancer this year, I truly lost him decades ago.  My stepfather did what a real man does: he stepped in; he stepped up; he stayed.  I couldn't have gotten luckier in the "dad" department, and I wouldn't trade him for all the tea in China or all the free entrées at Koi.