Need to retreat from reality?

My new favorite binge worthy obsession is, Atypical.

You won’t need to sacrifice an entire weekend as Season 1 is only eight episodes.

Netflix has just ordered a second season of 10 episodes.

The series is a coming of age story that follows Sam (Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum as he searches for love and independence.

Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as Sam’s mother, Elsa. Michael Rapaport plays Sam’s father, Doug. Brigette Lundy-Paine, who is my fav character, plays Sam’s scrappy sister, Casey, and Amy Okuda plays his therapist, Julia.

It does take a few episodes to get completely hooked, but the story lines are very compelling and the acting is superb.

Atypical is Must See TV.

I must admit to shedding a tear or two and suffering a bit of withdrawal knowing it will be a while until Season 2 debuts.

After binge watching, we headed to one of our favorite local dining spots, the bar at Cafe Luxembourg, a staple on the Upper West Side for decades.

We love sitting at the bar, which is always packed.

Last night, we sat with Ryan, an outgoing, gregarious, highly competent bartender.

He cares about your happiness at Cafe Luxembourg.

We took our positions at the end of the bar and with Chopin martini in hand, observed the diners.

There is a pecking order at the bar and the bartender makes sure no Entitlementor cuts the line.

An older couple assumed their positions and one of the stools was located at the curve of the bar.

When a customer left, Ryan asked the gentleman if he was comfortable and whether he would like to move down away from the bend in the bar.

After the customer said, “No,” the bartender was off to place their order.

The Grumpies were outraged that he had asked them if they were happy.

“Aren’t we here to eat and not to be interrogated?!” This conversation went on for 10 minutes as they were so put out.

WTF?!

Next up, a very effusive regular arrived and to me appeared to be high.

Nevertheless, Ryan said he would have a seat for her in a moment. She wanted to pick her stool and he said that there were people ahead of her and she most likely would be seated in a different spot.

Well, she went ballistic. she wanted to know if she was being lectured to or punished for her effusive display.

WTF?!

Another woman who was dining with a long haired, jewelry laden man, was stunned that Ryan asked her if she wanted another adult beverage. “If I want one, I’ll ask for it myself.”

Come on…what is wrong with these people?!

I have always assumed that a central role of a bartender is to pick up on empty glasses.

Cafe Luxembourg is a wonderful restaurant with a fabulous crew.

Why are these people offended by attentive service?

Ryan remembered my vodka of choice, happily accepted my annoying special food requests and even gave us generous samples of a wonderful red wine and a delicious aperitif.

My observation is that this is a rough time in America.

We are all suffering from Agent Orange disease and overwhelmed by all the natural disasters.

I suggest that everyone have an adult beverage, love and respect each other or alternatively, stay home and binge watch, Atypical.