Fast Times Indeed

I just got back from a lunch with a consultant (we'll call him Terry) I worked with on a recent proposal during my trip to China last December. I asked a co-worker for a good recommendation of a nearby restaurant that would allow us room to talk and with good, well-priced food. She suggested Bocadillo's located on the corner of Washington and Montgomery in downtown SF.


We found a place in the corner by the bar and settled in for a fairly standard business lunch. Located just behind Terry's head on the wall was a flat screen TV playing the 1982 Amy Heckerling classic, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The place was a pretty nice, tapas and wine type place and I thought that a movie playing in the background was odd, not to mention the choice of movie. Since it was behind Terry, I didn't bring this to his attention. Unfortunately, I was already distracted and my mind quickly wondered whether the infamous Phoebe Cates red bikini pool side scene would hit the screen during lunch and I would have to make the choice of commenting (my natural impulse) or keeping it to myself. Suffice it to say, I had a tough time updating Terry on the status of an in-factory training program for migrant workers in China knowing that one of the most famous cinematic nude scenes would be staring me in the face in all its high definition glory.


I am definitely getting older and more mature (arguably) as I held it together and was able to stay focused throughout the meal...so much so that I was able to almost forget that Jeff Spicoli was ordering pizza during Mr. Hand's algebra class a mere five feet away. Just as I paying for the check I happened to glance up and what do I see??....No, not the Phoebe Cates part, but the scene with Jennifer Jason Leigh completely buck naked after a romp with faux cool guy, Damone. I was caught off-guard by this as Fast Times is forever linked with Sean Penn and Phoebe Cates and not much else, so the JJ Leigh image was somewhat startling. I glanced around the room to see if anyone else was reacting, but nobody did. (I guess it takes more for the SF professional set to bat an eye. Let's not forget that this is the town that believes Barry Bonds' head expanding three sizes over the years is normal.) Again, my poker face remained as I was able to prevent myself from giggling like an eight-year-old. This may be the first time that I realized I may actually be an adult now, and maybe one of the only times when being older and thus quite versed in social settings can be seen as a positive. In any non-professional setting, Fast Times at Ridgemont High would have become the topic of conversation throughout lunch, so I was proud of myself for holding it together. I guess its pathetic really, but still amusing...at least to me.


Either way, Fast Times at Ridgemont High....GREAT MOVIE!