Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.

On Saturday evening my family and I arrived at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Irvine, California.

I made reservations about six weeks in advance knowing that such advance planning was required if we were to dine at the fine establishment. In fact, when I called the time I had sought was already taken and we had to move it about 45 minutes earlier.

So, imagine the comedy that unfolded at the front desk when a party of four strolled in about 6 p.m. and asked for a table without reservations. The hostess' earnest response: "If you come back about 9:45 p.m. we might have something for you then."