During a recent visit of our friends Dan and Sean from Atlanta, we took the opportunity to explore a number of bars not on our usual rotation.

Saddled up to the bar, soaking in the atmosphere, I overheard the most interesting conversation. In any other setting, I probably would have tuned out chatter. At Touche, one of Chicago’s neighborhood leather bars, the two leather clad gentlemen behind me peaked my interest.

Leather Daddy 1: Honey, what do you do?
Leather Daddy 2: I’m a general manager for Panera Bread.
Leather Daddy 1: [In a high squeaky, excited voice] Oh my God! I love the food at Panera Bread. I eat there at lease three times a week.
Leather Daddy 2: That’s great. What do you do?
Leather Daddy 1: I work at the Louis Vuitton store.
Leather Daddy 2: [Pregnant pause]
Leather Daddy 1: [The voice still high and squeaky] The place is crazy. I can’t believe the bags are so expensive and they aren’t even leather!
Leather Daddy 2: Grunts … I have to take a piss, I’ll be back in a minute
Leather Daddy 1: I’ll be here

Leather Daddy 2 did not return. While having a beer, who wants to hear their expensive Louis Vuitton wallet, man purse, and luggage are made from pleather.