trouble tree
n.— «Just as we were getting to our mains—fried catfish with cornbread and a sort-of creole slaw—a “trouble tree” came over to our table. That’s it above: two sidecars and two Adelaide swizzles. Now, I was already having plenty of “fun” thanks to that martini, but when the chef sends something over to your table, you don’t turn it down. Thankfully, our dessert—a richer than rich creole cheesecake—went with the beverages quite nicely.» —“Jaunted in New Orleans :: Cafe Adelaide” by pbb in New Orleans Jaunted July 22, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Secret signals on the job: Waitresses at some 19th-century restaurants ensured speedy drink service by communicating with a non-verbal code. One server took orders, then placed each customer’s cup to indicate exactly what the customer wanted...
Emily from New Orleans, Louisiana, wonders about the expression Holy cow! to indicate surprise or delight. It’s one of many minced oaths, in this case a replacement for the stronger exclamation, Holy Christ! These euphemistic expressions, such...