The Awkwardness of Ordering the Most Unusual Foods
Everyone has an awkward story or two they can share about ordering unusual or maybe even bizarre foods in a restaurant. We've all been there, perhaps at a special occasion or just a casual evening out. Here, I share my own experiences and some intriguing stories from my colleagues. These awkward food experiences can become some of our most memorable stories, providing both laughter and lesson.
My Awkward Order at Spur Restaurant
One time, I was dining out with my family at Spur, one of my favorite restaurants where I've been going since childhood. We were there for a special occasion, and everyone else was too engrossed in their own food orders to notice mine. I ordered a bar one milkshake with extra whipped cream and sprinkles, followed by the Apache combo, which included 200g of ribs, 8 buffalo wings, onion rings, and sausage with peri peri sauce.
With so much indulgence, it might seem out of place to follow it with a simple glass of water. However, that water was super cold and had lemon in it, making it not just plain water. I made sure to explain that while I usually dont order water after such a large meal, my family was celebrating with a special dessert to cap off the meal, and I wanted something light and refreshing.
Odd Orders from Customers
Believe it or not, I’ve also witnessed other unusual orders from customers, particularly during my days working at Jack in the Box. There was a memorable experience with a senior couple who ordered a hamburger deluxe but asked for no meat and only tomatoes. Tomatoes are my kind of ingredient; they add flavor and freshness. However, imagining them between buns makes me a bit cringe due to the potential for sogginess. Despite this, it's important to cater to everyone’s taste.
Unexpected Unpleasantness: A Pizza with a Cockroach
One of the most memorable awkward and hilarious food orders I've ever faced was when I ordered a pizza in St. George, Utah. The delivery arrived promptly, and the pizza looked great. But after taking a few bites, something hard and crunchy interrupted my meal. It was a cockroach! This was not just a stomach-churning experience but it sent my appetite into hiding. I had to spit out the pizza and quickly inform the restaurant about the incident. The manager offered a free new pizza, but I couldn’t bring myself to accept it, even though it was an offer of goodwill.
After that incident, I felt uncomfortable even looking at pizza for several years. This experience underscores the importance of hygienic practices in the food industry, and it certainly taught me a lesson about toughing it out and confronting issues on the spot.
Lessons from Awkward Food Experiences
From my shared experiences, there are a few key takeaways. Firstly, we should always be prepared for the unexpected, but also, it fosters understanding. Every customer has their taste and preferences, and as service professionals, it's essential to cater to them in a thoughtful manner. Secondly, handling such issues with class and dignity can turn what might be an awkward situation into a story of resilience and customer satisfaction.