The Rudest Waiters
It is not uncommon for people in the service industry to be the recipients of rude comments. However, sometimes the tables are turned, and it is the customers who are left reeling from disrespectful conduct by the waitstaff.
1. He Was Not A Rice Guy
I once joined a pal and her family for a meal at a restaurant they loved. They are Caucasian, while I'm of East Asian descent. When the server came over to get our orders, he asked each person what they'd like. Upon reaching me, he blurted, "
Let me think…rice?"
The joke was met with a hearty laugh from him and stunned silence from the rest of us. That awkward moment sealed the deal—I never returned to that restaurant.
2. Tired Of Jive Talkin’
For a good chunk of my life, I worked as a server. An older, experienced waiter took me under his wing when I started my first restaurant job.
This job was in a swanky, pricey eatery where newcomers like me had to assist the experienced waitstaff for several weeks before being allowed to serve tables on their own.
I was aiding this veteran waiter one day when a group of eight walked in—a mix of four couples celebrating some event. Drinks were flowing and starters were quickly devoured. The waiter I was helping was doing the rounds, taking orders. He'd already talked through the daily specials and had managed to sell several $40+ dishes. That's when he reached "the loud guy".
Clearly tipsy and wanting to appear big and knowledgeable, this man started pestering our waiter, much to his wife's clear embarrassment. The loud guy asked our waiter to reiterate all the specials, which he patiently did.
The man then began asking questions about specific ingredients, even going as far as to ask about the herbs in the Béarnaise sauce.
Bear in mind, this drama was unfolding at 8 PM on a busy Friday night. The waiter and I were in charge of handling three other tables of four people. I was doing my best, but my trainer got stuck dealing with the eight-person table.
Unable to escape the barrage of pointless questions and forced small talk, the waiter finally addressed the man, "Sir, I apologize, but I have other patrons who require my attention. May I take your order?"
Upon hearing this, the loud man lost it, berating the waiter for his supposed rudeness.
Calmly, the server looked him in the eye and said, "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't realize I was here to entertain you". But he didn't stop there. He proceeded to dance around the table with disco moves reminiscent of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
As he made his way around the guests, he gestured towards me, saying, "Take this gentleman's order," before shimmying his way back to the kitchen, leaving the entire table stunned and speechless.
3. He Got Fresh With Me
A couple years ago, my wife and I enjoyed a meal at a Mexican restaurant. After we finished eating, our waiter approached us. He turned to my wife, politely stating, "Dear, it’s the restaurant's rule that I offer you a mint after your meal.
But trust me, I'm not saying anything about the delightful freshness of your breath".
With that, he left one mint next to her plate. Then he swiveled towards me. Simply saying, "Here," he spilled a mountain of mints from his apron—nearly a hundred of them—right onto my lap. Despite his cheeky behavior, I gave him the biggest tip.
We found the whole thing hilarious and couldn't stop laughing for the rest of the night.
4. She Wasn’t Foolin’
I once visited a restaurant called Buddakan in Philadelphia with a cluster of friends. I found myself seated next to a heavier-set girl. At some point, the waitress circled our table, jotting down our orders.
When the girl's opportunity to order arrived, she carefully decided on a salad and water.
However, the waitress, under her breath yet within earshot of us both, made the rudest comment, "Uhh, who are you trying to kid?" Instantly, the girl's cheeks flushed a vivid shade of red, stunning everyone close enough to catch the remark.
Out of respect for her feelings, nobody dared to address the comment, aiming to prevent further embarrassment. With the unpleasant memory of that event, I vowed never to go back.
