The Couple

Last night, at work, I had a couple come in. I had seen these people before. Usually, that means one of two things. Either they are really nice, or tip well, or the lesser; they are rude, picky, or don’t tip well.

I go up to the table, and introduce myself, and asked them what they would like anything to drink. The couple responds with, “water”. I asked them if they would like any cheese dip or guacamole. They respond with, “no”. Here is the part where I realize why I remember these people. I asked them what they would like to eat. The woman responds with, “I will have a burrito enchilada style, extra enchilada sauce, extra cheese on the outside, and would you mix the enchilada sauce and cheese together. I do not like the way the cheese tastes when it is just sitting on top of the enchilada sauce.” The gentleman’s order is normal, nothing special, just the way it comes on the menu. I tell them, I will get their order right out. They say,” We would also like an order of HOT and FRESH fries, please.” They commence to laugh, and say “We are not that hard to please.”

First off, I did not appreciate them thinking it is funny to ask for such an order. Secondly, our cheese dip that we make is made of white American cheese and MIXED with our enchilada sauce. Our cheese dip costs around five dollars, so I understand people being forthcoming about not wanting to buy it, but when such efforts make the restaurants job as a whole, harder to do, I think it is just a little selfish. The worst part is that if I do not deliver what they ordered exactly the way they ordered it, my tip, my income, and my way of life decreases.

The cooks were so confused by the order, they had to come and get me, to tell them what was going on. When I got their food, the cooks did not mix the enchilada sauce and cheese as she had requested. The fries had been in the window for a couple of minutes, so to insure that they were “HOT and FRESH,” I put them back in the fryer for a few seconds. I brought them their food, and gave them ketchup for their fries. They were satisfied with their food, except the lady needed a spoon to MIX her enchilada sauce and cheese together.

 When they were finished, I gave them their check, and they paid, and went on their way. I then went back to collect the dishes, and my tip off of the table, of which they left me two dollars. This is not a bad tip mind you. All I expect to get off a table for “good” service is a dollar a head. I always wonder though, with every special thing that a person orders on their food, the more complicated the order, the higher the chance it won’t be right, so I personally feel that these kinds of orders, if they are brought to your table accurately, and without any errors, then the restaurant and your server have provided you with more than just “good” service.