Dining Etiquette, Nutritional Insight, and the Challenges of Customer Service
Have you ever found yourself judging or questioning someone's dining habits? As someone who has worked in customer service or wait staff, you've likely encountered situations that challenge your patience and patience. This article explores some of these instances, including improper dining etiquette, my experience with a college student and nutrition, and the strategies employed by a fellow waiter for dealing with rude customers.
Improper Dining Etiquette
During a meeting arranged for staff, I observed my Utah Director, a man renowned for dining with both the Minister and Premier of Alberta, display shocking table manners that had once baffled me as a child. His behavior ranged from clear lack of etiquette to the outright absurdity of it. Decades later, the memory still riles me. The incident was not an isolated instance; it was a visible testament to the gap between public perception and private behavior.
Nutrition and Dietary Choices
As a college student pursuing a degree in nutrition, I was particularly appalled when I witnessed parents ordering dinner meals for themselves but insisting on serving their young children only apple pies. The dissonance between their own choices and those of their children was a stark reminder of the importance of setting a good example. My intervention to offer a glass of milk with the pie was well-meaning but clearly met with resistance. The parents, sensitive to what they perceived as judgment, declined my offer. This incident highlighted the delicate balance between advice and respect in customer service.
The Essence of Customer Service
A former colleague from a high-end restaurant shared an interesting anecdote about how to handle customers who disregarded dining etiquette. The staff's response to a customer who was condescending and then ordered decaf coffee involved a clever, albeit somewhat unorthodox, tactic. By serving regular coffee without caffeine, the restaurant team ensured that the customer received what they truly wanted, while sending a silent message. This approach illustrates the depth of customer service and the strategies used to maintain a pleasing environment despite challenging circumstances.
The Value of Considering Customer Health
A cook's perspective on food allergies added another layer to our discussion. The importance of proper allergy protocol in the kitchen cannot be overstated. A minor oversight can have severe consequences. The need to break down equipment and change silverware for allergy-sensitive orders is a significant challenge that highlights the diligence required in the culinary arts.
The cafeteria workers mentioned were not only instrumental in providing nourishment but also in extending a helping hand to those in need. The act of passing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for kids who didn't have hot lunch shows the compassion and understanding that frontline service can bring to diverse situations.
Concluding Thoughts
These experiences underscore the importance of balancing professional conduct, nutritional knowledge, and customer service. Whether it's dealing with poor table manners, dietary restrictions, or nutritional advice, the essence of these interactions lies in maintaining a harmonious and respectful environment. By understanding the nuances of these situations, we can better navigate the challenges of customer service and contribute positively to our communities.