Gross Orders at a Restaurant: From Unappetizing Biscuits to Strange Requests
Ever been served the grossest dish at a restaurant, or had a customer place an unusual order that sent you into a state of confusion? In this article, we'll explore some of the most unusual and unappetizing orders served to restaurant staffs, and how they handled these requests. From unexpected food combinations to bizarre food preparation methods, we'll delve into the wild world of restaurant orders.
Unappealing Biscuits and Gravy
As a seasoned restaurateur, I once served biscuits and gravy with a side of liver and onions. While the meal wasn't exactly the most appetizing, it's not the kind of dish that you can just slap down in front of a customer without a second thought. One day, I decided to serve biscuits and gravy for breakfast. The meal looked more like an art piece for a vomiting scene than something to eat. Despite my insistence that the meal was just fine, my companion Karen let out a rather loud and clear, "IT LOOKS LIKE VOMIT!" When the first bite was taken, no one ended up ordering that again for 25 years.
Strange Food Requests
Beyond just the appearance of the food, there are also some ordering questions that leave you scratching your head. One such request was when a couple asked for the wife's meal to be served 20 minutes before the husband's. I watched the wife take her time, while the husband had already finished his meal. Another bizarre request was for a burger with an elaborate food layering, featuring three eggs sandwiched between a sandwich with cheese and bacon on top and a tomato on the bottom. Some orders simply require a bit more thought, such as accommodating food allergies or strict dietary restrictions. Each of these orders can make for a memorable (and sometimes gross) experience in the kitchen.
Insane In-The-Machine Cook Experiences
As a young cook, I remember once being tasked with preparing a rare steak for a customer. Despite following the proper preparation method, the customer complained that the steak wasn't rare enough. After being sent back to the grill multiple times, perplexed and frustrated, I turned to my manager for advice. To my surprise, he suggested hovering the steak over the grill with a container and sending it out. It turned out that the customer intended for the steak to be cooked for her pet dog, not for human consumption. Sometimes, it's the unexpected and even bizarre orders that make the job interesting and memorable.
Catering to Special Dietary Needs
Food allergies, religious restrictions, and stringent dietary needs can lead to some interesting and challenging requests from customers. For example, a regular customer would always come to the restaurant in a fury if her vegetables touched her potatoes. She insisted that all her vegetables be served in a separate dish. Another customer, who was a germaphobe, asked that all fry pans be lined with foil. Interestingly, deep-frying with dedicated oils is necessary if you serve multiple types of shellfish. To accommodate these special requests, it is vital to be aware of and prepared for any possible dietary restrictions or allergies.
Conclusion
From unappetizing meals to bizarre food requests, the restaurant industry is full of memorable and sometimes gross orders. While these experiences may seem eccentric, they are important learning tools for restaurant workers. Each of these incidents can teach us about serving others, accommodating special dietary needs, and the importance of being knowledgeable about food practices. The next time you step into a kitchen, remember that the customer's order could be anything, and it's our job to make sure they leave with a memorable dining experience, whether good or bad.