This is my first time posting here. I normally do something totally different. I am a plant based foodie which inspires me to do recipe posts most of the time.
I guess this is still food related. I need a space to unleash my gripes about restaurant customers. Perhaps this may offend some. However, I am pretty sure no one will read this wind bag of a post. That's okay. I'm just venting.
The year leading up to 2025 is the one that opened my eyes the most, about annoying people, that go to restaurants.
You may not know me, so I will describe myself before I get ranting.
I am probably the oldest restaurant line worker in the world at 63, or at least the oldest woman line worker. This doesn't include the ones that started young and never left, or family of the business. I was 40 when I became a line cook. Not to brag, but I am always the most, or one of the top most, hard working in the back of the house, to this day. My co workers are half my age.
I work in a section by myself. It's a vegan sushi restaurant. I don't roll sushi. I do appetizers and desserts. I'm very close to a couple of tables that seat groups from 4 to 20 people.
Let's cut to the chase!
Loud people!!!!
This may be really offensive, but 90 percent of the loudest people are women. Not only are they talking non stop, they also have shrill out bursts of laughter every second. They sound like they belong in an asylum. Nothing is that funny.
There are other customers on a date trying to talk. They're interrupted by this wild behaviour. This happens for almost every group of 4 or more every day.
When I see a group of girls, and one has a tiara on her head, and a banner that says, "bride to be", I know we're in for a wild ride, ending in a headache for me and the busser, who works the closest to these tables.
Young children and babies
Again you may be offended if you are these people. I don't care. You need to know how to be a parent in public.
We are not a kid friendly restaurant. It's dimly lit. It has a long bar in the middle, that serves cocktails. We don't have high chairs. This is a very Instagram girl type place. We have a stream of music with beats that do not suit children. Not dance beats, but beats.
It seems that almost everyone that drags their toddlers to this place, is not willing to soothe the frustrated crying kid. The screaming sometimes lasts for 2 hours. Clearly the kid is not having a good time. Nor are the friends that have come along with them.
Get a babysitter or stay home!!!!
Then there are the parents that let the babies roam free. I'm always busy running.I don't like having to put on the act, that I adore your children, as they approach me and act cute. I don't think it's cute. I'm being brutally honest. Sorry. I speak for all of my colleagues.
There have been more than one occasion, where a server has come to me and said, "I almost stepped on a baby!" No exaggeration. It's dangerous and oh yeah, kind of filthy.
The servers are running around with trays full of hot soup.
Allergies
It is unfortunate for the people with allergies. Some are fatal. Sorry you have this problem, but I despise you for making it my problem.
During a rush you ask to have something that has gluten in it, but you are celiac or gluten intolerant. Now I have to forget about the other people, run to the back, and make a new batch of whatever, so I don't kill you. When I come back I have a stream of orders hanging off the printer. All this because you didn't just order something else.
Furthermore it doesn't look good for us, if you taste your partner's peanut laced food, even though it's been made clear, that it has peanuts in it, and you end up in the hospital.
Stay home and cook your own food!!!!
Yes yes. We do have to cater to you. It doesn't mean we like you.
Reservations
The restaurant is almost always full. We encourage everyone to make reservations, in order to get a seat. If you walk in and we have room, no problem, you will be seated.
If you make reservations for you and your people, we expect you to show up on time or at least give us some update on your delay. You have a time limit, so others can take your table later.
It is annoying to have people show up on time, and not order, until the friend arrives, half an hour late. This makes every staff member have to politely rush you through dinner.
There is nothing more annoying than someone who makes a reservation for 15 minutes before the kitchen closes, then show up late. The entire kitchen staff have to stay after closing to make food for two people. After you show up late, you take your sweet time looking at the menu.
The servers always say, "it's because they don't work in a restaurant". I totally disagree. I just think they are selfish, and entitled. I would never have done this before I worked in a restaurant.
Rude customers
I know there is always this complaint about rude service people. It's true there can be. I just don't go back. I keep my mouth shut.
Rude customers, snap their fingers in the distance to summon a staff member. They may be serving you, but they are acting. They are not your actual servants.
Rude customers blame the servers for not telling them it is a vegan restaurant. The sign is on the door, the website and in the menu. They order a spread of food, start eating it, then realize it's vegan. They get up and leave after berating the server.
Rude customers eat most of their food on the plate then complain that they didn't like it. They don't get charged for it.
Rude customers taste from five or six bottles of wine and say they don't like any and order a cocktail.
I guess I should stop now. There is always more but this releases a bit of steam from the valve.
I feel disgruntled, but over all, most customers are really nice and polite. They are behaved and I appreciate when I observe them.
I have specified the photos that are not mine.