So you can tell from the title alone that this post is going to be unpleasant. The kicker is, they weren't even seated in my section. I was just trying to help!
I casually walked by table 40 and noticed that the couple was bickering amongst themselves. They glanced at me every few seconds and I heard the gentleman repeat, "We HAVE to tell them." They clearly wanted my attention.
"Pardon me," I asked, "May I assist you with something?"
"SMELL THIS," demanded the man as he shoved his water glass in my face.
I recoiled, thought better of it, and leaned in. I smelled ... nothing. You know, like how water smells.
Was he confused? I offered some help. "That's your water glass, sir."
I am always happy to help educate my guests on exotic foods such as ice water.
"And does that smell normal to you?"
"It smells like water."
"It REEKS of garlic."
I proceeded to be overly apologetic and eager to please. Fresh glasses were fetched and a new bottle of mineral water was cracked open. They condescendingly informed me that they just had to complain so that we'd be aware of the problem and other guests wouldn't become angry, too. Wasn't I grateful?
I followed up with their server so he was aware of their issues. He told me that they were already finished their meal, and ready for their check. Oh, and guess what they'd eaten?
- Bread with garlic butter
- Caesar salads with garlic and anchovies
- Steaks seasoned with garlic powder and sides sauteed in garlic oil
That's right, these two guests had no complaints about the water when they began their meal and were now smelling their own breath. I don't appreciate having someone's backwash shoved in my face, so I stayed away from their table until they had paid up and were on their way out.
I frequently have to keep my mouth shut in order to please a customer. But the people who really should have kept their mouths shut this time were the ones with the terrible breath.
