What am I babbling about? I was thinking of what my friend said about the service we have been getting when we eat out. Oh late, I have been eating out, and had the chance to compare the kind of service we get at different establishments.


Friday lunch time, I like to go to this place that serves good Tom Yam soup with noodles. The service there is usually good until new faces appear. With the old group of waiters, before I could even choose a seat (normally near the window, so that I have a view of the 'musical fountain'), they would ask, "biasa?" (usual?). And after a nod from me, they would place a bowl and a pair of chopsticks on the table. No other questions asked... that simple. NOW.. it is a show-and-tell. I have to show the (new) waiter which order I want (pictures of the dish provided in the 'laminated' menu), repeat the order in 2 languages, both malay and pigin' english; and then wait in apprehension. I have yet to get a 'first-time-correct' order, placed in front of me. It is either they give me the wrong noodle (yellow mee instead of bihun), or chicken instead of sea food or fish, warm water instead of ice-cold water, and we have to ask for the bowl and chopsticks. (We can't eat straight from the 'pot', can we?) Btw, I suspect the waiters are either Thais or Bangladeshis.


The other day, my dear friend and I went to another restaurant. We obligingly asked to be seated outside, as we noticed that there were no empty tables inside. They were slow to take our orders, as it seem that ONLY ONE person was qualified to take the orders. I can only assume the other waiters can't write!!?? What actually killed us was the wait to pay. Mannn, we WANT to pay.. and we were made to wait.. Only one person was calculating and collecting payment. The other staff would not even help her get more receipts from the store room... (Yes dear, she left the counter to get more receipts). Not a word of thanks or apology and neither was there an invitation to 'come again'. Not that we would, if we could help it!!


I like this establishment as they have a very friendly and helpful waitress named Watie. (I envy her smooth complexion! Wonder what she does/use!! Sorry, deviations... hehehe!) Now she is the 'captain' at the establishment and unfortunately, she has to take care of the tables outside and I don't like to sit outside. (Too hot, maaa!) However, she will still stop at my table and chat everytime I come by. Now THAT is the kind of service I like. The 'captain' inside?? She needs to improve on her spoken english..."we no take reservation. lunch plenty people. You come only."


I also like this fast-food restaurant especially the one at Dayabumi. They have one very efficient waitress named Margaret. I wonder if she is still there. Have not been there for so long... in fact, since we moved to KLCC. Then the other eateries.. the chain of Restaurant Kepala Ikan (Fish Head Restaurant).. where for some reason, I always get first class service... but then since they are a chain, I usually know one face in each of the restaurant.


Hmm... "May I take your order, ma'am?"


Joke from a Parents dictionary: What is a dumbwaiter? One who ask if the kids would care to order dessert.


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