Waiting In Vegas

Tonight a single diner asked me to sample a french fry before making a commitment to buy some.   Luckily I wasn’t busy since it was a dreadfully slow night.   While I walked to the kitchen with a co-worker I told her about the request.   We both laughed at the man and went to get a french fry.   My co-worker wanted to put the single fry on a cocktail pick and just hand it directly to him.   I thought that was overkill so instead I just put it on a large plate to make the single fry look as ridiculous as possible.   Once the man sampled the fry, he decided not to purchase any.   Probably because it was just like I told him “they aren’t anything special, they are just like regular traditional fries.”

Over the years I have had requests for samples of many things.   Probably the most common requests are for samples of soup, sauces, & beer.   Less common (and more bizarre) requests have been for samples of meat, cheese, & bread.   People are a lot crazier than you think.   To be honest, I just don’t get it.   I would never think to ask for a sample of something at a restaurant before ordering it.   Maybe I’m just adventurous or maybe some people are just a little too cautious.   The truth is that having to sample something that is made from a traditional recipe (like clam chowder) or something distributed nationally (like a beer that is readily available at every grocery store in the U.S.) brands you a cheap douche who is afraid to try new things.   You would never go to a grocery store and expect to sample every item before you make your purchase.   Instead you just take a chance, buy something, and then throw it away when it sucks (or give the remainder away during the next holiday food drive).   It’s the American way.