Saturday, May 19, 2007

HAD MY CHIPS!


I rarely eat chips and when I do I am usually out, as I work on the totally logical premise that the calories cannot possibly count if you are not at home. Today, at the Altro Posto, I ordered steak with chips [an Italian steak being a thin-cut affair] instead of with salad as I usually do. When the meal came, everything was tepid so I sent it back. [This is not something I would do lightly, having once been dumped by a man for "acting like a teacher and being too assertive" when I took his flat pint of beer back to the bar, something he felt too timid to do himself.] However, I can eat food at room temperature if it's meant to be that way; I can eat cold or chilled food if it is meant to be that way; but I cannot stand tepid or cold food that is meant to be hot and the Italians have an irritating habit of serving it in such a manner. When the plate came back, the steak was hot but the chips still weren't. I complained yet again and received effusive apologies plus a bowl containing three times the quantity of [very hot] chips that I could manage. Then they made me this especially pretty ice cream. I got more apologies as I paid my bill; I said that 99% of the time they get everything exactly right, which is a lot better than your average British restaurant does!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good for you for sending it back. But it did sound delicious when they finally got it right. And, the ice looks fantastic.

James Higham said...

That's very clever. Twice the quantity for just a few well chosen remarks. I'll have to try that.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Ciao, Steve. Yes, it was good in the end! James, wish I'd thought of it before!

Liz Hinds said...

I am such a wimp - I put up with all sorts rather than send it back! And even say, 'yes, thank you, lovely,' when they ask!

Lee said...

Next time you'll have to blow on your meal so you can get another delicious dessert! ;) That looks wonderful!

That guy with the beer was a wimp anyway...and you don't need a wimp, Welsh! ;)

Maria said...

Good for snending it back... I am always afraid to do so.

That dessert looks absolutely scruptious! YUMMMMMY!

M

jmb said...

Well they made you a lovely dessert to make up for all that nuisance. Did you raise your voice and wave your arms around too, like the Italians do?

Eurodog said...

In North Cornwall where we spend a lot of time culinary habits are quite different from Belgium. Food is advertized as "as much as you can eat" or "the largest portions in Cornwall" or "the biggest all day breakfast ever". I loath to buy good money for mediocre food.
We eat and drink well in Belgium.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Liz. I am quite assertive when I'm paying for goods and services but I've been known to let people walk all over me in personal relationships! Hi, Lee. The trouble is strong women attract wimps! But you're right - I don't need one! Hi, M.. I think you get more assertive like that as you grow older. Yes, the dessert was lovely!

sally in norfolk said...

totally agree with you welshcakes....hot food has to be hot cold food has to be cold...no in between will do.....

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Glad you agree, Sally.

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