A short Hispanic man with a horses mane mohawk came into work holding a wad of cash. He timidly approached the counter and I, out of habit, said "How are you doing tonight?" although I say it more as an obligatory statement than an actual question symbolizing an interest in someone's life.
He nodded and stated his mission: "et pis chicken".
"I'm sorry. What?" I said.
"Et pis chicken" he persisted, this time gesturing with his hands.
"I...uh. I don't know what you're saying."
"Chicken"
"Yes, right. Chicken. I get that. You want chicken wra...er, sandwich?" I ask, uselessly trying to use my hands to symbolize a wrap.
"No! Chicken. Et pis chicken. Chicken breast." he retorts, gesturing to his chest area and seeming quite agitated.
"Um, sir, we don't have chicken breast. We make sandwiches."
"Turkey?"
"Yes, we have turkey."
"Okay. Turkey."
I was finally feeling like progress was being made until he gestured the shape of a whole turkey, dinner sized.
"We don't do that. We have sandwiches. Wraps. No big turkey."
"Oohhhh. Ohh. Okay. Give me number five."
"Uhh..err. We don't..."
"Number five," motioning to the menu board.
"Sir, we do not serve numbered combination meals at this eating establishment. I cannot help you. There is not number five.
-a blank stare-
"Uhhh... Okay then. Sorry then. Good bye."
My coworker later informed me that a number five is some kind of chicken meal at McDonald's .
Also later it dawned on me that "et pis" was supposed to be "eight piece" and the poor man just wanted a fried chicken dinner. Not like I could have given him one anyway though.
Moral of the story: learn to say no and act condescendingly when you have no idea what someone wants. They will (hopefully) just walk away frustrated.
oops.
14 years ago
