Cabo-verdian Food For Thought…
By: Dr. Gastrônomo Fantasma: (http://www.caboverdeonline.com)
Nôs Jornal newspaper (USA)
Posted: May 3rd, 2006
Inspired by Dan Brown’s magnum opus, I will initiate this article with a disclaimer: This story is fictional but the mistreatments are legitimate (they either happened to me or took place around my table during various visits to different Cabo-verdian restaurants). The sole intention of this semi-fictional piece is a “cry for service enhancement” at our acclaimed restaurants.
Once upon a time, I walk in a popular Cabo-verdian restaurant. The place was at least half full (optimistic me). The aroma of the food would be a hook for any passer by, if they could only smell it. We stood there for minutes, unnoticed by the shorthanded staff that seemed to be making several trips to the same table and conversing a bit too affectively with certain guests.
We were greeted and directed half way to some empty tables. It was only two of us, occupying a table for four. The empty glasses with napkins inside, adorned the tables, and we could hear all the shouting exchanges among patrons. The CD was playing Cabo-verdian answer to Caribbean music, at a level that was uncomfortably loud. The bass was cranked to the max, and one could observe the vibrating silverware.
After 3 or 4 protractile loud looping vibes, the waitress approached us, stating without an apology, that it was a busy night! Yes, I could tell…there were another 15 patrons at the establishment… at least a glass of water would have been a decent start to our evening. At that point, I did not know what to order, unaware if it was because I waited so long that I forgot what I wanted or that I just lost my appetite. Going through the items, I was getting “we don’t have that one today” repeatedly, that I demanded unhappy: “What do you have today?”. My friend opted for an appetizer and I went for an entree. Without knowing when would be the next encounter with the young lady, I took the opportunity to order a bottle of wine in order to make the predicted wait less excruciating.
Again, she just disappeared for the next 10 minutes, and our attempts to get service by waving were not flagged by the staff. The wine came; and surprisingly it was not the one that we asked for. We had to settle for another close, but not as good as the one advertised in the menu.
We finally saw her coming in our direction, with one plate. “No wonder” I yelled to my friend, “carrying one plate at a time is going to take her forever.” I was wrong; mine was not ready, and she opted not to bring both at once!
The bottle of red was gone and we asked for another, at least I would have something to drink, while watching my friend devour her appetizer. This time she actually apologized for not having more bottles of that wine. It seems that she sold us the last one… and switching brands was not something we wanted to do. “Why didn’t you tell us that it was the last one?” we asked. Again, the loud music would conspire with her excuses, making them incomprehensible. I settled for a beer, and it was time for an encore of her vanishing act.
My food was finally ready, despite my loss of appetite; I was munching fries that adorned my plate, waiting for my rice that came with it. She brought my beer and a very hot glass that was at the right temperature for an aged cognac. I asked about my rice, and I was simply told uncaringly: “We ran out of rice… but we gave you extra fries!” Once more, there was an excuse for me to digest.
The music got louder when the band started playing. The quality was better, but it was horribly loud. I was trying to think, because I could not converse with my friend: “Do they get the meaning of ambience music? What about an acoustic group without synthesizer and pick-ups for their instruments?” My lack of interaction with my friend took my thoughts a step forward. Since smoking was banned from restaurants and bars because of the health hazard, what about activist fighting redundant loudness at public places? Should guest and workers be required protective gear in order to enjoy a Cabo-verdian dish?
I asked for a coffee and the bill right away, fearing having to wait another eternity. I had to howl it a couple of times until I was heard. The coffee, stale, was left untouched and my bill showed 15% gratuity included and a musician’s fee, added without an initial proviso anywhere.
I paid and exited as quickly as possible. Once outside, I overheard one of the owners commenting that he was not expanding in a particular “fancy” neighborhood fearing that, there, he could not make mistakes!
Astounded, I decide not to be victimized again by their mistakes; entered my car, played a Bau cd softly and drove away…
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