Books

Last May, fresh out of a difficult Senior year of school, I opened myself up to the possibility of reading recreationally. I came across this title while at the book store with Natalia:

I read the synopsis on the back, and was intrigued. I bought it. As I began to read, I was enthralled by the author’s experiences and insights gained as a waiter at a high-end Manhattan bistro. Each chapter was more intriguing and colorful than the last.

Then something happened. I was enjoying the book so much, that I stopped reading it (odd, I know). I wanted to ration the remaining goodness left, as opposed to just feasting on it, and not having anything to look forward to. So, I put the book back on the shelf, only to be pulled out in rare moments when a book was needed (ie, waiting in line at the DMV).

But, when I discovered that the author put out another similarly themed book, I decided it was time to put this one to rest. So, I (finally) have.

This book was an absolute adventure. The author is witty, colorful, and largely insightful, with a slew of entertaining and eye-opening experiences. The language can be harsh at times, but otherwise, I highly recommend it to anyone who might find it remotely interesting.

I share this last passage from Waiter Rant, about how raw human nature can be inside the walls of a restaurant:

As I’m executing this maneuver I’m not paying attention to what I’m doing. I don’t have to. I’ve done it twenty thousand times. It’s all muscle memory by now. Instead, I’m listening to the young couple at the table behind me. They’re talking about having a baby…

I pour out an ounce of the wine, gently twisting the bottle so I don’t spill a drop.

I’m still listening to the couple behind me. The girl’s afraid to have children. She’s afraid she’ll abandon them like her mother abandoned her. Her husband tells her not to worry: She’s not her mother. She’s a different person. She’ll be a wonderful mother. They’ll be happy.

My four top’s host thanks me. His wife compliments my memory. How can you remember so much stuff? I respond with a witty stock answer. They all laugh.

I turn and look at the table behind me. The girl has tears in her eyes. The boy’s holding her hand.

For the thousandth time I marvel how much people reveal about themselves inside a restaurant. I shouldn’t be surprised. When people are stuffing their faces, they often let their guard down. Eating is a primal activity that triggers an array of emotional responses. Think of all the arguments that erupt around family dinner tables. Food and the human condition are inextricably linked. Because of this, waiters often get to see the unpleasant sides of people.

Yet, amid all the petulance, anger, and entitlement, the occasional crumb of human grace falls from the table. I look at the boy and girl. They need their privacy. This is an important moment. Do not disturb. I walk away.