This happened about a year ago in NYC. I came along way from Virginia Beach (VB), VA to enjoy a weekend out and about in the Big Apple. There aren't many options for Thai food in VB, so my friend took me to Pok Pok. After hearing about how great the fish sauce wings were, I wanted to give it a try for myself.
We arrive around 5:30 pm and the hostess said it would be a 40 minute wait. No problem, so we put our names down and head across the street to get a couple drinks and try the fish sauce wings at their sister bar, The Whiskey Soda Lounge (WSL).
After 30 minutes, I go over to check and the hostess said our table will be ready in about 10 minutes. So we close out our tab at the WSL and head over.
We sit down and receive menus and glasses of water. Our server, Matt G., never introduced himself and had such a nasty attitude, that I was hesitant to try the food. I used to work in the Service Industry, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought he was just in the weeds.
I ordered the Kanom Jiin Sao Naam, and the menu is misleading because I was under the impression it would be hot noodles, instead they were cold and mushy, hence not very good to my palate. I took two bites and immediately regretted my decision. My friend got the Muu Paa Kham Waan and that was delicious.
Now as a prior server, I understand how to make the customer feel like they have an enjoyable dining experience. I would expect sympathy from a fellow server, but alas I was surprised to Matt G.'s reaction. I asked Matt G. if there was any way I could exchange the dish I had with another entree, telling him it's not what I had expected. Instead of apologizing and asking what he could do to help, his first question was "Well, what did you expect?" Taken aback, I answered honestly and said I thought that the dish would be hot, as it didn't state in the menu that these noodles would be cold. After adjusting his tampon like he just started his period, without saying anything else, he takes the dish from the table, comes back and puts a menu down in front of me. I tell him I'll just have the same dish as my friend is having. He rolls his eyes and takes the menu back up. Walking away trying to adjust to the stick in his ass, I lose my appetite completely from the rude treatment of a waiter who should not be waiting tables in the first place. I asked for the check and the meal to go. Another server brings me back a box, and I quickly empty my meal into it. We sit for another 15 minutes with both plates empty and Matt G. still hasn't come by with the check. He finally comes and clears off the table, still with the worst attitude like he heard he just got Herpes from getting raped by Derek Jeter. After we pay the check, I sarcastically say thank you for such great service, and he didn't say anything back.
If you want to serve tables, treat your customers how you want to be treated. Not like they are a nuisance or a hassle. Because although the food was delicious, no one wants to be treated like shit when they go out and pay money for a dining experience.