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1.25.2010

not always right: "real chinese restaurant"

We've all suffered through bad customer service. It's pretty annoying. But the reverse is true too -- working a retail or service job sucks, and idiot customers don't make it any better. Not Always Right is a blog that chronicles the joys of dealing with stupid/annoying/pain-in-the-ass customers. Here's a recent exchange that stuck out:
Doesn't Know Their A(merican)B(orn)C(hinese)'s
Restaurant | Greenville, SC, USA

Me: "Thank you for calling [Chinese restaurant], how can I help you?"

Customer: "Yes, I'd like an order for delivery."

Me: "Okay, if you'll just give me your-"

Customer: *cutting me off* "Is this a real Chinese restaurant?"

Me: "Yes, ma'am."

Customer: "I've just never heard any one talk like you at a Chinese restaurant. I'm just making sure Americans aren't cooking my Chinese food!"
Sad but true. Because everyone knows that authentic, "real" Chinese food can only be prepared by the same people who take your order -- people with really thick, non-"American" Chinese accents. That's the Ancient Chinese Secret.