The slide
When you receive your plate at a restaurant, do you give it a little turn before you start eating? Me too. Give it whatever evolutionary psychology-inspired reason you like; it’s just one of those cute quirks of human nature.
I just noticed that I do something similar when I order at the counter. This morning I got a cup of tea and a slice of coffeecake. The guy put them on the counter. I handed over a five, and while he was getting my change, I quickly reached for the cup and the plate and pulled them toward myself about an inch. “This was your stuff a second ago, but now it’s mine,” I seemed to be saying.
Now I’m watching to see if other people do the same thing. The woman at the counter now just did it. I’m glad I wasn’t buying something heavy, like a refrigerator.
Comment by Cameron
Curse you, Red Baron. I read something like this a few years ago, and it was months before I could think of anything else after I got my food at restaurant.
Posted on August 18, 2006 at 9:10 am
Comment by christy
Yeah, me too! Actually, I even do it at home, if I’m not the one serving.
Where I don’t do it, sometimes, is at fancier Japanese restarants, where it feels like the placement of everything on the plate and on the table is thought-out and on purpose.
ps. Your “DiningDeals” in the paper today was funny & charming, and makes me want to eat there even though I rarely go to the U-District anymore.
Posted on August 18, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Comment by mamster
Thanks, Christy! That was a fun one, and it’s a great place.
(For those just tuning in, it’s Jack’s Tapas.)
Posted on August 18, 2006 at 1:57 pm