Burnt In The Kitchen And Online

I manage a small hotel, so I end up doing a lot of jobs, including being the back-up breakfast chef. Our breakfast chef has just gone on holiday. We are open for breakfast every day of the year, including all holidays.

I am checking in a woman at the front counter after a pretty crazy morning. I burnt my fingers quite badly on our fryer and spent six hours at the hospital. I probably shouldn’t be working this evening, but what can you do?

Me: “Ma’am, just so you know, unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we aren’t open for breakfast tomorrow.”

I lift my hand that is wrapped up currently to the size of a baseball mitt.

Me: “I was the breakfast chef, but I burnt my hand this morning. I’m actually waiting to hear back from the hospital to see if I have to drive to [Major City two hours away] to get it looked at by a specialist.”

Guest: “But my husband needs his breakfast.”

Me: “I do apologise for this, ma’am. We just don’t have anyone else who can come in to cook. There is another breakfast place just there (less than 100m away) that has great ocean views.”

Guest: “Isn’t there anything you can do? This is ridiculous. He just wants to buy a simple breakfast.”

Me: “I’m sorry, it’s not something we have planned. I could probably cook him some toast, maybe bacon?”

I am thinking of things I could do with a set of tongs, because I can’t even wash my hands properly at this point.

Guest: “So you’re saying my husband can’t get a poached egg?”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I don’t have two hands to crack the egg.”

Once again, I hold up my hand.

Me: “The place across the road will definitely be open to cook you that egg.”

She is frustrated but ends up checking into her room with no problem. I hear nothing more about it, my hand heals up quite nicely, and I don’t have to go see a specialist. Hooray. 

Several weeks later, we get an online review.

Review: “The restaurant is not open every day for breakfast. Should put your opening hours online. I guess quieter towns don’t have to be open every day.”

No comments were allowed, so I couldn’t even respond. Thanks, mate.