On The Strip Means No Off The Menu

I’m a waitstaff at a relatively pricey and niche restaurant. A customer is studying the menu.

Customer: “What kind of potatoes is [dish] made with?”

Me: “They’re made with baby potatoes.”

Customer: “Oh, I like the Dutch yellow baby potatoes you get from Trader Joe’s.”

Me: “I’m sure they are similar but I can check with the chef if you like?”

Customer: “Could the chef just run to the store and get them?”

Me: “I’m afraid the chef can’t do that.”

Customer: “But I want the potatoes that I like.”

Me: *Trying to be polite.* “The chef doesn’t have the time to do that, I’m afraid. This dish is very delicious as it is, and is quite popular. I’m sure you will enjoy it.”

Customer: “I don’t understand why you can’t just send someone out for me?”

One of the customer’s friends slams their menu down on the table.

Customer’s Friend: “Because it’s 8 PM on a Friday night on the Las Vegas Strip. There’s no grocery store for miles, and even if there was, what restaurant would ever do that for you!? Just do what you always do and eat the mac and cheese and sulk!”

The customer did indeed order the mac and cheese… and sulked.