|
.jpg)
I wrote about annoyances at the supermarket deli. My husband read my piece and disagreed with almost all of my complaints. I learned that I had been living with the enemy all along. I want customers to be brief and direct. My husband, however, enjoys deli chit-chat. It’s important to him to share information regarding how he plans to ultimately use the meats and cheeses that he is buying. He explains that perhaps the person working can give him advice regarding the best selection or best cut. Regarding the perfect cut, my husband also feels that it is the customer’s prerogative to guide the deli employee in finding the perfect thickness setting on the slicer. He likes it when the employee presents the initial slice so he can offer a thumbs up or a thumbs down.
My husband is also a fan of the deli free sample. Exploring new varieties of meats and cheeses is fun, and no one should have to commit to a new item without getting a free taste of it first. “After all,” he said, “Not all country hams are created equal. I don’t ever want to bring home country ham that doesn’t conform to my standards.”
I am the chief food shopper in our family. I share my husband’s love of deli foods, but he has not suffered as I have. He has not stood patiently, holding the number 230 ticket while “Miss Number 224” blathers on about what she considers to be the perfect pastrami. My husband has not witnessed abuse of the free sample privilege. He hasn’t waited, as people unreasonably fuss over the setting on the slicer, and then want to eat the mistakes as free samples. If it is good enough to eat now, it could have been eaten at home and they should have paid for that slice. My husband has not watched people’s frustration when their order is 0.17 pounds over. Seriously, what is the additional cost, maybe 15 cents? Remember, a “third of a pound” is an approximate amount. If the weight comes in just a little high, take it and eat it.
Where do my husband and I find common ground? Hairnets. Employees often cover only half of their hair with a net. This immediately downgrades hairnets from a safety measure to a sorry, sorry fashion statement. Since deli items are rarely heated after they are purchased, sanitation needs to exceed what is found in the seafood and butcher’s departments.
I miss the deli computer kiosk at the front of my old grocery. I’d enter my order, and pick up my food in a case near the deli about 15 minutes later. I was able to completely skip the pageantry of the deli. I really miss those days.
Becky Reil is a lover of art, architecture and good food. Traveling with her husband and friends is her favorite way to enjoy all of her interests. She ate her way through thirteen countries and has several trips planned for the near future. Local food is her passion, and she will reluctantly share her "secret" sources for sausage, beef, grits and produce. Becky is constantly working to enlarge her fabric stash and enjoys quilting and collecting textiles. A graduate of Radford University, she has worked as an Art Teacher and as a Job Coach for disabled persons.
|
