The original post: /r/mildlyinfuriating by /u/phi11yphan on 2025-01-04 12:39:00.

Maybe it’s just me, but it never fails to amuse me when I (or me plus wife) enjoy a meal at any restaurant, and our waiter or server approaches with a question for me in the middle of me chewing food. “How’s the food?” or “Can I get you guys anything else for now?” And there I am tongue-tied and all chipmunk-cheek with steak, lol

Usually my wife can respond; she doesn’t eat much. But me, I do my best to reply through a nod, thumbs up, suggest a refill, whatever is appropriate in that moment… but nothing complex can be communicated without needing to place a hand to cover mouth and mumble something like: “could we please get ____ which we just realized didn’t come out?”

The mildly infuriating part is the timing which often coincides with a chew (and feeling like they deserve a timely reply)… and sometimes it’s feeling like they lack the awareness to observe if we’re mid-chew. On average, I’m approached twice after the meal starts, which is pretty good service; but each time… you guessed it, lol.

I’ve never waited/served, so… I imagine it’s a random luck of the draw, plus they’re busy with other tables, maybe they’re short staffed, etc.

Curious on other perspectives, or even from those in the industry. Common?