We have a number of local restaurants here which seem to be owned by semi-literate country persons. The paper menus are full of amazing misspellings ("mash potatoes"; "french frys"), and I like to correct them with a pen while I wait for the waitress to take my order.
Is this rude, or is it more in the way of a public service?
Thanks!
2007-01-23 17:16:40 · 17 answers · asked by silvercomet 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
These people aren't making mistakes to add country charm. Trust me.
And, the menus are typed up and printed daily, and discarded at the end of the day.
2007-01-23 17:24:07 · update #1
No, you should really continue doing this. I'm not a grammar snob, but come on, how hard is it to proofread a menu?
2007-01-23 17:20:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that not only are you being rude, you are being mean. So what if there are a few misspellings. You can still read the menu and order. The food is obviously good, or you wouldn't keep returning, unless you just like to point out their mistakes. Also, did it ever occur to you that they may not really understand that they are misspelling items? It sounds to me like they are spelling things the way they say them, for instance the "mash" instead of "mashed". Stop being so picky. I'm pretty sure someone in charge is noticing your corrections. Pointing those out is a sure way to hurt someone's feelings who obviously doesn't have the same education you do. Lighten up and enjoy the food.
2007-01-24 02:37:04 · answer #2 · answered by sassy2midnite 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It would depend on what you do with this corrected paper menu. f you give it back to the wait person without comment, not rude. If you make a thing about it or shove it at them, yeap, rude.
Why don't you make a business of it, take the menu home and make all the corrections add some graphics and sell them the rights to use it. It would definitely not be rude then...it would be enterprising.
2007-01-23 17:25:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, I don't necessarily think you are performing a public service. If Ma & Pa Kettle were by some chance to notice your corrections they would probably:
a) Think and say well who does that little so and so think they are,
b) Not be smart enough to notice,
c) Be offended enough to retaliate in the kitchen...do I need to explain further
d) do some, all or none of the above
Point being it probably is a little rude and not that big of a deal. If it is a big deal, I would consider dining elsewhere because they aren't going to change.
I know what it is like to live in a place where the "folks" education and literacy were way out of par with mine and it drove me batty. I am talking about living on the border were English was a second language. I eventually moved because I knew I would not be happy in that environment and know I could not change the people around me.
I don't know if that is the answer you were looking for but I hope it helps.
2007-01-23 19:06:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You may think you are performing a service, but in fact, you are just defacing the menu. If they cared about spelling, they would use a spell checker or a dictionary, or have someone proof read the menu. In any case, the only people who see what you are doing are the servers and they really don't care. If you truly want to make a difference, phone the manager and offer a menu-reading service.
2007-01-23 17:35:37 · answer #5 · answered by old lady 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It's rude. What would be a public service would be to make a list of the mistakes and then send them a letter telling them first what you love about their food, then noting that you noticed just a few errors and listing them, just in case they want to change anything the next time they print menus. You could even volunteer to proofread the next printing in exchange for some of their delicious pie. Come at it like a friend, and you're helping. Just write on their menus, and you're defacing their property.
For all you know, they may be going for "folksy charm." Probably not. But maybe.
2007-01-23 17:21:42 · answer #6 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wow seems that the final public are on your edge. i imagine you've been the single being rude. in case you lend someone an eraser you're taking that possibility of them using it besides as they'd like. You handing the eraser to her change into you telling her it change into alright to apply. She might want to were too embarrassed to say sorry. She gave you her money for something you gave her permission to borrow then you definately pass off at her.
2016-10-17 03:04:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally when I go to a restaurant it is to eat, I do not give a rat's @ss if the menu is misspelled. Unlike you maybe the owners are hard working people, just trying to make a living ! Remove that stick that is shoved up your @ss, and stop annoying people !
2007-01-23 17:28:33 · answer #8 · answered by g_man 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I agree that it sounds like vandalism to me. What about the next customers who want to read the menu but can't read it for your corrections? I doubt that the people who run the restaurant appreciate or even notice what you are doing. Save your energy.
2007-01-23 17:36:57 · answer #9 · answered by drshorty 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You are probably a jerk in real life. If I were you stick to Mc - Whatevers or a menu with nice big colorful pictures so you could point out what you want.
2007-01-23 17:43:20 · answer #10 · answered by caciansf 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Did you ever pause to think that they misspell on purpose? Ask them next time if you are so compelled to correct their menu.
2007-01-23 17:22:51 · answer #11 · answered by happykat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋