The Bagel incident:
I used go to the same DD everyday and order the same thing. After many attempts to get decent customer service and my order made correct I gave up. Not without a fight though. The order: Large "hot" regular and a plain bagel toasted w/butter (the reason I wrapped the word "hot" in quotes is another gripe, but not for today). Sounds easy right? That's what I thought. Well, this easy order turned into a psychological battle between brats that I would ultimately loose.
I hate cream cheese.in fact, the smell of it makes me want to vomit.
It started with the coffee tasting like crap. From either being burnt or just the sludge left over from the morning rush. Then the bagel starting habitually coming with 1 lb. Of cream cheese smeared with love, or hate. And the price was different, everyday, same order, same screw up. I made a fatal mistake by taking this up politely with the manager inside. Who, by her own omission, loved drama and her ipod. She gave me a little sass and the eye roll. This caused me to grit my teeth and shake my fist as I drove home a lecture on my hatred for the cheese that is cream.
The next go-round I tried the approach of just flat out asking for NO cream cheese. I got 2 lbs. Of it smeared with anger. Then I tried using my most cordial beg;"Plain bagel... Toasted with butter... NO cream cheese... Please... Just butter... No cream cheese please." Still got it. At one point I lied and said I was allergic to it... Still got it. Even if I loved cream cheese, why would I want this much packed between a bagel? Keep in mind, I was switching up the time frame, my vehicle, and my voice. I even tried a fake mustache and glasses. This proved the crux of the matter wasn't personnel.
During this trial period I did learn that the A.M. Coffee is the freshest (between 6-10am). Opposed to the late afternoon blend. Which is usually a 3/4 cup of leftover sludge topped off with a dash of the fresh pot. It all depends on your timing, and a little luck. After the sun goes down you can guarantee the brats have given up all hope to serve you with quality and a smile.
I finally tried the term "as is" when it comes to ordering the bagel. Using this term in the drive-thru got me a raise of the eyebrow response: "As is?" she said. "Yes please." I cordially responded, then eased up to the next window.By omitting the spreadable keywords such as butter or cream cheese I left it in her hands.
The price was different, the coffee, a little bitter (not bad, considering it was 11:30 am), but inside the bag was a beast of a different kind. A plain bagel, uncut, along with a plastic knife and a crumpled up napkin. Huh.
"Wow" I thought, reveling this pitiful victory.
Down the road I reached into the bag for the bagel and grappled something beneath the crumpled napkin;it was two small plastic cups of cream cheese.
I grinned.
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