Genius Restaurant Promises Cheaper Food to People Who Hand Over Their Cellphones
Genius Restaurant Promises Cheaper Food to People Who Hand Over Their Cellphones
There's a restaurant in Los Angeles
that's into this thing called "talking to the person you came to dinner
with" and it's really mind-blowing. The vanguard eatery called Eva is
run by owner and innovator Mark Gold and they're offering patrons a 5 percent discount to check their cellphones at the door. That's right, it means no texting, no face-timing,
no Instagramming your alleged "food porn" during dinner. Instead of
engaging with your Twitter followers, you are subsequently forced to
engage with your dinner date. Shocking, I know.
Gold says it's not because people who talk on the phone during dinner are annoying, he explains that he just wants people to talk more to each other, and less to the mystery person on the other end of the phone. I'm not sure if I believe Gold when he says that the option to check your cell isn't in response to some obnoxious chatters who can't put their iPhones down, but I agree with the idea nonetheless.
According to Gold, about half of those asked to hand over their beloved phones do, and willingly. Patrons who participate are generally grateful for the opportunity to take a break from the little rectangular device that's with them morning, noon, and night.
I am so on board with this cellphone-checking idea, it's not even funny. I hate when I'm out with a big group, say there's eight of us, and I look around and there are 10 phones on the table. You know, because some have a personal and a work device. I get that you want to stay connected, whatever that means, but hello, I'm here, we're all here, let's connect with each other, nahmean? And don't get me started about how everyone's always taking pictures of their food. Gag me with an Instragammed spoon. We get it. Your steak is "beautiful." Bite me.
Next time I'm in L.A., I'm heading to Eva and I'm checking my phone, and my attitude, at the door.
What do you think of this policy?
I saw a similar idea of everyone putting their phones in a basket by the door when going to a friends house for a party/gathering.
Be with the people you're with!!!
We do this to my friend Peter! Its like really you drove all the way from Palm springs to see us and your texting? Or FB or good knows what!
Quoting jaytee:
I think it's a fantastic idea!
I saw a similar idea of everyone putting their phones in a basket by the door when going to a friends house for a party/gathering.
Be with the people you're with!!!
I like it. I am married to one of those people and it drives me nuts!
Many a time I've missed the days when there were no cell phones. And no call waiting or answering machines. How many of us have actually heard a *busy signal* in the past few years? The only reason I might not check my cell at the door is if I have a babysitter at home and I wouldn't want to be unavailable in that case. Or if a loved one is close to dying. Just general conversation on a phone with someone while having dinner? How rude!
And on that note, does it bother you when you're standing at a sales desk and the clerk stops to answer the phone, ignoring you standing right in front of them??? I've seen it get really bad.
"Hello, thank you for calling Overpriced...can I help you? (should be MAY I help you...lol). You're looking for a red pullover top? What size, m'am? No, we don't carry that size red pullover tops in this department. What's that? Oh, well exactly what kind of pullover top are you looking for? Do you want one with buttons or a zipper? Neither? Well, you'll need to speak with Ms. Smith ... let me get her for you... :::::::<intercom> Ms. Smith, line 4 please...Ms. Smith, line 4. ::::wait, wait, wait:::: Brrrring! Ms. Smith, I have a customer here who's looking for a red pullover top....no, I'm not sure exactly what shade of red... <put hand over receiver> M'am, is there a certain red you're looking for? Oh, sure, I'll wait while you look around - "Ms. Smith? Hold on. She's looking for something in the shade of red she wants....uh-huh, either cranberry or ruby---oh, the party? Yeah, we really had a great time. Did you hear what Henry did? OMG, you've GOT to hear this one!.....
Ad nauseum.
Does this happen to you? I've been known to actually interrupt the clerk to say, "Hey, listen, I'M the one standing here....whoever that is on the phone can come on over and stand here right behind me. Now, do you mind helping me honey? I really need to get to my anger management class where they're helping me not commit murder when I don't get proper service. What's that you say? Oh, don't worry...I just barely broke the last clerk's nose who treated me like I didn't exist..."
Mile High Banana Split Pie
- Cafe Beth
on Aug. 17, 2012 at 12:21 PM