The old joke goes: How do you know if someone is vegan? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you. It’s in that same, somewhat caustic spirit that one Indiana server makes a nuanced sociological observation.
Clearly, she takes it to TikTok, the modern era’s answer to a peer-reviewed journal. Considering Kalinaisabella (@kalinaisabella) has had over 82,000 views of her video, apparently everyone’s done a little field research of their own.
Help, There’s Nothing On The Menu For Me
Behind in-video text that reads, “Server tips: How to tell when someone is using their dietary restrictions for attention.” Kalinaisabella says she’s got proof of her allegations.
Of course, it goes without saying that not every vegan, vegetarian, or plain old picky eater falls into this category.
Now, Kalinaisabella starts her story table-side. She says, “Hey, how’s everybody doing?” and then asks if anyone has any questions about the menu.
“Someone raises their hand,” she says.
“It’s usually a girl. Don’t know why,” she says with exaggeration before starting to mimic her allegedly attention-seeking guest.
In a voice buzzing with vocal fry, Kalinaisabella says, “‘Um, hi. Yes, I’m a vegetarian, and it doesn’t look like you have any vegetarian options. So I was wondering if the chef could maybe make me something special.”
This is the point in the conversation, Kalinaisabella says, where “you look at them and go, ‘Actually we have a number of vegetarian options.'”
“The moment you say that,” continues the server, as her entire body deflates and her hopeful smile morphs into a pouty frown, “They get so upset.”
“What?” she quotes them as saying. Then comes the mumbled question, “There’s options on the menu…vegetarian ones?”
Finally, the reveal. Still in the vegetarian guest’s voice, “But, like, I don’t like beets. I just want… like, macaroni and cheese.”
Comments Section Is Full Of Picky Eater Stories
Sometimes it seems like server life is nothing but contradictions. There’s the lady who can’t eat “leafy greens” but gobbles down pesto. There are those who confuse allergen and dislike. And then there are folks whose allergies come and go as quickly as the daily specials change.
“Customer claimed to be allergic to tomatoes, so he wanted no tomato on his burger. easy enough. then it comes out and he asks for ketchup for his fries…huh??” offered Emma (@emma1prince).
Abby Schlad (@abbyschladweiler) remembered one customer. She recalled, “‘Is there gluten in your beer cheese sauce?’ ‘Yes maam there is beer in our beer cheese sauce so it is not gluten free’ ‘oh okay bummer. Can I get a draft Coors light and a few more minutes to look at the menu for a gluten free option?’ bffr.”
Tyler (@x.tb.0408) says that some even find fault with free stuff. “Table grabbed my manager and yapped for at least 10 minutes over us not having gluten free bread 🙁 the bread is complimentary,” the TikToker shared.
How Should You Bring Up Your Dietary Restrictions?
If you have a dietary restriction—medical or lifestyle—how do you ask for special treatment from the kitchen without coming off like an entitled brat? The first thing? Plan ahead: If you’ve got a reservation, even a phone call that day can help the kitchen be prepared. But honestly, that’s not always possible. When it’s not, be reasonable, be polite, read the menu, and consider the restaurant’s strengths and style.
Finally, if you have a very restrictive diet (like, say, you’re a vegan with cancer), pack a snack. Even if that’s just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in your bag. Chances are, though, that a deliberate eater and a restaurant will be able to find a compromise. This is because more and more people have restrictions. Corner Booth Blog reports that “currently, 10% of Americans consider themselves to be vegetarian, vegan, or vegetarian-inclined, and 7% of Americans have food allergies.”
The upshot? Plan ahead, be adaptable, and for the love of fiber, eat your beets.
BroBible reached out to Kalinaisabella via email and TikTok direct message. We will update this if she gets back to us.
@kalinaisabella Some people use dietary restrictions to get special treatment #serverlife #bartenderlife #restaurantlife #comedy #server