When I wrote yesterday's blog, I had no idea what I was in for tonight, but had I had the slightest inkling I may have given Wednesday more credit!
Thursdays are generally quieter days in the Hippy Chippy, especially the evening shift so here was I, casually walking into work and expecting to get on with a long list of chores I'd made up in my head. It started pretty well to be fair with a steady stream of customers all hankering after Fish and Chips, or Halloumi (Battered this is absolutley delicious and must be tried!) or any other manner of delicacies that we then deep fry in beef dripping.
After an hour or so one of my colleagues utter a phrase that every kitchen staff member hates. "Isn't it quiet tonight" remarked Gem and before I could give a stern rebuke, the first customer came in through the door. Not to worry I thought, we'll be fine tonight and then I saw Mrs G and Bear waiting outside for a quick hello and sausage (Bear wanted both the greedy little blighter!). I was about to finish serving the customer and take my break when another four customers walked through, then another five, and well, you get the picture.
From there it was a constant onslaught of customers, most of them incredibly polite and full of festive cheer. One set of customers had me doing my very best Michael Jackson impression whilst singing Smooth Criminal. I will admit now, it wasn't a pretty sight and you're probably welcome to have missed it. It did however have a couple of customers laughing hysterically, one particularly young customer asked why there were clowns working?!
One thing that does frustrate me are pointless phone calls we get during the day. I don't mind taking orders for people to collect when we're not busy, but who thinks to call a chip shop and order four portions of chips and a bread bun? I mean seriously, we're a chip shop. We have chips. I can understand someone ordering a few fish and chips, or even a large order but we had several of these tonight!
As I mentioned, we do cook all of our food in beef dripping and I am sorry for the people who can't eat any of our food due to their own personal food choices or through religious reasons and sadly I saw the look of disappointment in one customers face as I told him what we fried in.
As the night drew on, there wasn't the slightest letup and we had to close the door at 8:30 when we closed and customers were still trying to get in as we were switching the lights off and getting ready to leave. We're certainly popular in our area, and I'm hoping there will be a few more choice reviews being placed soon!
Tomorrow is the big day though, Fish and Chip Friday and I think I'm ready....I may be a little tired and jaded, but I'll be there and of course, Fish and Chips for Mrs G, Bear and I tomorrow for one last little treat before Christmas. Well, it would be rude not too!