[Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Mon Apr 1 14:57:55 UTC 2013

First, like many of us, I hate buffets. I do not use a dog these days, but have, many years ago. If there is not staff behind the line, I ask the person in front of me. I may ask them to serve to the plate, rather than have me look for tongs (they are always in the food or at the wrong end of the pan) or spoon. The multiple trip thing is a good technique. With trays, I do it like a plate, told it over the top, and press the near edge into me. I still make a second trop for liquids even though I know that they can be managed. 

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of justin williams
Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 9:55 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

How do you golks no what is on the buffett?  I can imagine doing that on my
own, but I have never done it.   What techniques would you use?  I know
there is a way, but I tend to avoid buffets or let friends get the plate for me.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 10:51 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Kelby,

I've found that if I have a choice I prefer to go through a buffet on the side that puts my guide dog furthest from the buffet.  I'm not worried about him being inappropriate, sniffing or snatching food, but if he is in between

me and the food, it means that I have to reach over and it's awkward.   He 
always positions himself parallel to the buffet, so as I'm facing the buffet he's at a 90 degree angle to me, standing behind me.  When I'm ready to move I turn to line up correctly with the direction of travel, tell him to "step up" which is something I taught him which means that he should proceed only a step or two.

At buffets with regular plates I have filled and carried them myself.   Put 
small items like napkins, utensils and straws in a pocket if you can, it saves valuable hand real estate!  I make multiple trips to get a drink, soup, dessert etc., rather than trying to make one mega trip.

The only place I've encountered the tray type of buffet was on a college cafeteria last summer when I was attending a leadership training thing.  I found it best for me to ask for assistance in that situation to carry my tray.  There were lots of little islands, some self service, some with staff behind the counter who would take your order.  I think if I were a regular college student I would have figured out what was what and been able to do more myself, but for the three days I was there it worked out fine.

Oh, almost all of the time I find a sighted person to let me know what the food choices are, but generally I fill my own plate.  Working my guide dog with food in my other hand hasn't been a problem.  Of course I can't use hand signals so I have to be mindful to be clear with verbal directions.  He knows both, but responds a bit better with hand signals.  Still it hasn't been a problem.  As much as is possible I try to keep my plate held in front of my body, not off to the side, because the guide dog isn't going to factor in the additional width.  Of course a dog can be taught to account for something  additional on your right side, like a large bag or a baby stroller you are pulling, but this requires training and practice.

Anyhow that's how I manage.  I hope others will share some ideas.  Buffets are not one of my favorite things.  Some more ideas would be great!
Julie

-----Original Message-----
From: Kelby Carlson
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 7:26 AM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

(This may have already been sent; e-mail is glitching.)

I wish I could come to Maryland, as I'd love to know how y'all do buffet lines.  (Especially when their are trays and guide dogs
involved.)

Kelby S.  Carlson

Vanderbilt University

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