[Blindtlk] Handling a big buffet

[Hyde, David W. (ESC)]

First, there are no dumb questions. Secondly, given a choice, I don't do buffets. Not given a choice, it depends upon the situation. Preferably, I ask someone for help. If it is at a conference, particularly for parents of blind children, I do as much as I can of it for myself. If I need to locate the utensil, I work around the outside of the container to find the handle. I will generally take too little on to the plate, rather than too much. I can always come back. I ask what is in the container. I find tongs a bother since there does not seem to be enough tactility to tell what is being grasped in them, and sometimes how much is in them. I find building a salad to be the most difficult.

I always make a second trip for the beverage, since I have the plate in one hand, and the utensils and napkin in my pocket. Again, I may ask someone to grab me a deink when they go to get one. The absolutely worst buffets are those where you build your own sandwich. Those I always ask for help.

The bottom line, If you need help, or if it will make you feel more confident about what you're doing, get it. There are very few situations where you need to use a buffet to send a message.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom Cramer
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 11:46 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: [Blindtlk] Handling a big buffet

Hello,

 

I hope this isn't a dumb question.

I'd like to know from other blind people, especially those who are totally blind, how they handle big buffet type of restaurants when they're not with sighted people.  I'd like to be able to go to a couple of places that are close to where I live but don't really know how to best handle them.

How much do you do independently and how much do you ask of the wait staff?
How do I best know what's on the buffet line and how do I best get it on my plate without slowing others down?  Is it easier for the wait staff to get my food and carry it for me or is that something I need to do as well?

This place has wonderful food and I'd like to go this weekend but haven't done it without sighted family who isn't around right now.

 

All tips are appreciated.  

Thanks.

Tom

 

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