[nabs-l] food courts and counter restaurants

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi all,
While I don't see anything wrong with requesting help when it is truly
necessary, I do think there are ways to get help that are less
burdensome to fellow customers and staff. For example, at a drink
fountain, we can do the actual cup-filling ourselves; the only thing
we need help with is finding the dispenser we want. If I need to fill
my drink, I will find the fountain myself, get a cup, ask a passer-by
which dispenser the drink I want is coming from, then fill the cup
myself. I think this is much less burdensome on a stranger who is
already by the fountain anyway to read the dispenser for me than it is
for them to get my drink. Same with finding a table; I don't ask
someone to "take me to a seat". Instead I walk up to a table that has
people already at it, ask "Is there room at this table?" or "Is there
an empty table next to you?" Oftentimes the seated customers can give
me verbal directions to an empty table without getting up themselves.
There is a technique for holding a tray with one hand against your
hip. It's a little clunky to learn, but it works. Another strategy is
to order your food "to go" in a paper bag that can be easily carried
in your hand or backpack. You can put silverware in your pocket or
under your plate or on your tray.
If I go to a restaurant where you sit down and then get called up to
get your food, and I am by myself, I will often stand off to the side
so that I can find my table after getting my food. If I am with other
people (blind or sighted) I will sit with them, get up and grab my
food when it is ready, then call out to them to find my table again.
Some blind people are good enough travelers to keep track of where
their table is but I'm not quite good enough to be able to do it
reliably.
Food courts and cafeterias can be a little intimidating but they are
definitely something we can manage independently.
Best,
Arielle

On 8/12/12, Beth <thebluesisloose at gmail.com> wrote:
> Have you checked out Panda Express?  Man, they are so good, and I
> want to say their customer service is excellent, the ones in
> Colorado that is.  They speak English fluently and are really
> happy to help you any time.
> Beth
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
> From: Carly Mihalakis <carlymih at comcast.net
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> Date sent: Sun, 12 Aug 2012 16:02:06 -0700
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] food courts and counter restaurants
>
> Hi, Ashley,
>
> If I know I will be visiting a particular
> restaurant who has their menu Online, I
> definitely read it, selecting what sounds good
> ahead of time. If such a menu is not available I
> just ask the folks behind the counter, or on the floor to read
> it.
> As for the food court, the host personnel who
> seat me, are usually more than happy to help out
> by carrying, even getting the drink. After all,
> that's what there there for right?
> CarHi all, Food courts are crowded noisy places.
> They hand you the food on a tray. But often the
> customer has to get their own drink from a row of
> drink spickits. I am talking about the row of
> them where the cups are at the end and the drinks
> are gotten by pressing something to release the
> liquid. So any tips on them?  How do you deal
> with these drink areas? Does someone help you? I
> suppose you could memorize it if you went there
> before. How do you find an empty table since your
> hands are full with the tray, unless you ask
> someone to carry it for you. Then, how do you
> find the trashcan? Do you explore where the
> trashcans are before you get your food? Do you
> ask someone to read the menu to you while in
> line, or do it beforehand? Some venues have their
> menu online which I use if possible; other times
> they don’t. Next, how do you deal with
> restaurants requiring you to order at the counter
> and pick it up at the counter? A fast food place
> usually gives you the food right there at the
> counter. You do not  sit and wait. So that
> isn’t an issue. If I have to say, wait for
> fries, I do so right at the counter, as anyone
> else would. Restaurants where you do this
> include: Johnny Rockets in some locations deli
> places such as Philadelphia mikes Fudruckers
> Corner Bakery How do you find the counter and
> locate your seat? For me, I’m not good at
> reversing routes, and all tables look the same!
> I’m asking since I may order at such a
> restaurant with a blind friend and could use some
> tips on this. Thanks. Ashley
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