While we sit back, relax and enjoy the slow-passing time at a restaurant table, slowly devouring a savory appetizer, impatiently dreaming of the meal we’re about to be served fresh straight from the kitchen, things can go wrong on the other side of the curtain. Although we’d like to think we are 100 percent sure of the restaurant’s quality, freshness, and hygiene—after all, it’s buzzing with people and you couldn’t trick them, right?—this is not always the case.
In fact, the restaurant industry and especially the very core of it—the holy kitchen—is notorious for keeping its secrets tight shut. The good and the bad ones. From reheated shrimp cocktail to restaurant staff having nicknames for regular customers, to a chef that cooks expensive meals 11 hours a day only to have dino nuggies at home.
Thanks to the subreddit “Kitchen Confidential,” there are a lot of stories to discover about the daily bread and butter of food industry professionals, so we selected the most interesting ones below. Scroll down and after you’re done, be sure to check out more kitchen confidential posts right here!
This post may include affiliate links.
Heard
So Many Orders, So Few Tips
Seems Accurate
There are many reasons why people love eating out. We like the fun of it, the change of place and atmosphere, the opportunity to see people and meet friends, to dress up and relax, forget about things back home or at work, treat ourselves, or simply save time. All are solid reasons just showing how much we all waited for the restaurants, eateries and cafes to open again after the worldwide lockdowns.
Having said that, we can't ignore the obvious—it’s getting pretty darn expensive to eat out. Restaurant prices have increased by 5.8% since the beginning of 2021, which is the highest 12-month increase since 1982. This is because groceries got more expensive this year, with the overall cost rising by 6.4%, which is the largest 12-month jump since 2008. The numbers are mind-blowing. Just think of it—the cost of beef has risen most, with a 20.9% jump. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that consumer price inflation for goods across the board has risen by 6.8%.
One Of My Employees Keeps This So Clean, He Did This After A 26k Saturday Night. Show My Guy Darian Some Love He Deserves It And Doesn’t Get Enough
I Don't Want That Ham If It's Been Processed, I'm Trying To Eat Healthier
Good Work, Tyler!
What does that mean to us? Well, eating nice and well is getting very costly. This applies to both restaurant meals and home dinners, and even breakfast plates. Especially if we’re talking about nutritious and well-balanced diets. It’s no secret that many people are convinced, probably more than ever, that eating cheap and healthy is impossible, and that healthy foods cost an arm and a leg.
To find out how true that is, Bored Panda spoke with Charlie Middleton, a lecturer in Nursing at the University of Dundee. Charlie has a broad area of interests including health inequalities, nutrition, and the early years of life.“One example is how certain foods are marketed as so-called 'superfoods' ( i.e. avocado) and are given higher price tags, but many very nutritious foods are actually very cheap,” she told us. “Another is the way researchers have measured the cost of food... Consider two bars of chocolate, one regular and one with less fat. If we use a price-per-calorie measurement, the lower-fat chocolate bar seems more expensive because it contains fewer calories.”
I’m With The Boomers On This
Agreed. We took my elderly mom to a sandwich shop last week- I asked for a printed menu and the cashier said they don't have a printed copy and pointed to QR code on the sign. We had to read the menu to my mom.
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How to lose customers in one easy step. Sounds like they are too lazy or cheap to print menus
I guess it means they can change items or more likely prices, and not have to waste the menus they printed.
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Not just old people. I've needed corrective lenses since I was six. Has gotten worse since hitting 50, though. Especially with small print (such as a restaurant menu on my phone screen).
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Yeah, 100%. When I go on vacation my phone isn’t touched. Hated carrying it around to view all of the menus.
In the days of Covid I prefer using a qr-code instead of a menu that went through many hands . You never know when it was the last time they cleaned the card. You can pay directly as well (here on the Netherlands at least) so that is another plus for introverts like me.
In theory, I like the environmentally and hygienically friendly option which also takes less time for everyone. However, a phone is a horrible format for reading a menu, particularly if it's a slower or smaller model.
Totally agree! I'm also very tired of having my data mined all the freaking time. I also like to leave my phone in the car, or completely turn it off when I'm at dinner with people. If the only way to read a menu is to scan something then I just go to a different restaurant.
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I'm 31 and only just got a smartphone- and that was only because someone gave me a secondhand so I could check into places during covid because so many places wouldn't have a hard copy!
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In 5 yrs menus will be obsolete! Get with it or stay the f**k home and cook!! Stop whining!!
Riiight. This totally isn't an annoying trend that the US government has now warned, don't use any QR codes from the recent SuperBowl - oh, and probably most of them because it installs malicious software. Now tell me TikTok will still be big in 5 years.
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Our local Starbucks during the pandemic only let customers in if they scanned the QR code. My parents, in their 80s went there at least 3 times every week before Covid. Neither of them has a smart phone, one doesn’t even have a mobile (he’s not allowed one and no, I’m not going to explain why). Wouldn’t let them in even when they asked if they could write their details down. Not been back since. Doubt Starbucks will miss 2 pensioners.
I had problems with places not having a hard copy to check in, but those were usually so slack they didn't have anyone on the door so you could just walk in!
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That would be where I got up and left to eat at a place that can afford menus
I hate the QR codes but I also have a deep hatred of cell phones so I don't know if it is me hating QR codes, or the fact that I hate having a phone. Normally I don't even have it on me. I only got one cause my husband kept begging me and I only use it to assure him I am alive and to wake me up in the morning.
Yup. If I walk into a place and they don't have menus n I have to go on my phone to view it... I'm walking out. I like to go out to restaurants to spend time with my friends and family.. I like to put my phone away! I don't want to them HAVE to use it. I want us all to socialize and be present. Is it really that hard to print a menu? Or at the very least post it on the wall?
If you don't provide a menu I can persue, then I'll find a restaurant that does
I think that's peruse, Steve, because persue would mean you had to chase after it. (But I do agree with you, I would go elsewhere.)
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Pros: It's easier for the restaurant to keep it up to date. It's cheap. They can have color photos of every dish. Cons: A cell phone screen is too small to see much of the menu at one view.
I don't know how clean a menu is or who touched/fondled it before me. I like scanning QR codes.
During covid we were not allowed menu’s as they couldn’t be disinfected. I actually didn’t mind.
Just give me a menu. It doesn't have to be fancy just in my physical presence. I'm already hungry, this is just too much. Give me a damn menu.
Like really, if you don't have a phone like some costumers of casual restaurants do you are stuck.
You insist on doing this then give me free WiFi, not be in a 5G blackspot.
If the online menu is well-designed, then I'm OK with it (yeah, that's rare, but it does happen). And I'd much prefer that to the tattered, sticky menu that someone forgot to clean and has weird-ass stains all over. Now, the QR code on the bill? I hope they NEVER get rid of that.
My mama always says to the waiter “I need a paper menu, I don’t have one of those fancy phones.” 🤣🤣
It's when it's the ONLY option that sucks. My phone doesn't even scan QR code XD
My 60+ year old parents mastered this before I did. From an industry standpoint it makes great sense, but for the customer it can be a hassle
I find this an interesting option. At the places where I often dine - I pretty much know the menu by heart, so I will order my usual meal. In other eateries, I don't mind scanning the code and perusing the menu on line. Perhaps restaurant owners/managers feel it's a hygiene issue - many people handle menus all the time. There could also be other reasons we're not aware of.
It took off here when restaurants opened after the first lockdown
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I'm all for tech. But FFS if your site is made by some pothead while baked and crashes all the time, leave the physical menu alone.
As a boomer I must say, I had no trouble scanning...but I so did not want to be bothered.
It was fun the first couple times. Now equivalent to self-check at grocery.
Ok, Boomer here. So, imagine my consternation when I was asked to scan the QR code at the local medical facility!!?? I don't know what a QR code is. I don't know how to scan with my phone. I just wanted to see my doctor.
More of the entitled attitude of "YOU should accommodate our laziness that we call being technologically relevant and if not, YOU'RE old; out-of-date; infringing on our freedoms; etc." AND pay us for doing extra work to give us your money.
I don't own a cell phone and have no idea what a QR code is. Guess I'm SOL.
I always ask for a regular menu, they have them because they are required to.
I do not have a smart phone. I have a flip phone and I never know where it is. I do not want people calling me 24/7. If I go somewhere I always go with friends who do have smart phones. If I go to a restaurant I want a printed menu. Several restaurants around here tried to go "scanning" and within a month they were providing printed menus because NO ONE wanted to scan the menu.
And if a person who happens to have poor eyesight guess they starve, they are supposed to have ramps to get into your place but if you can't see a menu how do you get my patronage?
i like online menus.. but so often they rnt updated or the QR doesnt work... its sad
I love my sweet babboo dearly, but she tends to hog the beer list.... QR codes allow us all to have a beer list. I'm a fan...
Nice idea except for those like me who can't scan QR codes so I'm SOL
So you got charging stations at this place and does our placemat and napkin have to be scanned in. No Substitutions?!? I don't want eggs with my sausage. I wanted sausage with the veggies but no okra or kale. And Japanese vinegar instead of ranch. You can find all those on pages 4,5 & 7. Scan it.
This happened to me a while ago: menu is QR code only. It doesn’t have the option to order tea as in, no tea on the menu. My friends order beer etc from the menu. Waiter comes to deliver the beers. Me: can I order a cup of tea? Waiter: yeah, sure. I’ll bring it to you. Brings a cup of tea. This doesn’t make sense right?
Not As Good As Some I've Seen, But It's Mine And I'm Proud
I Don't Disagree With This
However, the studies comparing prices per unit weight of food from the same food group reveal interesting results. “They show how healthy options are often cheaper—for example, if we think about a source of protein; 200 g of chickpeas versus 200 g of chicken breast. Chickpeas are often priced cheaper than a chicken breast.”
When asked what cheap and nutritious products we should all add to our grocery shopping bag, Charlie said that there are many things. “In general, plant-based products cost less than meat or fish, but tinned products can be cheap and nutritious options if these are a part of your diet. Vegetables in season are often cheaper than others. At this time of the year in the UK, root vegetables are very cheap and affordable. Dried red lentils (for example) are store cupboard ingredients that cost pence and can be kept for years. Frozen vegetables also keep for long periods and remain nutritious.”
I’m On My Last Few Days At The Industrial Bakery I Manage. Our 160qt Mixer, Pete, Broke Down So We Won’t Be Able To Use It. I Did The One Thing I’ve Been Dying To Do For Years Since He Arrived
Found On The Facebook
Just A Friendly Reminder That It's Ok To Quit Your Job
Some skeptics claim that cheap and healthy meals take ages to prepare and that’s their biggest disadvantage. But Charlie argues the opposite. “Lots of cheap and healthy foods can be cooked in minutes. Tinned tomatoes make a great base for a pasta sauce and cost a lot less than processed sauce. Add seasonal vegetables and legumes to increase the nutrition. Batch cooking for the week ahead, and freezing portions also saves time,” she concluded.
Flipping Burgers
Tried it once, now have constant anxiety when I hear the sound of cutlery lol
I Feel This
They’re Not Wrong
When I'm drunk, someones in trouble, because I'm 13.
Makes Me Sick
Jojo Pdx
She's Been With Me Ten Years, Through Four Head Chefs. Today, She Clicked Her Last Clack
Line Cooks - This Is Probably Old But It’s New To Me. A Friend Just Sent This My Way
Who Else ?
The Exact Moment I Realized This Is My Kitchen And My Menu! After Years Of Being Told To, I Pulled The Trigger And Dived All In
This One Stung A Little
Please Tell Us In Your Own Words
I Have Gone From Being Drunk In Kitchens, To Recovering Through Them. It’s Been A Wild Journey But I’m Extremely Proud Of Myself. To Anyone Struggling With Addiction, Just Know There Is Hope
Not an easy feat, especially working in the restaurant industry, I applaud your tenacity! I hope you are as healthy & happy as can be.
Strip Club Food Gets Hate But I Took Pride In Everything I Would Do. I Made The Brioche Bread, No Frozen Patties Either. Everything Was Fresh
Story Of The Year.. Every Year
Soup Du Jour
From Dishie, To “Prep B**ch” And Now I’m Officially On The Line! Can I Get A Heard For The New Promotion?
Saw This
Important Notice From My Friends Restaurant
Cook Expensive Meals For 10-11 Hours A Day, Come Home And Eat Dino Nuggies
20 Minutes Past Morning Arrival. Only Cook In The Building. Same 3 Have Called Out The Entire Week. Still Gonna Make Killer Food
I've Had This Saved For Over A Year. Finally A Sub That Will Appreciate It
Accurate
Head Chef Cutting Bread On The Same Spot. Finally Getting Through The Board
May This Person Find Their Special Pickle
I Need Cut Gloves Made Of Tomato Skin
Day 1 Of Our New Dishie, Bless His Innocent Soul
Our Sous Just Walked In
Does My Supplier Hate Me? We Ordered 150 Lbs Of Halibut For The Weekend, We Got One 152lb. Fish. I Wanted A Few Collars Man!
Talk About A Trial By Fire
Taco Bell™ Manager: Serve Spoiled Food Or Be Fired
A Local Bar In A Small Beach Tourist Town I Live At Made Merch Out Of Some Bad Reviews
I Want To Know, Who Was That Client And What Their Nickname?
Found out they call us The Really Nice Couple. I knew growing up was a mistake.
The Drain At My Job Has Been Clogged For A Week And We've Been Using The Bars Tiny Sink Plus Filling The Sink With Water And Then Emptying It To The Toilet With Buckets,for Full Freaking Week
How hard is it to unclog a sink, I'd have done it myself rather than carry all those buckets of water, would have been quicker!
Found On Instagram. I Love This Note Though And Thought You All Would Appreciate
No customer should have to make up the difference on how stingy a sh*tty employer is! That's blackmail! BREAK THE CYCLE!
You Know When The Burger Will Be Way Too Expensive
$16/Hr
Was Handed This Allergy List By A Customer. Things Went Downhill From There
Nfckff
Note: this post originally had 111 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
If work environments would be less toxic people wouldn't flee their job to search for a better one. It is all a matter of how people are treated and paid. But unfortunately hire and fire plus exploitation is still the essence of capitalism in the US. And politicians won't change that as they get bribery from companies to keep the status quo.
Just knowing humans like that exist is frustrating. How we treat people matters and if it weren't for the horrible people in this world. The rest of us would be existing and thriving just fine.
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Was Concierge at a Country House Hotel, did one shift to cover for a sick KP, I’m not anywhere near being suitable for that job, I doff my cap to ‘em, I’m way too much of a lightweight! When I got tips from VIPs I always looked after the brigade, they could wreck a stay with one mistake, they regularly went above and beyond the call of duty. Tip your server and chip in an extra bit for the team who made it possible.
The DIRT. All I can see in these photos is disgustingly poor standards of hygiene in the kitchen, everywhere. I struggle to eat out because all I can think about is what is happening behind the scenes.
My fave is the Forensic Files where the guy was suspected of murder, wouldn't give a DNA sample and was cagey about leaving cigarette butts. Finally a cop followed him to a restaurant and grabbed a fork he'd eaten with. Now here's the kicker. They found his DNA and the DNA of the woman who USED THE FORK BEFORE HIM.
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Thanks for your information Please visit us at : https://uhamka.ac.id/
If work environments would be less toxic people wouldn't flee their job to search for a better one. It is all a matter of how people are treated and paid. But unfortunately hire and fire plus exploitation is still the essence of capitalism in the US. And politicians won't change that as they get bribery from companies to keep the status quo.
Just knowing humans like that exist is frustrating. How we treat people matters and if it weren't for the horrible people in this world. The rest of us would be existing and thriving just fine.
Load More Replies... Was Concierge at a Country House Hotel, did one shift to cover for a sick KP, I’m not anywhere near being suitable for that job, I doff my cap to ‘em, I’m way too much of a lightweight! When I got tips from VIPs I always looked after the brigade, they could wreck a stay with one mistake, they regularly went above and beyond the call of duty. Tip your server and chip in an extra bit for the team who made it possible.
The DIRT. All I can see in these photos is disgustingly poor standards of hygiene in the kitchen, everywhere. I struggle to eat out because all I can think about is what is happening behind the scenes.
My fave is the Forensic Files where the guy was suspected of murder, wouldn't give a DNA sample and was cagey about leaving cigarette butts. Finally a cop followed him to a restaurant and grabbed a fork he'd eaten with. Now here's the kicker. They found his DNA and the DNA of the woman who USED THE FORK BEFORE HIM.
Load More Replies... Thanks for your information Please visit us at : https://uhamka.ac.id/
