Water

Never before have I been so befuddled by a server’s response to a rather generic question. Could I have a glass of water, please?” I said, “ I’m sorry we don’t serve water here” she replied. Pause. Pause. Pause. Ummmm……..(head weaving in disillusionment)”ok I guess I am fine then”, I finally forced out.

What is remarkable, is the fact that I am speaking of a restaurant in Singapore not Manila. I have spent sleep-less nights, tossing and turning thinking about what would possess a restaurant not to offer regular tap water. I have weighed the pros and cons, thought like a customer and returned back to being a chef. I deliberated the impact it would have on future business and to whether I would return to this particular establishment.

I wondered if economically the restaurant needed the money generated by bottled water to stay afloat. The time, energy and thought I devoted to this single event was consuming me. This is why I have devoted the entirety of my thoughts to this page and to finally cleanse myself of this awful nightmare.

Ok, so I start from the beginning and to clarify, the restaurant in question does serve water, by the bottle only. My particular rant is in lieu of their no tap water policy. In an effort to try and understand as a restaurateur myself, I have put together a few thoughts in defense of this act.

Perhaps the reason they do not serve tap water is because they are afraid of people taking up valuable real estate beside the river and ordering nothing but water. A valid, but, seemingly fruitless thought. I mean how many people pull up a chair ask for a glass of water and parlay the next two hours reading Moby Dick. My guess, not many.

Or perhaps even more relevant is the added stress on the staff, having to pour water for every customer. Again, I see the point but honestly, the time it takes for a waiter or waitress to pour water is irrelevant in the broader context of a meal. This is basic hospitality 101. When you have a guest at your house, at the very least, offer them a glass of water.

Don’t get me wrong, I like bottled water and appreciate the convenience and hygienic standards even more so when trekking across the scorched barren plains of the Gobi Dessert, but when clean, clear refreshing tap water is available, I say pour up.

My most troubling concern though is that I have effectively eliminated this restaurant from all future consideration as a dining destination. I like the setting, I like the food but I just cannot get over them telling me that I could not have tap water. As a restaurateur and chef I cannot impress enough the value of the little details that make a difference. The tiny decisions we make can affect a restaurants success greatly. I wish this particular establishment the best of luck, but as for me I think I will look elsewhere when all I want is a glass of water.