Discover the humorous truth about complimentary food and the ultimate test of self-control at hotel and conference buffets. Learn why “on the house” often comes at a hidden cost.
Recent Chennai trip taught me something profound. Complimentary has a huge cost.
Hotel buffets don’t test your appetite. They test your self-control.
I realised this when the restaurant manager walked up to my table, leaned closer and whispered,
“Sir… enjoying your breakfast?”
He wasn’t enquiring. He was informing. With sarcasm.
I looked at my plate.
It looked like the United Nations had assembled for breakfast.
Pasta. Sushi. Idli. Sausages. They had all put their geopolitical differences aside.
Diet plans don’t fail at buffets. They politely excuse themselves.
Made a mental note: Will skip lunch buffet at the conference
But at conferences, not standing around the buffet with an 8 kg plate is almost considered unprofessional. That’s also the real networking time.
I considered it my dharma to check out Chettinad delicacies. But felt that the biryanis would take offence if I didn’t try all.
People don’t eat at buffets. They review complimentary food. Reviewers must sample everything
I resolved not to enter the lounge at the airport but found no usual queues. Occupied one recliner, but it was near the buffet. Tried for a nap but all chatter around me was people hustling for live stations. Some people discovered the salad only after dessert.
Everyone was honouring the inclusions. I did with aloo paranthas, purely for research.
My flight back home was Air India, if you know what I mean.
OTR Footnotes:
My mother used to say: “Never waste food”; my wife says, “Your stomach isn’t a dustbin.” Dilemma.
Research on Aloo Parathas will continue across regions
Nutritionists lose jurisdiction at buffets
Last Sip:
There should be loyalty points for finding the TV remote.