PIG: Don’t Punish the Newbie

I’ve always liked PIG BBQ Joint. I may not have gone to it often but I always enjoyed the “carnivore-to-go” feel at their little location in Victoria, B.C. So, when I heard they were moving to a new location, expanding their menu and adding booze to options…well, I was a lot of excited.

mmm pulled pork, hold the attitude

I have since been twice. The first time, to very little impression beyond the fact the wing special was amazing (but this isn’t a foodie blog). The second time, with my parents in toe, I was to “get my review” on.

THE ORDER:
The set up of PIG is pretty simple. You order your food. You sit down. They yell at you that your food is ready. And that’s pretty much the routine my parents and I followed. We each ordered the pulled pork sandwich, my dad got a beer and my mom and I tried to order a high-ball to no success (more on that later) but settled on a bottled water. (BOOZE TO WATER! That’s a downsell). We found our seat and had our meal. I’d love to write more about the experience but there really isn’t anything more to it than that. Not a bad thing, just straightforward.

THE SERVICE:
For such a simplistic event, you’d think there would be plenty of opportunity…or some…to add some personality and service to the mix. You’d think.  When you approach the counter, it’s confusing as to what side you are suppose to line up. If there’s a sign, I missed it. Which is equal parts: I missed it, they should put it in a better place.

Once we got to our “cheerful” counter staff, the personality just flowed…like Hoover Dam. First, the food. I’d wanted wings but to my disappointment, they aren’t a regular item on the menu but a special. I get that I can’t have them but the server (after I’d asked if they still had them because I didn’t seem the on the menu), just half-assed pointed at the specials board like I was an idiot and said “it’s a special. Don’t have it.” Pssst, server-guy? This is where you make a suggestion of something else.

Second, the booze. Both my mother and I wanted a high-ball. We were instructed that their high-balls only come on the rocks. Sadly, I’m a wuss and must have some cola mixed in… and I let the server know that. He just looked at me as if to say, “obviously you can’t have one then.” Did I mention they do serve cola by the bottle (which I didn’t know)? Perhaps a solution to my problem rather than a dismissive attitude would have left me happy, not harping.

Overall, I was talked to like I should know how it works at PIG. What if I was a new customer? A tourist? You can’t assume I know how your store operates.

THE CONCLUSION:

Booty Call – If I don’t have anything else better going on, I’ll stop by. No frills, no gimmicks, you’re a great cook. But that’s why you’ll only be as good as a booty call until you show me your sparkling personality…if it’s in there. I’ll see you around. Unless I’m washing my hair.

Service Rating System:

Friend Zone – I just don’t like you in “that way.”
Booty Call – If I don’t have anything else better going on, I’ll stop by.
2nd Date – I’ll give you a second chance.
Going steady – This could be the beginning of something major.