In Strangers' Arms

Professional waiters of Buenos Aires inspire lyrics and research (or, they are “phenomenal”)

Professional waiters of Buenos Aires have been known for never using their pens when taking orders  – and still making no mistakes – even if there are ten patrons at a table, even if each patron modifies the order with “more of this” or “less of that.” This fact even caught the attention of the foreign press.

Several years ago, The New York Times sent reporters, aware of this “memory” feat, to the Café Tortoni with the goal of testing this phenomenon. They placed their orders; the waiter listened. When he vanished, the “researchers” changed seating positions to create confusion. To their surprise the waiter brought the orders and placed them in front of the right customer.  Score: Waiter:1 New York Times: 0.

If you think it is just me and the New York Times who appreciate the waiters of Buenos Aires, this is not the case. Several years ago I attended a tango-rock band show – the Bettinotti-Fernandez  band called “The Tangolpeados.” They wrote and performed a song “El Mozo” (The Waiter) dedicated to the waiters of Buenos Aires. One of the verses: “todo mozo se merece, el respeto nacional” (Each waiter deserves national respect).

Final thought:  When this generation of waiters disappears, can the new generation be like them?

(Copyright (c) 2013 Beatriz Dujovne)

Tags: Places