I keep having these odd conversations with people behind counters in stores. The other day, I took my mother to an oral surgeon for an extraction. I don't know why but this woman has now had 47 teeth taken out. Don't tell me human beings don't have that many. I've been keeping count.
Anyway, I had to kill 45 minutes and as I hadn't eaten, I walked a few blocks to where I knew of three sandwich shops, all selling subs and all next to one another. One is actually a Subway. The other two are smaller proprietorships which may or may not have other outlets but certainly don't have many. I went into the first one, which was not a Subway, and scanned the menu, taking note of a meatball sandwich which was described as containing meatballs, marinara sauce, mozzarella and green peppers, all served up on a french roll. I told him I'd like one of them but without the green peppers. I do not like green peppers and what's worse is that they do not like me.
The counterman huddled with his sandwich-maker and then informed me…
HIM: The chef says he will not make it without the green peppers.
ME: Are these sandwiches pre-made? Can't he leave the peppers off?
HIM: No, they are all made to order. He says he will not make the sandwich without the peppers. They are necessary for the full taste. You could just pick the peppers off.
ME: I don't want to pick the peppers off. I want a sandwich without the peppers in the first place. And why wouldn't he give me that if he realizes that I can just pick the peppers off?
HIM: He has pride in his work. He is a very good chef. He wants to serve you the best sandwich possible. What you do with it is your business. So do you still want a meatball sandwich?
ME: Yes but I think I'd like it from the place next door. Thanks.
I went to the adjacent sandwich shop (which was also not a Subway) and asked if they put peppers on their meatball sandwich. The man behind the counter there said, "I see you've been next door."