After Paolo’s continuous recommendation— and the fact that I was in no mood to cook anything, the roommate and I decided to try out Charlie’s Lunch Box at the plaza for dinner.

Charlie’s is the (almost) new place in town— if you recall, it now sits right next to Campus Pizza, at the location where Jamaican Jerk used to be. It seems like there has been quite a bit of turnover at that site— but nevertheless, Charlie’s is now operating there, with its mighty orange storefront signage.

Charlie’s is a watered-down student-priced Japanese Bento Box—but served in styrofoam— fast food place, and is pretty good for Waterloo standards. The food is nothing special, but it’s something decent to put in the stomach— just like many of the other places at the plaza— except for maybe Shandiz.

We were greeted with extreme courtesy. Whoa. This is different. An Asian establishment that really goes out of their way to be nice. This is weird. This is surprising. This is…. refreshing. Anyways, they greeted us with that intriging Japanese courtesy— with the subtle nod, almost resembling a bow. (Anyways, I think they’re Korean though.) The subtle bow reminded me of Tomo from Konja.

Oh yes. Nod, baby.

Anyways, I’m almost fascinated with their great positive service— it was even better when “Mr. Charlie Sushi” was at the Mr. Sushi. He seemed to have recuited a sidekick— which is just as jolly as he. They have a policy of unlimited rice with a purchase of a Bento Box. You just ask them to refill your box, and they serve you without hesitation and with a smile. A genuine one. Not McDonald’s-like.

Anyways, as I paid for my meal, I recognized that it’s Mr. Sushi ringing up my order. I was like “whoa.” No wonder I haven’t seen him doing his thing at the Sushi joint anymore. I’ve always loved Mr. Sushi (the man and the restaurant). Anyways, he says that this is his plan to diversify his business— and good for him!

Invading the Plaza one location at a time.

I’m digressing again.

I don’t know why Asian establishments, not just restaurants, can’t all be like this. There are a few that are very good and courteous, but generally, they could use a bit of customer service training. I could understand to an extent that people shouldn’t be too picky about the level of service at Asian food establishments, just because of its shear affordability. It’s just like you wouldn’t expect superior service at a local diner. But still, let’s raise the par for Chinese food service, and let the world know how damn good our food is! Because it is!

The same goes for places like Canada Computers. Remember this entry? I hate them with a passion, but they’re so damn cheap. I will draw the line that they are fucking asses, but I will put a higher tolerance when I’m desperate and need some computer gear.

Back to restaurants, does anyone remember the Seinfeld episode, when Elaine was trying to order Chinese at some “Lucky Dragon” place? It was funny. Elaine lives on the street where the delivery boundary lies, but because she lived on the wrong side of the street, the Chinese restaurant owner rudely declined to take her order. Elaine decided to walk across the street so that they would take her order.

Anyways, that story is just almost an accurate stereotype of Asian customer service. And it needs to change. Also, what’s with Asian restaurants and gross washrooms? Ewwww. Oh gawd. It’s just nasty sometimes.

We need a Asian restaurant revolution.