|
Stranger at the Dinner table
Funniest / Strangest thing that's happened in ages, you couldn't make this stuff up.
On Saturday night I met up with an old friend in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, where I first lived when emigrating in 1993. Anyway, we went to one of my favourite Indian Restaurants in the area for dinner and ordered a mixed platter for starters. Just as the waitress brought the platter to our table, a very scruffy, rough looking young girl ( I would say about 17 or 18 ) walked up to our table and sat down. Without even saying hello, she started helping herself to everything and using only her fingers, she ate everything on the plate. We had finished off a few pints by this stage and were in a jolly mood and quite amused by what we were seeing. We tried to ask her who she was, what her name was, where she was from - I think we were very nice to her actually considering what she was doing. In a short period of about 3 minutes, she ate 2 large Samosas, 2 Chicken Tandoori pieces, 2 lamb kebabs and 2 lamb cutlets, a whole dish of mango chutney, Raita and even the shredded lettuce and orange slice that everyone leaves. Without even saying thanks or answering any of our questions she just stood up and left. I am not sure what her situation was, but I hope she enjoyed the free feed and doesn't end up in any serious trouble anytime soon. Of course the restaurant were not amused and wouldn't give us a discount off the bill. Good curry though, and excellent Naan. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Haha, excellent. Little bugger, I hope she really needed it. Very nice of you to not cause a fuss.
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by spuddyo
(Post 10964526)
Funniest / Strangest thing that's happened in ages, you couldn't make this stuff up.
On Saturday night I met up with an old friend in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, where I first lived when emigrating in 1993. Anyway, we went to one of my favourite Indian Restaurants in the area for dinner and ordered a mixed platter for starters. Just as the waitress brought the platter to our table, a very scruffy, rough looking young girl ( I would say about 17 or 18 ) walked up to our table and sat down. Without even saying hello, she started helping herself to everything and using only her fingers, she ate everything on the plate. We had finished off a few pints by this stage and were in a jolly mood and quite amused by what we were seeing. We tried to ask her who she was, what her name was, where she was from - I think we were very nice to her actually considering what she was doing. In a short period of about 3 minutes, she ate 2 large Samosas, 2 Chicken Tandoori pieces, 2 lamb kebabs and 2 lamb cutlets, a whole dish of mango chutney, Raita and even the shredded lettuce and orange slice that everyone leaves. Without even saying thanks or answering any of our questions she just stood up and left. I am not sure what her situation was, but I hope she enjoyed the free feed and doesn't end up in any serious trouble anytime soon. Of course the restaurant were not amused and wouldn't give us a discount off the bill. Good curry though, and excellent Naan. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
I've walked past a table before and pinched a chip of someone's plate but ......
Good on you for not saying anything. She was obviously hungry :thumbsup: |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
I've heard that happening in the al-fresco restaurants in Northbridge, drunks walking past and lifting steaks of people's plates.
I once came across an old schoolfriend living rough on the streets of London, I took him for a slap up meal and when he reached into his jacket pocket to pull out a hankie a massive wad of 20 and 50 pound notes fell out - he had more cash than I did! |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Hebe
(Post 10964587)
I've walked past a table before and pinched a chip of someone's plate but ......
Good on you for not saying anything. She was obviously hungry :thumbsup: |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Cheetah7
(Post 10964595)
Very hungry and very desperate :(,
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by spuddyo
(Post 10964526)
Funniest / Strangest thing that's happened in ages, you couldn't make this stuff up.
On Saturday night I met up with an old friend in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, where I first lived when emigrating in 1993. Anyway, we went to one of my favourite Indian Restaurants in the area for dinner and ordered a mixed platter for starters. Just as the waitress brought the platter to our table, a very scruffy, rough looking young girl ( I would say about 17 or 18 ) walked up to our table and sat down. Without even saying hello, she started helping herself to everything and using only her fingers, she ate everything on the plate. We had finished off a few pints by this stage and were in a jolly mood and quite amused by what we were seeing. We tried to ask her who she was, what her name was, where she was from - I think we were very nice to her actually considering what she was doing. In a short period of about 3 minutes, she ate 2 large Samosas, 2 Chicken Tandoori pieces, 2 lamb kebabs and 2 lamb cutlets, a whole dish of mango chutney, Raita and even the shredded lettuce and orange slice that everyone leaves. Without even saying thanks or answering any of our questions she just stood up and left. I am not sure what her situation was, but I hope she enjoyed the free feed and doesn't end up in any serious trouble anytime soon. Of course the restaurant were not amused and wouldn't give us a discount off the bill. Good curry though, and excellent Naan. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
She might have been on drugs?
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Which restaurant was it ? Always looking for a good curry, best so far is in Balmain opp London hotel.
And well done for sharing. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by sonlymewalter
(Post 10964633)
She might have been on drugs?
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Hebe
(Post 10964730)
And?
A drug addict. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by sonlymewalter
(Post 10964866)
And what?
A drug addict. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by paulry
(Post 10964898)
That's very possible. It's certainly not normal behaviour. She could even be homeless and mentally ill. Sad :(
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by spuddyo
(Post 10964526)
Funniest / Strangest thing that's happened in ages, you couldn't make this stuff up.
On Saturday night I met up with an old friend in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, where I first lived when emigrating in 1993. Anyway, we went to one of my favourite Indian Restaurants in the area for dinner and ordered a mixed platter for starters. Just as the waitress brought the platter to our table, a very scruffy, rough looking young girl ( I would say about 17 or 18 ) walked up to our table and sat down. Without even saying hello, she started helping herself to everything and using only her fingers, she ate everything on the plate. We had finished off a few pints by this stage and were in a jolly mood and quite amused by what we were seeing. We tried to ask her who she was, what her name was, where she was from - I think we were very nice to her actually considering what she was doing. In a short period of about 3 minutes, she ate 2 large Samosas, 2 Chicken Tandoori pieces, 2 lamb kebabs and 2 lamb cutlets, a whole dish of mango chutney, Raita and even the shredded lettuce and orange slice that everyone leaves. Without even saying thanks or answering any of our questions she just stood up and left. I am not sure what her situation was, but I hope she enjoyed the free feed and doesn't end up in any serious trouble anytime soon. Of course the restaurant were not amused and wouldn't give us a discount off the bill. Good curry though, and excellent Naan. The only time I've ever had someone help themselves to my food was in the outdoor dining section of a pub. Was there with my sister and a very drunk Irish backpacker decided to sit down, tell me he loved me and start scoffing my dinner. I didn't particularly mind him eating my food, but I wasn't having any of the maudlin love stuff so I told him to rack off :o |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
That's very funny,and as the others have said good on you for allowing it to happen:thumbup:
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
It reminds of a time I was heading down to play tennis at Malvern and stopped in Worcester to do some sightseeing and shopping. I'd just parked in a multi-storey car park, got out and literally had one foot on Worcester soil when a girl appeared from nowhere. She was probably 18 but looked decades older with eyes sunken and a long way away, track marks on arms etc.
The gist of her conversation was if I paid for a meal in Maccas I could have whatever I wanted. (Wasn't sure if that was referring to her or the menu at Maccas) :D Very sad like OP's story. I politely refused then she asked for a few quid for a meal which I also politely refused and she just shuffled off to look for someone else. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by OzTennis
(Post 10965463)
It reminds of a time I was heading down to play tennis at Malvern and stopped in Worcester to do some sightseeing and shopping. I'd just parked in a multi-storey car park, got out and literally had one foot on Worcester soil when a girl appeared from nowhere. She was probably 18 but looked decades older with eyes sunken and a long way away, track marks on arms etc.
The gist of her conversation was if I paid for a meal in Maccas I could have whatever I wanted. (Wasn't sure if that was referring to her or the menu at Maccas) :D Very sad like OP's story. I politely refused then she asked for a few quid for a meal which I also politely refused and she just shuffled off to look for someone else. |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Aw, how sad that someone so young is that desperate for something to eat : (
Good on ye for allowing her to sit there and have her fill. Karma to you good man :) |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Bernieboy
(Post 10965508)
Are you scottish:sneaky:
1 I should have given her money for 'a meal'? 2 I should have given the world's oldest trade some trade to pay for 'a meal'? I was 100% certain that any money I handed out would have soon gone into the pockets of a scummy Worcester drug dealer. That's the Catch 22 - if you give money to beggars etc are you helping them or helping them sign their death warrant? Admittedly OP knew where his grub was going but usually you don't know if it will go for food or not. FWIW I give a lot of books and other goods to charity shops who provide meals for such people and I also do voluntary work for charities so my conscience is clear. :D |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by OzTennis
(Post 10967165)
As in?
1 I should have given her money for 'a meal'? 2 I should have given the world's oldest trade some trade to pay for 'a meal'? I was 100% certain that any money I handed out would have soon gone into the pockets of a scummy Worcester drug dealer. That's the Catch 22 - if you give money to beggars etc are you helping them or helping them sign their death warrant? Admittedly OP knew where his grub was going but usually you don't know if it will go for food or not. FWIW I give a lot of books and other goods to charity shops who provide meals for such people and I also do voluntary work for charities so my conscience is clear. :D |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Bernieboy
(Post 10967183)
But she could have been an ex(or current) BE moderator:ohmy:
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Bernieboy
(Post 10967183)
But she could have been an ex(or current) BE moderator:ohmy:
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by paulry
(Post 10967198)
:lol: Do you have anyone specific in mind?
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Bernieboy
(Post 10967218)
It would be unfair and prob against the rules to name Sue,oh bugger i just did:ohmy::scarper:
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by OzTennis
(Post 10967225)
(I'm probably missing some clever joke between those in the know on the forum) :confused:
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Bernieboy
(Post 10967246)
That's because yer too busy playing tennis and not spending enough time on BE;)
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by paulry
(Post 10967323)
If he was on here 24/7 like you are... :p
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Bernieboy
(Post 10967218)
It would be unfair and prob against the rules to name Sue,oh bugger i just did:ohmy::scarper:
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
I used to work for a non-profit that helped a lot of homeless people and I always wondered what to do when they I saw them begging at the intersections while cars are waiting for the traffic lights to change. As someone else noted, how can you be sure that the money you give them will go on food? So I was advised by a couple of people I worked with to keep a one or two packs of food (crackers, and cans of cold meat that could be easily opened with a pull tag thingy ... what ever they are called) in the car and then give that to them along with a bit of paper that listed help organizations. So thats what I did. May not have been what they were expecting, but at least it meant that ate that day if nothing else.
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Sue
(Post 10967764)
I used to work for a non-profit that helped a lot of homeless people and I always wondered what to do when they I saw them begging at the intersections while cars are waiting for the traffic lights to change. As someone else noted, how can you be sure that the money you give them will go on food? So I was advised by a couple of people I worked with to keep a one or two packs of food (crackers, and cans of cold meat that could be easily opened with a pull tag thingy ... what ever they are called) in the car and then give that to them along with a bit of paper that listed help organizations. So thats what I did. May not have been what they were expecting, but at least it meant that ate that day if nothing else.
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Sue
(Post 10967758)
How very dare you :D
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Sounds like both my children. Wander in at tea time, sit down, wolf down the food, make no attempt to converse, grunt a few things and wander off when finished - plates, cups and mess left on the table.
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Sue
(Post 10967764)
I used to work for a non-profit that helped a lot of homeless people and I always wondered what to do when they I saw them begging at the intersections while cars are waiting for the traffic lights to change. As someone else noted, how can you be sure that the money you give them will go on food? So I was advised by a couple of people I worked with to keep a one or two packs of food (crackers, and cans of cold meat that could be easily opened with a pull tag thingy ... what ever they are called) in the car and then give that to them along with a bit of paper that listed help organizations. So thats what I did. May not have been what they were expecting, but at least it meant that ate that day if nothing else.
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by haggis supper
(Post 10968072)
Sounds like both my children. Wander in at tea time, sit down, wolf down the food, make no attempt to converse, grunt a few things and wander off when finished - plates, cups and mess left on the table.
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by spouse of scouse
(Post 10965233)
What lovely people you and your mate are :starsmile: I love that you didn't judge her, it doesn't matter why she was hungry, just that she was. o
|
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by spuddyo
(Post 10964526)
Funniest / Strangest thing that's happened in ages, you couldn't make this stuff up.
On Saturday night I met up with an old friend in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, where I first lived when emigrating in 1993. Anyway, we went to one of my favourite Indian Restaurants in the area for dinner and ordered a mixed platter for starters. Just as the waitress brought the platter to our table, a very scruffy, rough looking young girl ( I would say about 17 or 18 ) walked up to our table and sat down. Without even saying hello, she started helping herself to everything and using only her fingers, she ate everything on the plate. We had finished off a few pints by this stage and were in a jolly mood and quite amused by what we were seeing. We tried to ask her who she was, what her name was, where she was from - I think we were very nice to her actually considering what she was doing. In a short period of about 3 minutes, she ate 2 large Samosas, 2 Chicken Tandoori pieces, 2 lamb kebabs and 2 lamb cutlets, a whole dish of mango chutney, Raita and even the shredded lettuce and orange slice that everyone leaves. Without even saying thanks or answering any of our questions she just stood up and left. I am not sure what her situation was, but I hope she enjoyed the free feed and doesn't end up in any serious trouble anytime soon. Of course the restaurant were not amused and wouldn't give us a discount off the bill. Good curry though, and excellent Naan. Personally I would have had the restaurants security people toss her out on her ear and had the dishes she had contaminated replaced in an eye blink. :frown: |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by Hino
(Post 10971996)
Very kind and understanding of you :)
Personally I would have had the restaurants security people toss her out on her ear and had the dishes she had contaminated replaced in an eye blink. :frown: |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Originally Posted by eddie007
(Post 10973332)
When the munchies hit they can hit REALLY hard.
Much cheaper than having to pay the gap fees associated with having a proctologist remove my fork from where I'd put it if they stole my grub ;) |
Re: Stranger at the Dinner table
Your too nice, personally if she didnt answer my questions I would have walked up to the waiter and asked her to be removed, then if they couldn't remove her I would have walked out and left her with the bill.
If she had chatted and said she was hungry and needed help then of course I would have been happy to help her, but for her to just ignore you, thats out of order. Lifes tough for everyone, you have to be careful to not get taken advantage of |
| All times are GMT -12. The time now is 10:46 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.