The Burger Joint

In my journal I described an often repeated scene – worthy of a novel.

 

I walk into a small open air café.  There are almost a dozen servers waiting in front.  They are all young women.  This is a typical hiring pattern.  One frequently sees job ads which state, “Wanted Salesgirl, server, etc.:  Must be an attractive woman.”  The servers jostle each other, tittering and giggling trying to figure out  who will have to come serve me.  As an university professor, I am used to dealing with this age group.  There are confused as to why I am there in their work place.  Not that it is a roadside stall, but in their imaginings, a foreigner belongs in the lobby of 5-star hotel, not in this neighborhood in a café constructed from timber frames and woven bamboo mats.

 

The contest of wills continues.  Two servers walk past my table, staring at me as if I had horns growing out of my head.  Is not my first time here, but since is only my second, I am still a distraction.  It is raining hard and there are far fewer customers than the number of servers could handle.

 

Finally, one of them blurts in Indonesian, “I can’t speak English.”  I respond in the same language, “There is no need for English”   The small flock of 20-somethings giggle, laugh, and exclaim.  Finally someone brings a menu to my table – “Welcome to Paris Burger.”

 

The Paris Burger is neither from Paris, nor what most  Americans would recognize as a burger.  The burgers a locally famous.  But, I have long given up the hope of finding a nice thick, juicy, ground-beef widow-maker common to greasy spoons and dives.  The Indonesian version of the burger are inspired by the thin dry patties of a McDonald’s cheeseburger or even a Big Mac.  And in this regard they have improved on the original.  They add to the thin pressed meat burger, a nice thick fried egg and cheese.  It more resembles a breakfast sandwich than a burger.  At least until they add chicken floss, lettuce, tomato, and drown it in chili sauce.  The reputation of the Paris Burger is well deserved but today I order the noodles and iced tea.

 

As I leave, I pay my bill which comes to about 90 cents.  I add a 20 cent tip, which completely shocks but pleases them.  Then I leave.