Got a ticket for a raw bar order tonight for a dozen oysters with a note on it saying, “Clam allergy.” This is called a “ticket garnish;” a little notation relating additional information about the order. “This ain’t no freaking kosher raw bar,” was my panicky response. The waitress came over and told me to change my latex gloves and use oysters that were not touching the clams. I could see the woman with the allergy from my shucking spot, and in my head I could see hives breaking out on her face. “Is this a mild allergy or deadly?” I asked, imaging clam juices running out the sides of the shell and mingling with the breathing oysters. I wiped my knife nervously. My hands were clammy: would that trigger a reaction? Long story short, customer lived, and I told the restaurant I don’t want to shuck anymore. Not because of allergies: I need the time back for my family & my self.
allergic to life, on channel 4