Freebie and fair

The first freebie I ever got was a hot fudge sundae at a fast-food outlet. We were all enjoying an ice-cream treat when I noticed a big staple pin with the nuts and chocolate sauce.

The first freebie I ever got was a hot fudge sundae at a fast-food outlet. We were all enjoying an ice-cream treat when I noticed a big staple pin with the nuts and chocolate sauce. I showed the offending piece of metal to the guy behind the counter and he promptly handed over 8212; without even an apology 8212; a fresh bowl of the delicious stuff. I must have been happy with that trade-off because I let the matter rest. But one learns from one8217;s mistakes.

The next time it was because of a confused waiter at a crowded five-star coffee shop. He not only delayed our lunch, he brought the food in reverse order: dessert, main dish and soup! A complaint was in order. At the bottom of my letter I revealed my plan to write to the press. There were frantic calls, followed by a visit by two charming executives 8212; and an invite for a meal at their best restaurant. Eventually, we did 8220;oblige8221; them. I was beginning to learn the art of freebies.

Next time the locale was a well-known Thai restaurant. Despite a reservation, our table was not ready. So they brought us complimentary drinks and snacks. My wife asked if the chips were vegetarian and got a strong affirmative response. Our son tasted them and pronounced they were prawn flavoured. The staff were in a tizzy. The restaurant manager showed up and, before I said a word, invited us for 8212; you guessed it 8212; a free meal.

Another time, at yet another five-star hotel8217;s luxurious Indian restaurant, the captain refused to accept a discount voucher I had received from the company as a shareholder. The fact that this happened in front of my foreign guests was enough for a strong letter to the top boss. Back came a gracious reply which requested me to allow the management to somewhat assuage my sense of hurt. Put simply it amounted to a family meal at any of their outlets.

This last freebie had me foxed. We were comfortably seated in plush environs enjoying excellent continental food when someone asked for more bread. The basket, complete with an elegant snow-white damask serviette, was brought. I was yet to pick up a roll when we noticed 8212; to our horror 8212; a small cockroach crawling out of its satiny folds. The captain was by our side in a jiffy. The offending basket was removed with profuse apologies. An extra bottle of wine was brought to 8220;make up8221; for the lapse. However, this time, I couldn8217;t bring myself up to lodge another complaint. After all you don8217;t look a freebie in the mouth 8212; or do you?