Embarrassing oshibori incident today (1 Viewer)

[E-Z Glider]

Today for lunch, I stopped in at a real authentic Pho place that I have never been to before. It was like stepping into a crowded market in a foreign country. The room was filled with unfamiliar sights and sounds and smells. Noticeably out of place, I grabbed a seat at the closest table. An older gentleman quickly approached, laid a menu in front of me, and said "good welcome". The menu was more like a book, filled with laminated pages of colorful food pictures. I started flipping through the first few pages when I realized he was still standing there. I looked up and he was holding a balled-up, steaming hot, wet cloth with a pair of tongs. It was obvious that he wanted me to take it, but what did he want me to do with it? He sensed my hesitation and dropped it on my open menu, seemingly displeased. It smelled like strong disinfectant. Was I supposed to clean the table with this? Was it for my face? Was I supposed to use this as my napkin while I ate? I pondered the question for several minutes when he suddenly re-appeared, snatched up my unused hot cloth from my menu, and left without a word. 

I now know that is referred to as oshibori (or Hot Towel in English) and is offered to customers in restaurants or bars to clean one's hands before eating. Next time I will be better prepared. 

 

[Tom Servo]

If you'd have showered before going out to eat, he wouldn't have been so offended.

 

[shadyridr]

Kind of feel like it should be pretty obvious when someone hands you a warm towel at a restaurant its to clean your hands.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Where do you live ? Under a rock? 

 

[Jaysus]

I usually only get a clean up towel after the happy ending at a place like that. 

 

[El Floppo]

Kind of feel like it should be pretty obvious when someone hands you a warm towel at a restaurant its to clean your hands.

Full French shower imo

 

[Zegras11]

it's to get rid of your ball cancer. 

 

[JaxBill]

You should have watched the Olympics at PF Changs instead.

 

[gianmarco]

It's actually to wipe the hands of another guest at another table. It's an awesome tradition. HTH.

 

[The General]

It's actually to wipe the hands of another guest at another table. It's an awesome tradition. HTH.

I believe you are supposed to wipe it on the nape of the server’s neck. Really, who can keep up with all these customs?

 

[Beef Ravioli]

So what did you order? I’m sure the waiter spit in it also. 

 

[popeye]

I usually use them for a sponge bath.  That said, I've been asked never to return to 4 restaurants.  One other has asked me to come back weekly.

 

[glvsav37]

Blow your nose in it 

 

[Vanilla Guerrilla]

Better than a Hari-Kari incident.

 

[Aerial Assault]

Whew!  As oshibori embarrassments go, that one sure was a whopper.  

 

[EYLive]

WAIPEEPO!!!

 

[EYLive]

That said, I've been asked never to return to 4 restaurants. 

It's pronounced "fuh".

 

[MikeIke]

The server was preparing to waterboard you. Consider yourself lucky to have survived.