Who needs service with a smile? Not 26-year-old Ivan Tsurikov. “I actually dread human interaction of any kind,” he said. “That’s why Tsurikov, who works for a small investment firm on the Peninsula, prefers to order his…”
I wouldn’t go as far as saying I dread human interaction but it’s hard to argue that a system like this isn’t better than table service we sometimes encounter. I still remember folks mentioning the collapse of society when we started paying for gas (at stations) and bridge tolls without human interaction. And I think we’re fine… if not better for it.
However, mentioning French Laundry and making the argument of “increase(ing) of segmentation of society as opposed to promoting its communal aspect” is probably NOT the best comparison.
But let me get to some predictions…
Having tablets at the tables is just the first step. The next step is to order from smart phones. I’m not talking about GrubHub or Seamless though those are good ideas. But I’m talking about an app that identifies which restaurant you’re in, updates the content of their food and drink menu and offers interactive advice and suggestions ala the sommelier the article mentions. And the app will make these suggestions based on your past experiences at other restaurants and bars. Vegetarian? Boom! The app only shows you your personal dietary needs. Been here before and you made note that you should have ordered what you friend had? Boom! The app remembers and offers that suggestion. And forget credit card payments. Split the bill and pay with your phone.
Anyway… someday. It’ll happen.
