1 bar of SOS mode when I go to scan the menu. … Which is silly, because you could just encode the menu directly in the QR code. They’re not solely for URIs. … QR Code menus are extremely common, moreso than printed ones in places like China, Singapore and a lot of asia. I hate them with a passion. … QR menu on the outside of the restaurant so you can peruse the menu before even going in? Great!
Ah, the joys of dining out in the modern age! You know, the thrill of selecting the perfect dish, engaging in delightful conversation, and—wait a minute—what’s that? Instead of a friendly waiter handing you a menu, you’re now faced with the daunting task of scanning a QR code? Welcome to the future, my friends, where technology has taken over even the most sacred of dining rituals.
Let’s unpack this, shall we? The trend of using QR codes for menus started as a noble effort to minimize physical contact during the pandemic. And sure, who wouldn’t want to avoid touching a menu that’s been handled by every other diner who just couldn’t resist the allure of that extra side of fries? But as we’ve slowly returned to normalcy (whatever that means), it seems like we’ve forgotten the simple pleasure of flipping through a physical menu.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate technology as much as the next person. After all, it’s pretty neat that I can order food from my couch without putting on pants. But when it comes to dining out, there’s something to be said for the tactile experience of a menu. You know, the delightful rustle of paper, the smell of ink, and the occasional smudge of a spaghetti sauce stain. It adds character, people!
And let’s talk about the actual scanning process. Have you ever tried to scan a QR code while simultaneously holding your drink and balancing a breadstick in your other hand? It’s like a scene from a circus—except you’re the juggler, and the audience is just your bemused dining companions who are probably debating whether they should just go home and microwave some leftovers instead.
Not to mention, there’s always that one person who can’t get their phone to cooperate. They’re squinting at their screen, swiping left and right like they’re trying to unlock the secrets of the universe, while the rest of us are just sitting there, staring at our drinks, wondering if they’ll ever figure it out. At this point, you might as well just hand them a physical menu and let them live their best life.
And let’s not forget about the dreaded ‘menu update.’ One minute, you’re excited about that new seasonal salad, and the next, it’s gone—replaced by a dish that sounds suspiciously like it was named by someone who just graduated from culinary school. “Crispy quinoa with artisanal foam?” I’m sorry, but I came here for a burger, not a science experiment.
So, what’s the solution? Do we go back to the old ways? Bring back the booklets? Maybe! But let’s also acknowledge that a hybrid approach could be the answer. How about having both? A physical menu for those who love the tactile experience and a QR code for those who want to avoid touching anything that’s been touched by more than three people? It’s the best of both worlds!
In conclusion, while scanning QR codes for menus might be mildly infuriating, it’s a reminder that we’re all just trying to navigate this brave new world of dining. So, the next time you find yourself scanning a code instead of flipping through a menu, just remember: you’re not alone in this digital dining dilemma. And if all else fails, there’s always takeout.
Bon appétit, and happy scanning!
Inspired by: “I have to scan to get the menu” (r/mildlyinfuriating)