The New Normal

The Pandemic really did pour down on us as suddenly as a cloudburst. Almost every aspect of our life has been altered in a way that we never imagined it to be like. The meetings, everyday activities, opportunities, interactions and voyeuring that we took for granted has been measured against the period of the past few months. There have been countless articles, speeches, podcasts, ponderings and food-for-thoughts that have discussed this sense of the ‘New Normal’ and how that has its varied effects on the millions on this planet. Objectively reading about these accounts does not really let the reality percolate to the self until one experiences it firsthand.

Of the many new normals, I wanted to talk about the new safety regulations that have been enforced in eatery places. This comes without saying that the case study and its contents taken for this article may not find its echo in many other eateries and their policies - the one discussed in brief detail here is to throw a light into how health policies and concerns regarding sanitization, that were not so precisely noted or paid attention to in the past, are being done now with utmost sincerity. To add on to that thought, the hoi polloi is literally trusting with all their faith upon these eateries and their healthy safety procedures and there is always room for doubt whether the initiating side is actually doing their hundred percent for the safety of their customers. Along those lines another thought that springs up is the fact of how long will these institutions remain faithful to this total observation of rules and regulations - Guess only time can tell best.

Fig 1: Notice ‘California Burrito’ hidden in the shadows of a ‘Pizza Hut’. Source - Self.

Moving ahead to the case study in question, one eventful evening my family and I ended up visiting an eatery known as ‘California Burrito’. Now, many would be disagreeing with my usage of the term ‘eatery’ instead of using the term ‘restaurant’ so let us save that debate for another blog post. Before entering the place to dine, I noticed there were many signs which ensured the customer that all the ‘contactless’ procedures will be followed and strict adherence to health procedures is the priority.

Fig 2: The delivery vehicle of ‘Pizza Hut’ promises. The second picture states ‘California Burritos’ innovative strategy to maintain cleanliness. Source - Self.

As stated in the second picture above, the placards kept on the tables of ‘California Burrito’ were a first I had ever encountered. Eventually, there are certain downsides of this because this strategy works well with those who are observant enough and dare I say, caring/bothering enough about the next person or in general, about mankind. Nonetheless, the protocols followed in that particular eatery were user friendly and also staff friendly, as it required lesser unnecessary staff solely dedicated to cleaning duty and directed towards a more ‘self-help/help each other’ type of environment.

Fig 3: Marked spaces on the floor indicating social distancing, compulsory wearing of masks by customers and employees alike, usage of glass separations and gloves etc. were some of the other protocols that were on display. Source - Self.

As showcased in the above image, the required protocols were followed (even though a few customers loosely followed them because we are in India) by the staff and those who were dining there. The overall experience was good and satisfactory, with only a few customers dining in the eatery. The food being prepared had an ‘open kitchen’ setting where the customers could see how their dishes were being prepared and the menu was budget friendly too. Alas, I was so engrossed in observing and indulging in the environment and the food that I forgot to take pictures of the food itself! I guess this forgetfulness will make up for another blog post!