Sharon E. Ristino

We went to Little Fiesta when they had just opened. The staff were so cute and friendly. I asked for ketchup for my french fries. The waiter said, "Oh sure..." and disappeared. Then, about two minutes later, I saw him hurriedly walking past the window outside in the direction of the corner Matsusei grocery store. Interesting, I thought. About five ketchup-less minutes later, he walked quickly past the window again on his way back, with two nice bottles of Heinz ketchup half hidden in his apron. A minute later, he proudly presented us with a brand-new bottle of ketchup. Heinz ketchup has been on the tables of Little Fiesta ever since. It's not awkward or anything, but I always find that story cute.

Steven Crook

About 20 years ago, I was teaching English to a businessman in Tainan. He was a smart guy, but his pronunciation wasn't good. One evening he said he'd treat me to a steak dinner. Naturally, I was delighted. We rolled up at an open-air restaurant and I straightaway realized it specialized in "snake", not "steak"! Well, that was the first time I ate snake (I've had it a few times since then). It was okay, neither gross nor awesome. A few weeks later, he again offered to buy me dinner, and what came out of his mouth sounded a bit like "snake". I braced myself for legless reptile, but this time we feasted on some excellent sirloin.

Brian Quinlan

There was the time I visited Japan, eating with esteemed customers and enjoying the hospitality. I especially enjoyed slurping the fantastic soup that had been scooped from the broiling pot in front of us. While enjoying this, I looked at the slightly horrified faces around me to be summarily told that was the scum off the top that they were scraping away to throw out.

Lee Louis Domino

There's a guy who comes to our bar quite often when he is in Taiwan. He has his special drink in a really big glass, and he always tips us very well. Sometimes we play game of "double or nothing", so we flip a coin and, if I guess the right side, I will get double amount of the money he tips. I have won every time so far!

Chi Hsiang Chen

I was eating with my friend at her favorite hotpot restaurant one time. She loved this place so much; she might have eaten there many times every week. Even though it was a chain, she'd only go to this one store. One time there was a bad accident and the gas exploded in front of her, giving her very bad burns on her face and arms. But she refused to sue the restaurant or ask for any money because she was afraid she wouldn't be able to enjoy eating there anymore. I think she's crazy!