Local Dad A Little Too Vocal With His Cultural Observations During Visit To Chinatown

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

Local Dad, John Swann (71) is well aware that the demographics are different in this particular Chinese restaurant, when compared to his street in the suburbs.

In fact, he appears fascinated by the cultural differences he gets to experience in Chinatown.

“Wow. Look at this. These Asian blokes don’t even bother with the knife and fork. It’s chopsticks all the way” he says at the top of his voice.

With his three adult daughters far more familiar with the etiquite of Asian-Australian cuisine, they are currently sitting in horror as there Dad asks the waiter if they sell Crown Lager with a patronisingly slow articulation.

Oldest daughter, Sarah, says she nearly fainted when her Dad asked if all the staff ‘were all the same kind of Asian’.

“He’s trying his best. But he’s never been to a Chinese restaurant that wasn’t completely Westernised. The staff here are very traditional”

“He just asked for a schooner ‘of that asian rum’ – I think he meant sakè – and I think he wants to mix it with coke.”

While insisting he order on behalf of the family, John is currently licking his lips in anticipation of the 2 x Mongolian lamb, 1 x Honey Chicken, 5 x Fried Rice and the ‘Sungshoi Bowa”.

“Jeez. This place is the real deal” he roars

“They are full on Chinese. I wonder which part they are from. Excuse me miss? What part of China are you from?”

“Are… You-a From-a.. Hong… Kong?” he says in a broken Chinese-English, so as to not confuse.

More to come.