By now you have likely heard the story of the rat outbreak that occurred in one of New York City’s Taco Bell/KFC restaurants. I know you’ve heard of it, because I’ve heard of it. At the time of this posting, 14 people have each individually emailed or IM’d me about this story.
(This number is surprisingly low. When the e. coli outbreak happened at the end of last year, I think the number hovered somewhere around 30 and included phone calls.)
Credit for breaking the news to me first (and also most humbly) goes to Evanstar, for emailing me a link with a simple subject line ’sorry dude’.
Credit for awesomest person to contact me goes to someone named Marissa, who emailed me a link to a post on Consumerist with the note “Thought you would like to know.” I had absolutely zero clue who Marissa was, so I asked her to explain herself, and it turns out she, to quote her directly but change some words so as to match the voice and tense of this sentence, “is an avid reader of my blog and enjoys (though doesn’t quite understand) my devotion to TBell.” Yes, she actually used the word TBell. Marissa, you wowed my pants off (yeah, I was at work, so that was kinda awkward). Anyway, if you’re willing, I’ve got a bean burrito with your name on it. Hell, I’ll even throw in some sour cream.
(That sour cream sentence wasn’t supposed to be dirty.)
Anyway, to all of you, I appreciate your concern for my well being. And since I know you’re wondering, here is my official response on the incident:
I don’t care.
Here’s why:
1. I don’t go to that Taco Bell. Never have. I’m hardly ever in that exact area, and when I am, its usually not around a meal time. So, while I hate to see any Taco Bell be forced to close its doors (like the one down the street from my high school that closed my junior year - man, that was a tough period in my life), I’m not that personally affected by this incident.
2. The incident is isolated. Unlike the e. coli scare, which impacted the tri-state area and ultimately the whole nation, there is no ‘rat outbreak’ going on here (at least no more so than New York City already faces). Its not like the rats found their way into a bag of refried beans at a distribution center and are now making their way around the city. They’re in one place, and one place that doesn’t matter to me. Of course I’m disgusted, and wouldn’t go to that restaurant or anything around it for a long time, but again, this doesn’t impact my ability to visit other Taco Bells.
3. I’m suspicious. I’ve seen the video. You’re telling me that everything has been fine and dandy for the last few days/months/years, and all of a sudden a couple dozen pound-and-a-half rats are just strolling around like they own the place? No one noticed these here before? Also, how did a TV crew just ‘happen’ to be there? Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I’m not ready to rule out foul play.
Ultimately, I think its unfortunate that Taco Bell was hit with a problem that really impacts all of New York City as a whole. This is anything but good publicity, but nonetheless, I will probably find my way to one in the next 24 to 48 hours. You’re all more than welcome to join me.
Especially you, Marissa.
Email: me [at] amishshah [dot] com
11 responses so far ↓
Marissa // Feb 24, 2007 at 5:13 pm
1. I love burritos
2. I am a little turned on that you wrote about me on your blog
3. If we don’t support TBell in their hour of need who will?
4. Have you lost weight? You look slim and hungry in your photo
Manan Karia // Feb 26, 2007 at 10:11 am
anyway, its a taco bell/kfc… thats not a real taco bell anyway! i dont care if you are owned by the same company! kfc and taco bell do not belong in the same building.
i am not a fan of getting my taco bell served to me by someone wearing a kfc uniform. it makes me wonder if i remembered to order my burrito extra crispy…
Amish // Feb 27, 2007 at 12:07 am
Wow…
Marissa, given that you’ve professed your love for burritos, referenced your arousal from this post, proclaimed your unity with me in support for Taco Bell, and flattered me immensely all in one comment, I think the only appropriate response I can make is:
Will you marry me?
(If that doesn’t work for you, wanna grab a drink/burrito sometime?)
Katie // Feb 27, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Sorry I was one of the fourteen. Just lookin’ out for ya!
Marissa, run, don’t walk to go out with Amish. He’s rad. Sometimes he even eats at restaurants that are NOT TBell.
Drew // Feb 28, 2007 at 8:21 am
I was about to ask when YOU were going to ask out Marissa.
Marissa // Feb 28, 2007 at 11:47 am
Amish is rad, but so is my boyfriend. He too shares a love of burritos but sadly, prefers an “authentic” mexican place by his apt with a spanish name I can’t pronounce. I will however be happy to join Amish for TBell any time and I will keep my eye out for hot single girls with big boobs that enjoy burritos.
sachin // Feb 28, 2007 at 12:48 pm
or just let amish know when you and your bf part ways…
suj // Feb 28, 2007 at 5:07 pm
… or just let amish know when your bf is out of town
(who said that?)
Amish // Mar 1, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Well, that didn’t turn out quite as expected. I guess a few final thoughts are in order…
1. So…when is your bf out of town?
(who said that?)
2. Does your bf have a blog? Didn’t think so. Meet me at my place at 11. Tell Francisco he had a nice run, but he just got trumped.
3. Also, I sure hope he didn’t read your first comment. That would be an awkward conversation.
4. And…so…if i don’t see you again [or ever], keep…keep on truckin, all right? Good stuff.
Henish // Mar 6, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Does Taco Bell know about your blog? Maybe you get hired as the new “Jared” for Taco Bell. Not that you need to lose weight (you are looking slim) but just as a spokesperson that has feelings of unconditional love for Taco Bell. Btw, the question we’ve all been dying to know: which spicyness of sauce do you prefer? And what is your favorite comment that is on the sauce packets? Maybe if you do go out with Marissa, you could slide her the one that says, “Will you marry me?”
QueenBitch // Mar 8, 2007 at 6:57 pm
We need an update MR!!
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