No doubt that there a truly asses out there who make life difficult. But that is exactly why I apologize FIRST. I also tend to limit my specials to things that are added to the meal. For example ... can you put the dressing on the side? Please leave off X (Mayo and Avocado are my two biggest) I am not allergic to avocado but as a child I was forced to eat it to the point that it still invokes a gag reflex.
I’m sure the restaurant would not want a patron upchucking their dinner where everyone can and will hear them. My most difficult state is California. For some reason they dont believe anything should be served without either avocado or yuck-a-moley. After two bad experiences at one location, I finally had to resort to saying .... “I want a hunk of meat, cooked. No coverings, no pepperings, no crust, no paste, no extras - nothing. Just a hunk of meat cooked.” Fortunately they got that one right. It was quite an enjoyable meal and I tipped rather well.
“I want a hunk of meat, cooked. No coverings, no pepperings, no crust, no paste, no extras - nothing. Just a hunk of meat cooked.”
I do the same thing with my New York Steaks. I ask for no salt, pepper, seasonings of any kind, bacon-wrappings, butter, gravies/sauces, toppings and please, extra rare, LOL! I then add the amount of salt/pepper I like. I want to taste the meat!!