“New Rules”
By
Gerry Niskern
Have you heard the old saying, ‘There’s two sides to every story’? I hear a lot of complaints from friends about poor service in valley restaurants. On the other hand, we hear complaints from several friends who are wait people
I know, depending on what side of the table you are on, you are thinking…. But it’s them!
We like to be greeted with courtesy and have our drink order taken promptly. That’s reasonable. However, when with a group, do you give your order with everyone else, or wait to finish a cell phone conversation, while holding one finger up to the waiter to hold on a minute (which can stretch on for several!). Then, when everyone is served, place your order, causing an extra trip to the bar for the waiter.
We all like to have our food served in a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes when it comes less than warm, we know its been sitting awhile. You certainly should ask for it to be warmed.
On the other hand, if the food is a long time coming but is hot when it gets to you, that indicates the kitchens if running long. Don’t take it out on the waitperson. There is only so much they can do.
Are you a slow eater? Do you get annoyed when someone tries to take your plate before you have barely started dining? Do you feel that you can’t put your fork down, or whoosh, its gone, with a cute little remark such as, “Are you two finishing up?”
Then here are some people who expect their plate to be removed immediately when they are finished. How can you please everyone? The waiter should notice if the customer has placed his fork and knife at the four o’clock position, tines down. Take note managers, a little training here would help. Teach your servers to serve the ladies first. Don’t reach across; it’s hazardous and very impolite.
Of course, we have covered the subject of kids before. Crying babies or kids being allowed to run around the dining establishment without supervision is unsafe for them and dangerous for the waiters too. I heard one disgusted waiter say that if he had a tray full of hot dishes on his shoulder and he was tripped up by a running kid, “The foods not going all over me!”
And if you insist on taking the offspring along, compensate in tipping for the amount of debris left all around your table.
However, if you are seated next to a loud table, ( see: crying babies) or extra loud, boisterous adults, don’t take it out on the waitress when its tip time . They can’t do anything about it. It’s the luck of the draw.
Do you snap your fingers at the waitperson when you have a request? Of course, you know that’s rude.
Any waitress will tell you that if a patron does that, its always easy to tell by observing a little that he also treats his female companion the same way. Funny how little habits tell a story about someone?
There is a pattern we’ve come to expect when we are eating out. Most, not all, waiters seem to decide up front who is probably paying the check. That person gets the bulk of attention, refills, etc. It gets amusing when more than one male is along. They still choose one of the males, but not always the check grabber.
I’m going to start an experiment suggested by our manager friend. Early on, I will put my American Express card out by my place. Something tells me I will get really good service that day, maybe even a coke refill now and then!