It has become painfully obvious that a small percentage of the population require some advice on etiquette when dining out. As a (somewhat) professional i am going to offer up some advice.
1. As a general rule in regard to gratuity 10% is insulting, 15% is acceptable and 20% shows respect and gratitude for a good to great dining experience. As someone in the industry i always tip more than 20% whether it's Boston Pizza or French Laundry.
2. Just because the bread is free does not mean you can have as much as you want, especially if you ordered a salad and water.
3. If you had an unsatisfactory dining experience please let us know. We really want everybody to enjoy themselves.
4. If your meal is unsatisfactory please let us know right away so that we can fix it. If you tell us after you are finished we assume you are looking for a free meal.
5. If you get something extra or for free it is a gift, don't expect it every time.
6. If service is slow it means we are really busy. Before complaining have a look around. Is the restaurant full? Are there several orders going in at the same time? It is safe to assume that if you see several tables with menus open at the same time that service may be somewhat delayed. Rest assured that we are working as hard and fast as we can to get you what you need.
7. We know what you want before you do. If we are slow getting you an 8th cocktail or third bottle of wine it's because we know you don't really want that hangover or DUI.
8. If you are unsure about tasting wine follow these steps: approve the label (make sure it's what you ordered), swirl the wine in the glass, sniff and sip. (You can even skip the sniff.) This tasting is not to see if you like the wine, but to check for quality. If you don't like it you may or may not be stuck with it, depending on the variety and price. An open bottle of wine is hard to sell.
9. Let us pour your wine for you.
10. If you are in a rush, go to the drive thru.
11. If you are bringing your children please come early so that you can be served promptly and the kids don't get restless.
12. Everybody is "friends" with the owner.
13. Don't worry about your cutlery, we'll make sure you have what you need.
14. The chef does appreciate compliments. The chef does not appreciate being pulled into conversations in the middle of a busy service.
15. Don't call us honey, darling, sweety etc. It's condescending.
16. Please don't assume we know you unless we have personally served you more than twice.
17. Relax. Enjoy the food, the company, the atmosphere and the wine.
18. And then go home. If you are the only table in the restaurant on a week night don't sit and chat for two hours without ordering anything else. Lots of us have kids and families to go home to and wake up with in the morning.
Thank you.
*photo by victornuno/
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Amen.
Posted by kim e | October 22, 2008 8:53 AM