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Originally Posted by Koukouvagia  I saw something like this on Gordon's F-word last week. Many irritating things apply to the US also, although open salt and pepper bowls would never be permitted in the US. I cringe when I see them on the table at people's houses in fact.
Double tipping is something I'm careful about now since it has happened to me here in NYC. I suggest everyone look carefully at your receipt because sometimes they have added gratuity to your bill.
I don't like being forced into turn-over. Being of european origin I like to enjoy my meal at a restaurant without jumping from course to course as speedily as possible. Most Americans are not like this though. They want to eat and they want to get out quickly and usually "allot" themselves a certain amount of time for eating by scheduling something for after dinner like a movie or going to the theater. In Greece where I'm from once a restaurant is full they tell you "sorry, we're full" they don't try to put your name on a list, they just send you away because they don't try to turn over the tables.
What I find most annoying is when I'm handed the check while I'm eating... "whenever you're ready!" It makes me feel rushed. I als don't like being asked "do you need change?" It's rude.
I never like being asked if everything is ok more than once. It's polite for the waiter to come by after the food has been served to see if everything meets your needs but to continuously ask me if I'm ok makes me feel like I'm being babysat. What is actually useful is keeping an eye on me so that if I need something I can get the waiter's attention easily. |
when I uaed to serve it went something like this:
15 sec or as soon as the coats are off meet and greet and direct the guest's attention to the apps menu(possible drink order)
return with drink order; suggest app., possible app. order(doesn't have to be the most expensive app. just that i honestly like it); if young children are present and depending on the age let them play with the toy I always carried so the adults could look at the menu more freely, also take childs order(taking child's order at this time can be a double edged sword, some parents like to go ahead and place it because their child may eat slow, however some parents may have fast eating children, so therefore would prefer to place the order when they place the child's order when they place their own. If you do suggest to take the child's order now and the parent wanted to place it with theirs; you have just opened the door for an inpatient child to start whinning. so what i am saying feel the guest out and play it by ear.)
return with app. (in a good kitchen this should only be a couple of minutes), suggest entree or take entree order and suggest entree upcharge, if child's order was placed it might be ready to bring to the table.
return with with salads, check drinks.
return with entree, check drinks
2 bite-2 minute check back, check drinks
clear plates, offer and suggest desert or coffee, check drinks
return with desert, check drinks
2 bite-2 minute check back, check drinks
clear plates, check drinks, drop bill(s)
check drinks, pick up bill
return with change (never ask if they need change, always return with exact change the guest will determine if they would like you to keep it)
check drinks, invite back
during the whole service always keep a watchfull eye on the table from afar and you will be able to maintain silent service and place the order using the point system.