First signs of a bad dining experience...

[lentil]

Jayme, I'd prefer Ma'am or Sir if the server is trying get my attention. If they already have my attention, then no salutation is necessary. When a server comes to the table and says "Are you guys ready to order?" I get irritated. I am not a generic "guy" no matter my sex.

[Jayme]

PS... is this primarily a US problem, or do folks in other countries have the same trouble?????

[Jayme]

Originally Posted by lentil

Jayme, I'd prefer Ma'am or Sir if the server is trying get my attention. If they already have my attention, then no salutation is necessary. When a server comes to the table and says "Are you guys ready to order?" I get irritated. I am not a generic "guy" no matter my sex.

Lentil-
LOL Have you had much problem with being called a "dude"? regardless of age of speaker or recipient, and regardless of gender of either also....LOL that one cracks me up... I had a middle aged gentleman call me "dude" one day... was all I could do to not laugh!!

[Mezzaluna]

We have a "white cloth" Italian place near us. My husband and I went there for dinner rather early on a Saturday night; we were the first table of the night.

Our young server continually addressed us as "you guys" or "youse guys". This was rather amusing when he asked, "Are you guys finished with youse guys's salads?"

He performed the rest of his duties as expected. I know I should have said something but we were on our way somewhere.

[lentil]

Originally Posted by Jayme

Lentil-
LOL Have you had much problem with being called a "dude"? regardless of age of speaker or recipient, and regardless of gender of either also....LOL that one cracks me up... I had a middle aged gentleman call me "dude" one day... was all I could do to not laugh!!

Around these parts, Dude is reserved for men. Guys seems to be more androgynous. I can't say as I've ever been called Dude but coming from a middle aged man, you must have had quite a laugh!

[Jayme]

Maybe "Dude" is more of a CA thing..... my teenage daughter's female friends have told me "Thanks Dude" when I have given them a ride. I have asked, "did your friend just call me "dude""?? they giggle. Unfortunately some men, even in their 40's, think they are perpetual teenagers here..... I have always been "one of the guys"... but DUDE??? c'mon now...LOL

[Fledgling]

I remember one of the worst dining disaster was when a server walks up to our table and says, " Hi, I'm ******, and if I'm acting weird it's because my mom has just been diagnosed with cancer. They won't even let me take off of work! Isn't that messed up? So anyway, what do you want to drink?"

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!

What a somber and horrific night *that* was. I am a caring and giving person, but don't you ever tell me things like that if you are my server!!!! It was a bad restaurant anyway, but I wasn't paying so I was alright with being there.

There are so many bad signs that represent a place. I can think of a million but the most important ones have been mentioned already.

[Ishbel]

Originally Posted by Jayme

PS... is this primarily a US problem, or do folks in other countries have the same trouble?????

Not something I have experienced here at any of the more upmarket restaurants

Oh, except for one in Cornwall. The waitress was obviously new. She hadn't had much (if any) training. She kept referring to my husband and my friend's partner as 'Me 'andsome' As in 'That sauce orright for you, me 'andsome?' (A term like, m'dear in Cornwall)! As she was young and pretty, neither man seemed to mind. But, when she asked us how we liked the rattatooly...!

[chris1980]

Young people will hand you a diary of their personal lives if you ask them to

[lentil]

Last night we decided to get a bite to eat at The 99. We ordered an app in the bar while waiting to be seated and it had just arrived when we were buzzed. I asked the hostess if she'd please grab them for us and she said she would, but could we grab the menus (yes) and the plates, silverware, and napkins. I said no because we're already carrying coats, drinks, my pocketbook, and now the menus, but I said "our hands are pretty full. Would you mind getting them?" After a quick glare in my direction, she grabbed them and we were off.

Our server arrived- nice enough woman- but she called my husband sir and me dearie. Hmmm. Still no huge deal, not very professional, but we were in the 99, after all. I'm always distracted by all the TV's anyway, which in this case, the one I could see was tuned to FOX news and THAT's entertainment at its best. ( did you know that there are pole dancing classes for teenaged girls? Me neither, but apparently, it's good exercize.)

The very best part was this: A couple came in and were seated beside us. The woman told the hostess that the seats were wet. The hostess said, "Yes, I know. I've left you a bunch of napkins so you can dry them." Then she walked off. And the woman wiped off the seats.

Call me a witch, but not only will I not carry my own food through a restaurant, but I also wouldn't be directed to complete the bussing job at my table.

[castironchef]

I'd never heard of "99" before, so I googled it.

Assuming that you mean the chain of casual dining and drink places in New England, I think that you'll be assumed by the restaurant's Mission Statement.

"A passion to serve"

Ironic, no?

[lentil]

"A passion to serve"



HA!

[Jayme]

Lentil-
Bring your own menus, plates, silverware, and napkins to table, wipe up your own chairs,??? LOL I hope you left YOURSELF the tip too??? But hey, at least she didn't call you Dude!!! LOL

[lentil]

Originally Posted by Jayme

Lentil-
Bring your own menus, plates, silverware, and napkins to table, wipe up your own chairs,??? LOL I hope you left YOURSELF the tip too??? But hey, at least she didn't call you Dude!!! LOL

No, she didn't. That was the best part of the meal. Actually, the food was fine- quite good for what it was. Thank goodness...

[shroomgirl]

Unbussed tables....bad sign.
the south is rendolent with names of endearment.....
recently I was called, "hon" throughout a conversation with a new salesman.....can you say, 1000# of fish order not going to you?