During the holidays, many individuals will spend time eating out at local restaurants. There are end-of-the-year banquets, holiday parties and celebrations. This is a very busy time for restaurants and the people that work in them.
I recently read an article written by Michelle Crouch in Reader’s Digest. It was there that I learned some things about restaurants and eating out that I thought I would share with you.
If you ever ask a waiter how something is, they will usually say, “It is our most popular dish.” In all likelihood, they don’t like it. They are not permitted to give you an honest opinion.
If you are looking for your favorite waiter and ask for them, you will be told something like, “They are in the stockroom or kitchen.” this means they are out back taking a break.
Have you ever asked for a special drink and they tell you they are all out? So then you ask for water and all of a sudden they have the drink. They don’t want to lose your drink on the bill. If they do, it is a loss in tip money by percentage.
Did you ever wonder why children like the kids meals more? It is because they load it with sugar. They will even put extra sugar in pizza dough.
Be careful of specials. Many times they are trying to unload old food before it spoils. Be especially careful of fish.
Soups are another good place to hide and get rid of old food. Many people never know the difference.
Never ask for lemon in your drink. They are handled by many individuals. Many times, just the sticker is removed before going into your drink or water.
Don’t ask the calories in a certain meal. A waiter will not know. If they did, they aren’t suppose to tell you.
Don’t make a big fuss over cold food. If you do, they will heat it till it is too hot to touch in the microwave.
Most coffee served after 8 p.m. is either regular or decaf. They don’t want to clean them over.
Some places buy salad dressing in large jars. They then add a few herbs and call it the “House Special.”
Skim milk is never served at a restaurant. It is just too impractical.
If a waiter refills your water, when it isn’t empty, assume they are listening to your conversation or they think you are “hot.” They might do this picking up empty plates, too.
Don’t blame the server if your food is late or cold. Most times this is out of their control. Their main job is to serve you and bill you.
A friend of mine will tip both the server and the cook, if the food and service is excellent.
Keep an eye out for unsanitary happenings. If the pitcher of water is touching everyone’s glasses, the germs are getting a free ride. How are rolls and bread handled? Dirty dishes or water spots? Do tablecloths get replaced or wiped down? If the restroom is filthy, consider what the kitchen must look like. These are just a few things to ponder.
Waiters hate to serve hot tea. It takes too long and it requires a tea bag, cup, saucer and hot water container.
All this being said, I still love to eat out. Even if, it is in the greasy spoon local restaurant.
