Tipping, what's the deal with

Discussion in 'Random Thoughts' started by Stuff Jones, Sep 10, 2019.

  1. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    There's a range of these characters, from actually watchful and attentive car guards to meth and cheap wine addled addicts who stole someone else's green/orange vest and taking chances trying to get the public to tip them. More reputable markets will employ car guards to avoid the unsavory characters, but elsewhere you kinda take your chances. We're a tourist city and they can all smell a tourist, though. They'll be less likely to mess with a local.
     
  2. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    Yes, if multiple courses they will take empty plates as they bring you the next one, with the expectation that the customer sits back and continues their conversation (no handing the waiter your plates). When clearing the table, they will wait until you've left and will never use a bucket. They'll stack plates on their arms/hands and be swift to not disturb other guests.

    Another interesting thing is that restaurants in the US are LOUD. People talking loudly, TVs or music on loud, you won't typically see that in Europe where it's an unwritten rule that restaurant are relaxing, quiet places where people will have conversations at a lower volume than they would elsewhere.
     
  3. RobS

    RobS RobS? More like RobDiarrhea.

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    Dude it's the worst. I can't tell you how many times I've stepped foot in a restaurant and immediately walk back out because of how loud it was. My theory is they do it to urge diners out the door quicker. Couple that with poor seating, can't get too comfortable.

    I'm probably the slowest eater in the world though. I can stay in restaurants/cafes/etc. for hours having conversations, relaxing and enjoying food/drink. Lol drives some people nuts who scarf down food in like 2 minutes.

    Oh and it pisses me off when restaurants who don't staff busboys have waiters collect empty plates/utensils/glassware while I'm still at the table. I have to stop them every time they try it. One time had a lady pull out a rag to wipe the table while I'm still eating, like WTF are you doing?

    Another thing that drives me crazy is seeing people take pictures of their food. Lol I've confiscated a lot of phones from people I'm having meals with. Or if I'm on a date and she starts texting on her phone, I warn her to put it away or I'm leaving. What happened to having good manners?
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2019
  4. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    Yes to all of this. I'm a fast eater but nowadays I'll either get take out or go to a restaurant fancy enough that etiquette rules still apply. The loudness is just a deal breaker for me.

    When I took my wife to Europe she was very surprised to see how even cheap little restaurants in France and Italy were quiet and how attentive and professional the wait staff were. It's a whole different dining experience.
     
  5. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    It seems to be worse than it used to be. Maybe 10 yrs ago I noticed that practically every restaurant that wasn't fairly upscale had televisions everywhere. Like trying to make everything into a sports bar when it isn't. Most of the time the TVs are muted or at low volume, but I think it contributes to a distractive, chaotic ambiance that just makes people talk louder and less civil.
     
  6. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

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    It depends who I'm dining with what atmosphere I prefer. If I'm with my wife I prefer it to be quiet so we can have a nice conversation. If I'm with my friends I prefer it to be noisy because we can get loud when we're bullshitting and I wouldn't want to disturb people in a quiet restaurant. A nice restaurant is usually good for the former, and a sports bar or diner is good for the latter.
     
  7. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    Waiters, but they handle dishes with no tubs involved. At least I haven't seen one in action in EU yet!
     

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