There is another growing problem in the city of New Orleans.
It’s a problem that many people don’t realize exists. However, ask anyone who’s ever worked in a restaurant, and I think they’d agree: No one has restaurant etiquette anymore.
When I say etiquette, I’m not talking about knowing which fork to use or keeping your napkin on your lap. I’m talking mostly about things that should be common sense, like tipping your server or being courteous in general.
College students, break away from your stereotype. There are too many servers who dread getting young people at their tables, simply because they don’t know how to act in a restaurant.
I’m going to give a few words of advice for those who frequent the dining scene. You may not even realize you have a problem until you read this.
Unless you actually see your server spit in your food, or he personally insults your mother, I see no reason why you shouldn’t tip twenty percent. If he doesn’t refill your Diet Coke at the exact moment you finish, settle down. Believe it or not, your server might actually have three or four other needy tables he’s waiting on.
If you should still decide to be rude and not tip, please don’t write a cute little note at the top of your receipt that says “Sorry!” or “Thanks for the excellent service!” or worse, don’t leave a prayer book/pamphlet that advises your server to repent for his sins and accept Christ in his life. That is such a bad idea.
The server’s rent for that month cannot be paid with your note of thanks or your prayer book. If you got good service, back that up in monetary value.
If you can’t calculate percentage in your head, you might want to consult your absurdly expensive cell phone. I’m sure that it came with a tip calculator.
Speaking of cell phones – put them away. Beside the fact that whoever you’re dining with may actually want your full attention, be reminded that it’s beyond rude to be on the phone when your server is trying to communicate with you.
There are few things more infuriating than having a guest (whether at the host stand or the table) be on his phone and, while barely making eye contact, mouth something to you or motion with his hands.
Apparently, holding up two fingers is supposed to be sufficient language for “I’d like a table for two, please.”
I know when I was a hostess, I simply refused to acknowledge anyone who came up to the stand on his phone. Show a little more respect, please.
Also, here’s a thought: Be nice to the hosts. At a lot of busy restaurants the hosts often get more attitude from the guests than the servers do. I understand that you’re hungry, and you really don’t like having to wait 30 minutes for your table. I am sorry, but I have no control over that.
More on the host stand, and this could possibly be the biggest revelation for all of you: There is no magic formula to figure out your wait.
Honestly, when a host tells you it will be 15-20 minutes for your table, that’s an educated guess. Remember those in elementary school. We have no crystal ball, and if for some reason no one wants to get up from his table and you wait 23 minutes instead, then I guess I was wrong. For that, I am sorry.
For those of you who do treat restaurant employees well, keep it up. You’ll never have to worry about anyone adding a little extra “spice” to your food.
I’m not going to say whether that sort of thing happens a lot, but let’s just say I know a few people who aren’t afraid to put a little something extra into your hot tea after you’ve unjustifiably complained about enough things.
Shocked? Don’t be.
Remember, we may be in the service industry, but we are not your servants.
Taylor Murrow is an English Writing major from Metairie, La.
