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Post by hollymolly on Jul 28, 2014 23:13:53 GMT
Because I travel so much for work, I frequently eat alone in restaurants. I usually have my phone out the entire time because I feel awkward without something to do. However, I do not turn the screen on until I have looked at the menu and decided what to order, and I always reach over and turn the screen off when the server is at my table so I can give them my full attention. I also never talk on the phone at the table because, to me, that is rude. No one wants to hear my one-sided conversation. I generally just scroll through twitter or facebook or check up on the Peas.
Sometimes I'm tempted to take a picture of a really spectacular meal, and occasionally I do, but it feels a little ridiculous when I do it.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 29, 2014 2:40:18 GMT
It's the worst thing ever to have someone be an asshole to you because after 45 minutes, they haven't bothered to crack open a menu. It's the rudest thing ever, and then to act as though the server is inconveniencing you for asking you to order food in a restaurant. No one likes campers. But isn't part of the dining experience being able to spend time with your friends? I came up in the dark ages, but I do remember going out to dinner with friends and part of the enjoyment of the evening was being about to take your time, chat, eat, maybe dessert and coffee. I have a friend that when she and I get together to eat, we like to take our time. I don't *want* to speed through my experience. I don't want to be rushed along by a server who thinks that I am an inconvenience and am camping out taking up space-this seems a little rude to me, the customer. I didn't realize that there was a timer set somewhere that said that I had xxx minutes to order or else.  I am not ever mean or ugly, but we will ask for additional time to look over the menu because we are chatting. And for the record? No phones are out as a rule, but I may haul my out to show off a picture. The servers don't like "campers" because they are trying to turn tables as quickly as possible. Know why? Partly because the more customers they have in their section during their shift, the better chances that they'll make more in tips. And partly because that is how they are trained by the restaurants (chains in particular). Get the customer seated, take drink order. Bring it back, ask about appetizers, bring them, take order, serve it, offer dessert, and then try to get them out and finished as quick as possible. It's all about upselling drinks, apps, and desserts, and having a quick turnaround on the tables. |
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mallie
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by mallie on Jul 29, 2014 3:13:49 GMT
But isn't part of the dining experience being able to spend time with your friends? I came up in the dark ages, but I do remember going out to dinner with friends and part of the enjoyment of the evening was being about to take your time, chat, eat, maybe dessert and coffee. I have a friend that when she and I get together to eat, we like to take our time. I don't *want* to speed through my experience. I don't want to be rushed along by a server who thinks that I am an inconvenience and am camping out taking up space-this seems a little rude to me, the customer. I didn't realize that there was a timer set somewhere that said that I had xxx minutes to order or else. I am not ever mean or ugly, but we will ask for additional time to look over the menu because we are chatting. And for the record? No phones are out as a rule, but I may haul my out to show off a picture. The servers don't like "campers" because they are trying to turn tables as quickly as possible. Know why? Partly because the more customers they have in their section during their shift, the better chances that they'll make more in tips. And partly because that is how they are trained by the restaurants (chains in particular). Get the customer seated, take drink order. Bring it back, ask about appetizers, bring them, take order, serve it, offer dessert, and then try to get them out and finished as quick as possible. It's all about upselling drinks, apps, and desserts, and having a quick turnaround on the tables. And that is why we have stopped going to some restaurants. I am sick of servers acting like if I don't know what appetizer I might want the SECOND I sit down, that I am wasting their time. I am sick of servers not asking me if I want another drink, coffee or dessert. I am sick of servers acting like anything more than 30 minutes is an imposition. I am sick of servers telling me that if I don't want dessert, I should just pay my bill because people are waiting for tables. I can easily find other restaurants that don't make it so incredibly obvious they can't wait to channel more cattle down the chute. |
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Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Dani-Mani on Jul 29, 2014 3:15:18 GMT
I hope people see this and stop taking so many damn pictures of their food and posting it on Instagram and Facebook. Nobody cares to see every. single. thing you or your kids eat. Once in awhile, fine. But I have some FB friends who constantly post the details of what they are eating and it is irritating. I actually like seeing pictures of meals from restaurants my friends post. Sometimes, the ones the restaurant posts online, look nothing like the ones being served. Blogs and things really help me weed out mom and pop restaurants I want to visit and those I know I can avoid. I also post a lot of pictures of what I cook at home, as do my friends. Not irritating to me at all. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 16:18:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 3:35:13 GMT
I appreciate Facebook posts of food photos and restaurant comments.
I truly think the role of restaurants is changing. Going out for a meal is not the splurge it once was, reserved for occasions and special events.
Dh travels quite often so he east dinner in plenty of nice places alone. It's not uncommon for him to review paperwork or messages while eating. He tips well and doesn't want to sit at the bar just because he's alone.
Because he's away, I go out at least once a week alone. I pea or Facebook, sometimes I write, and am not demanding as long as you keep my tea glass filled. I enjoy a nice meal in a comfortable setting.
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Post by melanell on Jul 29, 2014 22:59:27 GMT
I don't think it matters if you want to linger over your menu , your meal, or your photos, as long as you don't turn around in the end and blame the staff that dinner took 2 hours, kwim?
If you want to get in and out of a restaurant quickly, you need to alter your behavior as well.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 29, 2014 23:23:31 GMT
I don't think it matters if you want to linger over your menu , your meal, or your photos, as long as you don't turn around in the end and blame the staff that dinner took 2 hours, kwim? If you want to get in and out of a restaurant quickly, you need to alter your behavior as well. That seems to be the point many are missing  The comparison was done because customers were complaining. It was then found out that their actions were part of the slow service issue. |
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