This list might be appropriate for a higher-class white tablecloth type of place, but if my favorite pho joint was like that, I would stop going there.
7. Do not announce your name. No jokes, no flirting, no cuteness.
Why not tell them your name? And if you want to flirt with me, please feel free to do so. Seriously, it's OK.
Yes, that's exactly how I see it.
A truly gifted person in any sort of customer-facing role has the insight to read each customer and interact with them accordingly. Some customers (like me) like to develop a rapport with their waiters where possible - or at least crack little jokes to make life a little more enoyable. Others are quite standoff-ish or reserved which is their right as well.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ajax
Yes, that's exactly how I see it.
A truly gifted person in any sort of customer-facing role has the insight to read each customer and interact with them accordingly. Some customers (like me) like to develop a rapport with their waiters where possible - or at least crack little jokes to make life a little more enoyable. Others are quite standoff-ish or reserved which is their right as well.
Agree wholeheartedly as someone who has been on both sides of the table (metaphorically--I wasn't a waiter).
I never understood standoffish people. I'm not an extrovert by any means, but I can't help but thinking that people who are that way are missing out on some of life's joys.
Of course, it depends on the atmosphere. I wouldn't expect tons of personal interaction at a four-star restaurant. Then again, my uncle is practically best friends with the majority of the staff at 21 in New York (where he's one of their super-regular customers)...
Before beginning to read the list, #12 was the first thing that came to mind. +1 - I won't hesitate to has for a new drink if I see a server do this.
As for #2, as someone who eats as a party of one most of the time, I wholeheartedly agree with the first part, but disagree with the part about being asked to sit at the bar. To me it most certainly smacks of being shunted off so that regular tables can be kept open for larger parties. Even with smoking banned, I hate the height of barstools or so-called "high-top" seating - I find it impossible to relax and enjoy my meal.
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I never understood standoffish people. I'm not an extrovert by any means, but I can't help but thinking that people who are that way are missing out on some of life's joys.
Sure, me neither, but that's their right. God gave me one life to live and I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can. I like to have a bit of a laugh and I appreciate a dry and wicked sense of humour, but not everyone does nor should be expected to - which is totally cool. I think a person with a gift for customer service (regardless of profession) can adapt to any situation.
As for #2, as someone who eats as a party of one most of the time, I ... disagree with the part about being asked to sit at the bar.
I completely agree. As a frequent solo diner I also find it annoying when I get rushed through a meal, with no real gap between courses. One one occasion recently I was in and out of a high-end seafood restaurant in 45 minutes after spending $150. The couple at the next table, who arrived when I did, were just finishing their appetizers as I was putting on my coat...
