jan_believes

Occasionally, I had passengers who recognized I had performed beyond company standards to assist them. Dedicated Penn State fans, a family in particular was caught between a rock and a hard place, so to speak, when they checked in for flights from PA to TX to attend a bowl game in 2008. Their plan hit a snag at the connection city where they were advised their flight was cancelled. Unable to obtain a timely rebook with their initial carrier, they searched out another airline for accomodation but there was no ticketing agreement in place for transfer, so they bought new tickets.

When they arrived at the destination city, they checked with the original carrier where services were provided by a contracted staffing company. Having formerly worked for the carrier directly, I knew what their rights were but the staff in place referred them back to their arriving carrier who also refused to assist because they never had the bags in transit at any point.

Their bags eventually showed up on another carrier by courtesy of baggage agreements in place but they would not deliver the bags because the passengers did not travel with them, either.

I retrieved the bags from the carrier two days later and personally delivered them to their hotel which became a challenge due to the bowl game visitation, traffic and parking were awful. However, through perseverence and ingenuity, I delivered their bags.

I came to work one day and a fellow employee presented me an envelope and told me it was from a passenger but she didn't have any details why. I opened the envie to find a Palm Restaurant GC and a thank you note.

I have kept the card for 3 years and finally have a reason myself to express thanks to someone for a kindness offered, as well. The value of the card is $100 and I expect to host a party of three for dinner.

Question: can I expect to cover the tab for three reasonably well and expect to cover the gratuity aside with cash?

Any helpful information is appreciated. Thank you.

kipper

Before you dine there, please check that the gift card has not lost any value. Some gift cards at least used to lose a portion of their value each month if there was no activity on the card for 2 years or some such. That way, if it has been losing value, you don't receive an unpleasant surprise when you expect it to have $100, and it only has $90 or some such.

Eastbay1K

Depending on the ordering and drinking, you might find yourself $200 short (incl. the tip). I can't imagine your dinner bill to be any less than $175+ if you order modestly (but more than just entrees).

number_6

You can read the menu for yourself at http://thepalm.com and Eastbay1k says, $100 is closer to the cost for 1 person than 3, though I think their prices vary by location so you might be in a lower cost city. Good luck and enjoy.

jan_believes

Oh, wow...."naive" is the only word I have for myself right now!
So, I am best to drop the daughter from the attending party! (Sorry, darling)

I have already committed to doing this for my guest as I have mentioned it already. The location is McLean, VA. I did check the menu already but there was no pricing as I am sure it varies from area to area. I told her she could wear business casual but I am thinking black dress now.

We don't drink alcohol, however. I could actually get by with a water with a twist of lemon. I wouldn't restrict others, however.

I did check the balance before the advice here; I have lost no value.

Thank you for all the posts!

I was just trying to return a kindness. I hope I still will be able to do that!

Eastbay1K

It is not black dress. Business causal is plenty. More than plenty for some (of course, this would depend on the location).

CMK10

I've dined a couple of times at Palms restaurants and both times had a very good experience. I wouldn't hesitate to host a gathering there (especially if I had a gift card!). Hope it's a good meal!

csufabel

As Eastbay1K said, business casual is perfectly fine.

Even if you have the full value, $100 is probably your meal and half of someone else's. Depending of you get there during Happy Hour, YMMV.

BearX220

If you don't have cocktails or wine and stick to starters plus entrees, and maybe split a dessert, figure $40-$50 per head plus tip.

Starwood Lurker

Agree with CMK10. The wife and I dined at The Palm in San Antonio for a wedding anniversary and it was one of the five best steaks I've ever eaten.

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SFflyer123

I saw that there was a Palm in Vegas, I believe at Caesar's palace. Everytime I walk by, it's packed. Anybody ever go to that one?

swag

You can see menus with pricing by using the "download pdf menu" dropdown from the menu page.

http://www.thepalm.com/files/filesPa...nnerTysons.pdf

dgreen12

I've been there three or four times. Good Palm experience. If the dining room is full, try eating at the bar. Works fine for me.

CMK10

One of my goals in life is to get a caricature of me at a Palms dining room. I'm not sure yet what for (probably not for being a local baseball legend) but I'm sure I'll think of something

BigBopper

I'm pretty certain if you spend enough money, you can get one.

A former vendor for my wife eats there (usually with family and guests) at least 2 a week every week. I can't remember if it was Palm or Palm 2 in NY. It's literally a table waiting for him, everyone comes over to greet him, drink waiting situation. After many years of this the put up a caricature of him, his wife and his daughter in the corner next to their regular table.