Originally Posted by
dchristiva
I'd never accept burned food. If the waiter responded appropriately and promptly to my reaction to the burned food, I would likely tip my typical amount. If he/she expressed disinterest, the tip would go down. The waiter doesn't make the food, nor can he/she read my mind, so it's not fair to penalize him/her for something beyond his/her control or if I don't voice my objections.
Yes, it is the attitude that matters.
In the OP's case, the waiter should have been the liason between him and the manager which did not happen!
Also, the absolute worse thing that a waiter can do is to complain or confront you about the tip.
If he/she would inquire as to why there was no tip and attempted to make up for it, I would tip without hesitation.