Sitting at the sushi bar - do you tip the chef?
Jun 8, 2010 | 6:46 pm
#2
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I'd suggest buying the chef a beer or sake if you want to do something (I've done that a number of times in the past). I've slipped a chef money for phenomenal service on a regular basis (I was going to a sushi bar in Sydney several times per week), but for the most part I don't think tipping is necessary. The chefs aren't expected to work on tips and receive a normal wage. It's really not much different from tipping or not tipping a chef who works in the kitchen.
Jun 8, 2010 | 8:45 pm
#3
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I usually don't sit at the bar, because I usually find the seating uncomfortable. When I do sit there (such as when no table seating is available), I wouldn't feel compelled to tip the sushi chef unless I had asked the chef for something extraordinary and/or an item that was not on the menu.
Jun 9, 2010 | 8:04 am
#5
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What about when there is a tip jar by the sushi chef? Does that make a difference?
I usually tip the sushi chef if I ask for modifications from the standard rolls on the menu.
I usually tip the sushi chef if I ask for modifications from the standard rolls on the menu.
Jun 9, 2010 | 3:45 pm
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Jun 9, 2010 | 7:08 pm
#11
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The tip jar doesn't bother me.
Jun 11, 2010 | 7:54 am
#13
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only if you are a regular.... if this is not done right, it can be insulting, especially in Japan. my approach it to gift a bottle of wine...
only if you are a regular.... if this is not done right, it can be insulting, especially in Japan. my approach it to gift a bottle of wine...
Jun 11, 2010 | 12:09 pm
#14
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huh, wine, who would have guessed??
I always try to sit at the sushi bar as I've found many a chef to be very proud of their craft and will offer suggestions to try things I might not have or even to offer small samplings of what they feel is best or a new prep they are trying. I enjoy this type of interaction^
to answer the tip question, I guess only if there was a tip jar I might tip but only if I felt it was earned.
I always try to sit at the sushi bar as I've found many a chef to be very proud of their craft and will offer suggestions to try things I might not have or even to offer small samplings of what they feel is best or a new prep they are trying. I enjoy this type of interaction^
to answer the tip question, I guess only if there was a tip jar I might tip but only if I felt it was earned.
Jun 12, 2010 | 3:09 pm
#15
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