Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 31821518)

If someone chooses not to finish a meal, the server shouldn't call attention to this fact. It can be very awkward.

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 31821518)

My pet peeve is when servers remove plates before everyone has finished the course, or worse, distributes menus for dessert when some haven't finished their main course. Usually I refuse then to order dessert and tell them why.

Originally Posted by corky (Post 31819095)

What's wrong with that? I think it is good service to inquire if everything is ok or do we want anything else (not 5 times but at least once) and to notice if food is uneaten. If there was a problem with the food they might want to report it to the kitchen or maybe even offer to comp something. I WANT the restaurant to care if I didn't like my food. I also don't get a problem with offering a doggie bag. :confused:

Originally Posted by bensyd (Post 31823390)

I hate this too. If someone wants to tell a waiter they didn't like the food because of x then they will, the waiter need not prompt.

Originally Posted by bensyd (Post 31823390)

This is lack of the most basic training.

Originally Posted by deker0 (Post 31825004)

In my opinion, if one person has completely finished their meal and others are still eating, it's ok to ask if that one person would like the plate removed as it can free up some room at the table. No one else at the table should be asked as they are still eating.

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 31821518)

I hate when the server keeps interrupting the conversation to ask whether everything is OK, etc.

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 31821518)

My pet peeve is when servers remove plates before everyone has finished the course, or worse, distributes menus for dessert when some haven't finished their main course.

Originally Posted by bensyd (Post 31823390)

This is lack of the most basic training.

Originally Posted by bensyd (Post 31827267)

But the reason you don't remove the plate is because it makes the other diners, who haven't finished, feel as though they are being rushed.

Originally Posted by FLYMSY (Post 31830098)

x 1000%

I was dining with about 7 others in a higher end restaurant and my meal came out a little later than the others. The others finished their meals before me and two waiters and the assistant manager came over and cleared off EVERYTHING from the table, including glasses, salt/pepper shakers, etc. The only thing left on the table was my plate and glass. The table, otherwise, was completely bare. I stopped eating and went to speak with the general manager. After telling him the problem, he completely understood and brought us a bottle of Champagne and desserts for everyone. Additionally, I told him to clear my plate because I wasn’t going to be the only person eating in that situation. Also, comped my meal.

That type of service is only acceptable at McDonald’s.

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 31821518)

I hate when the server keeps interrupting the conversation to ask whether everything is OK, etc.

If someone chooses not to finish a meal, the server shouldn't call attention to this fact. It can be very awkward.

My pet peeve is when servers remove plates before everyone has finished the course, or worse, distributes menus for dessert when some haven't finished their main course. Usually I refuse then to order dessert and tell them why.

Originally Posted by Hank Moody (Post 31729270)

My friction point is the 4% surcharge. Since when does the price of an item not include all components of business overhead? Restaurant owners should "man-up" and adjust retail prices to cover these costs rather than hiding them into the fine print at the bottom of the menu.

Originally Posted by davie355 (Post 31619639)

I couldn’t believe it. This is the same restaurant that called me during work hours to confirm a reservation I’d made online.

The service was friendly, but slow and incompetent. One wrong item and one duplicate item was served to my table. The food was nicely presented but tasted like crap. And the prices were exorbitant, but I knew that going in.

Unusual for a restaurant in the US, payment was done by handheld electronic card reader brought to the table. I was asked to sign and select from one of the precomputed tips: 18%, 20%, 25%, with the last option being selected by default. Oh, of course on the receipt a 4% surcharge had already been added for compliance with health insurance laws of California, whatever that means.

25%!

I’m likely to find the restaurant owner’s email address and e-tear him a new one.