by NATALIA HAWK
“Let’s get a pizza. You can pick which one,” I said to my boyfriend, who was poring over the restaurant’s lunch menu. And then we lapsed into silence as I went back to reading the newspaper in front of me.
The two of us didn’t really speak again after that, apart from the odd “want the sports section?” exchange. You know your relationship is solid when you can both shut up, read the paper together and not feel awkward about the complete lack of small talk.
Later, upon leaving the restaurant, I thought about how great the service had been. Quick, non-intrusive and polite. And then I realised that it was probably because the waiter had got the impression that the two of us were fighting.
You see, he probably took our silence and muttering for anger – and that’s why he seemed so cautious when juggling plates and pizzas around the table.
So – what does your waiter think about you? Take a look at the below list of how waiters read your table and see where you might fit in.
This from the Wall Street Journal:
1. If you’re chatty… A waiter is more likely to assume a friendly, chatty table is there to party. Get ready for more offers of drinks, dessert and a talkative waiter.
2. If you say ‘It’s OK’… To attentive waiters, saying food is ‘OK’ is a red flag that you aren’t happy with your meal. The waiter or manager might dig for more information to fix the problem.3. If you ask about the menu… Food questions are a sign that you either like learning about everything you might eat or you feel lost and need guidance. One menu question could lead to a long, full menu description. If you seem overwhelmed, the waiter might try to steer you toward a particular order.
4. If you grab the wine list first… Expect the waiter to focus wine explanations and questions about refills to you.
5. If you’re wearing a suit at lunch… Diners who look like they just stepped away from their cubicle, whether in a suit or business casual, are bound to get speedier service. The exception: If the waiter realizes the boss or valued client wants to set a slower pace by asking for more time before ordering or pulling out papers for a sales pitch.
Did you wince at any of these, when you realised the impression you give? Which one are you? AND WHAT ABOUT GROUP DINNERS?
Top Comments
As a firmer waitress, nothing annoys me more than people in large groups who can't remember what they ordered. So many people do it and I could never understand how it's that hard to remember what you ordered 10 minutes ago!
Interesting article. Great to hear from a waiter's perspective, however working in a service industry, 'service' is the key word. I'm saddened by how much service has gone downhill over the last few years. Nothing worse than waiters with attitude. And good polite service invariably impacts on whether the customer returns, a tip is left etc. When I receive good service, I always thank the waiter/waitress. If the food is good I let them know also, and hope that message actually gets to the kitchen. I agree with all the suggestions on being a good customer, it certainly goes a long way to making the experience good for all. So I thought I would leave a few comments on what I consider good service also by listing some of my pet peeves as a customer. Some but certainly not all waitstaff are letting the customer down.
* a smile goes a long way, don't stand and just stare at customer, eyebrows raised, pen at ready
* please don't leave me waiting or having to ask for menus once seated
* please serve from the right of the customer and don't lean across other diners to pass food
*please don't clear the plates until everyone is finished, it's rude of people are still eating
* please don't roll your eyes if I ask for cracked pepper, I like it better than the powdery stuff in the shakers and I'd like it before my meal gets cold.
* yes I probably would like another drink if I've finished and still eating
* I very much appreciate your attentive service and will respect and treat you well if you do the same for me, the paying customer.
I'm a waitress, a very good waitress actually. I agree with all of these points. However, I I have never compromised my dignity for good service. A lot of customers seem to think that taking on a condescending or outright aggressive demeanour is the way to get what they want. I guarantee you it is not. When customers are polite and treat me with respect I will treat them the same way. Don't assume I am so desperate for your gold that I will be humiliated for the sake of your over inflated ego. Bitter waitress rant over.
I hate seeing people be like that to wait staff.. I recently went on a blind date and was horrified at the passive agreesiveness of said egotistical male... I was left jaw-a-gaping a few times and even slapped him on the arm once.. he just didn't get it.. I gave him the benefit of the doubt for nerves for the first hour.. after that I just wanted to run, as fast as I could.. he never did understand why no second dinner date from me!!! Thank you for your wonderful service Mads!!!
Waitstaff are often rude because the constant rudeness of customers can really drag you down. I started off bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and naive...two years later, if the customer responds to my polite greeting with rudeness, well rudeness is what they get in return.
Clearing plates before everyone is finished is my pet hate. I actually spoke up the other day whilst we were out for lunch and said to two different waiters NO we are not ALL finished. I just want to eat in peace after the meal is served. i dont want to be hounded because you see someone has finished already.