I read with some amusement this story about how waiters and customers can understand each other better. I have a simpler and more effective solution: Everybody should spend at least a summer doing a food service job, preferably actually as a waiter. You'll have a much more thorough appreciation for what it's like on the other end of the serving tray that way. If the waiters of America are really lucky, your experience will be a crappy one (as mine most definitely was), because that will make you a patient diner and good tipper for life. Trust me on this one, there's no substitute for the experience.
Posted by Charles Kuffner on January 05, 2007 to Food, glorious food | TrackBackThis is so right. And waiters should be tipped at least time-and-a-half if you eat out on a holiday. This includes M.L. King Day coming up.
All people in service work who do a good job should be respected. People should be respected for the skills that they have and should be respected because all work has merit.
Posted by: TexasLiberal on January 5, 2007 12:20 PMAmen.
I'll never forget when a friend of mine who had waited on tables asked if I had ever done the same.
I worked in food service in college, but not for tips. I asked how she knew.
"You tip like one of us," she said.
I was so proud.
Posted by: boadicea on January 5, 2007 11:07 PMSo True.
Since wages (tips?) are now at a 50 year low, these jobs do not provide the way they used to.
I have last year started tipping fast food workers and suggesting that tip jars be available. You cannot live on their wages. They need help.
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