Page 12 - Boca Exposure - August '19

Page 12, Boca Exposure
Dining Out: Some Good TIPS On Tipping!

By Alan Serinsky of Bocaire. honestly, I’m a little “tipsy”on the idea. This means I have waiting 45 minutes for your entree, delivering a cold plate
Hungry Al’s love of food started mixed feelings for both sides of the table. of food, or leaving your wine glass empty for at least 15
young. Never satisfied at the Yeah, there are countless times I’ve seen dinner tabs left minutes (that’s my limit).
family dinner table with his on tables with barely a 10 percent tip...if any at all. I know Check Please! So here’s my advice on tipping:
Mom’s dishes, he started to cook about the imbalance of wages between the dishwashers 1. If your waiter was attentive to your needs;
his own way through her Betty and the waiters. I feel sorry for servers who are subject to a 2. If the waiter delivered the food as expected;
Crocker cookbook. His food different standard with a smaller minimum wage. And I hear 3. If your waiter handled himself, or herself, professionally;
journey consisted of working all about how the owners of restaurants are dealing a low 4. If the waiter thanked you for sitting at his/her table...
many restaurants both as server and cook, attending 3 percent profit margin. But the bottom line is, Americans Then it’s your job to show your appreciation. A minimum
numerous cooking classes, and traveling the world in an aren’t going to take this change sitting down. They will fork of 20 percent is certainly not an outrageous compliment to
effort to expand his palette of different flavors and cuisines. over every excuse not to go against a tradition that’s been a these individuals who are working hard to pay their bills or
As a professional writer, Hungry Al will give you his staple with diners for decades. college tuitions.
perspective on current food trends and guide you through Like many of my fellow foodies, we want the privilege Now if the waiter is making you feel like he’s doing you
your local restaurant choices. to reward those waiters who have made our evenings more a big, fat favor walking a dish from the kitchen to the table, I
enjoyable. We also want the option to penalize the ones who suggest you leave him a minimum of 15 percent and a penny.
Food For Thought: Since I’m away from Florida this could care less about how they do their job. I bet you wouldn’t The penny is a message to him/her that they have no “cents”
month (my daughter is getting married), I thought it would be tip the dentist if he broke a tooth while cleaning your teeth. being in this business.
a good time to discuss a topic that is not only current but has Personally, I believe tipping should not be an obligation! Hungry Al welcomes your comments. (hungryal@
plagued my values and wallet for years. From my research, There’s no rationale for rewarding someone who keeps you comcast.net)
“tipping” basically started in Tudor England. Those seeking
lodging in private homes would pay their appreciation to host
servants in the way of “vails.” Obviously, it caught on.
The thing that bothers me the most is the criteria that folks Delray Design Center
use to determine their tipping philosophy. It amazes me the
reasoning that goes into making these decisions. And some
of them have nothing to do with the service. For example:
Why is the service staff responsible for the quality or design sales installation
quantity of the food order? Is the way a waiter dresses really
relevant to the tip amount (think Hooters)? Do you fall victim
to the tricks of the trade, like table side service, over-the-top Custom Cabinetry
spoon hanging sommeliers, or simply a nice smile and a
“Thank You...Alice” note on your check? for
These all play a huge part as to what legal tender is left
on the table. Kitchens
Back in my teen and college years, I spent a lot of days
and nights working as a waiter. I have no trouble recalling Bathrooms
the tough work and sometimes abuse waiters would endure.
So whoever thinks this job is a “walk in the kitchen” is Closets
very wrong. But if you’re smart and have skills to get the
bartenders to pour heavy drinks, the chef to fall victim to Entertainment
your brown-nosing, and a few desserts to freely find their
way to the table, then a 25 percent tip was quite possible. Centers
And in college, this would buy a whole lot of lemon drops
for you and your friends!
Read All About It...Declaration Of War On Tipping!
There is a recent trend for restaurants to consider, and in Stone and Tile for Counters, Flooring and Wall Tile
some cases take action on, eliminating the policy of tipping.
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