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 foodThis 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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