Long but interesting for a discussion--would you order this way? Why? Why not?

Tweet

Of 48 years in the work force I spent 38 in the restaurant business--primarily as a waiter--I know, I know, server is more politically correct--and, now and then, as a captain, host, maitre 'de, shift leader, etc. I have worked in 5 star restaurants, delis, coffee shops, steak houses, Italian restaurants and so on. (As a friend said, "Can't you keep a job?") In whatever place I worked I knew what was good and what wasn't--what the chef excelled at and what was average or worse. Many times when a new party came in I would make suggestions (usually, as later became the case in many restaurants, after I announced the house specials for the day). In two restaurants I even would say that if they didn't like what I ordered for them I would pay for it--I never had to pay--whew! When I walk into a new and/or strange restaurant and the server (got that!) asks what I would like to order I would answer that I would leave it in their hands. Some of their reactions were priceless! The better ones would immediately ask what I didn't like and when I answered that I liked everything they would breath with relief. And my adding, "Your tip depends on how good it is" elicited a smile. Why would I order that way? Again the server knows what is good. As a rule they won't serve you a dish just because it costs a lot. They won't push a special just to please the boss unless it is special. (Believe me most 'specials aren't--they are, generally, something the chef wants to use up or the boss wants to get rid of.) A smart waiter (ooops! Server!) will do their best to give me a memorable meal and in many cases, in many new and/strange restaurants I have had just that. One of my greatest meals was in the Kings Cross section in Sydney, Australia where I told the server I wanted the best Australian dinner of 'native' foods and it was just that. He had to explain to me some of the things I had eaten--yes, after I had them because not knowing before made it more of an adventure! Many of the foods (roo's) are familiar today in the States but wasn't then. Give it a try next time--start off easy by going to a restaurant you are familiar with--you will probably have the best meal you ever had there! (And if not I will NOT reimburse you! :o) ) And get the courage up to do it in a completely different restaurant where you aren't familiar with the food served. Have you ever had Salti En Bocca in an Italian restaurant? Aren't you tired of having chow mein in a Chinese restaurant? How about paella in a Spanish restaurant? Go ahead--discover a new world even in the chain restaurants. You can thank me after.