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Dining out isn't always
By DAVID ZINMAN
of TheColumnists.com
What kind of service should you expect at a good restaurant?
I thought about that recently because my b.w. and I had some
bad eating-out experiences.
At one place, we had to wait 15 minutes before a waiter came
to our table. It took another 20 minutes before our order was
taken. When the food finally came, it wasn't our order. When
everything was finally straightened out, the food was cold.
On another occasion, we went out with another couple and asked
for separate checks. We were told "sorry." The restaurant's
policy did not allow that.
Most of the time, we have found restaurants serve you promptly
and don't make a fuss over separate checks. Now and again, we
have a disappointing experience. But that can be subjective.
What are things to look for when you want to judge the quality
of service in a good resaurant.
To find out, I asked a veteran restaurant owner and longtime
friend, just what he thinks you're entitled to when you eat out.
The restauranteur, Joseph W. Hall, has for more than 20 years
run a successful steak and seafood restaurant in Aliquippa, Pa.,
near Pittsburgh. People come there from far and wide not only
because the food is good and reasonably priced but also because
the service is excellent.
Here are some important things Hall says a customer should expect
at a better restaurant:
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1. You should be greeted
and seated promptly. Your table should have a tablecloth or placemats. 2. Your server should show up within two minutes to offer you something to drink. 3. On that first trip, the server should also notice--or ask, if there happens to be a delay in the kitchen--if you need your order quickly because you are going somewhere or because you are really hungry. 4. You should get separate checks if you ask for them. With today's technology, restaurants can easily do this with only a little more effort. 5. Your server should tell you the specials AND their prices. You don't need to be left wondering what they are going to charge you. Also, beware if there is a long list of specials. Why aren't they listed on the menu? Three or four should be enough. 6. Your meal should come with a potato or vegetable. You shouldn't be charged extra for them. 7. Your food should be served promptly and someone should be there to check that it is. Hot food should be served hot. And cold food cold. 8. If you have dropped or lost your knife or other utensil, you should get a replacement without a hassle. The same applies if you want another glass of wine or a beverage refill. 9. If something is not done to your satisfaction, the management should handle your complaint politely and in quiet way. 10. After dinner, you should be offered dessert and coffee within a reasonable time. Coffee should come with half and half. If the restaurant gives you a coffee whitener, it probably uses cheaper ingredients in other courses as well. Your check should come in a reasonable time and not delay your leaving. |
Hall adds some things to look for: Is the outside clean? If there is a wait, do they tell you how long it will be (so you can decide to stay or not)? Is the table clean? Are the employes smiling or do they look stressed out?
And finally, is the restroom clean? If it isn't, what does that say about their kitchen?
"In sum," Hall says, "there are many ways to judge a restaurant. The bottom line is: when you leave, will you go back? If you think the answer is 'yes,' it probably was a good choice."'
©2004 by David Zinman. The Zinman caricature is ©2001 by Jim Hummel. The drawing is from IMSI's Master Clips Collection, 1895 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael, CA, 94901-5506, USA.