I know... youre wondering whether Im getting ready to school you on how to order food at a restaurant. This is a task nearly everyone does dozens (if not hundreds) of times a year. Theres no one special trick that will vault you over other diners to an extra level of respect from a restaurants staff, but I can offer a few pointers that might get you a higher standard of service when youre dining out.
First, you should make a reservation at all but the most casual dining spots. No matter what day of the week it is, and no matter what time youre showing up. Even a half an hour in advance is better than no notice at all. That way, youll be expected, your table will be as ready as possible and a server will likely already have been assigned to you.
If you have a chance, look over the menu in advance (unless you already know it by heart). I dont mean you need to decide what youre ordering before you walk in the door after all, your appetite may be tempted by certain aromas or an enticing description of the evenings specials once you arrive. But be aware of what kind of cuisine is offered there, what the general price range is, and whether there is a theme (like, maybe dont try to order an egg white omelet for dinner at a fancy seafood joint).
Give your server the tools to help them provide you with the best possible service. This includes indicating the tempo at which you plan to dine, (barring surprises) if it is going to be outside the realm of normal pacing. For instance: If youre on a time limit because of a show opening, simply let him know soon after youre seated, as in, Hey, we have an 8 p.m. curtain time, so well want to leave here by 7:30 if at all possible. Conversely, if youre catching up with friends you havent been out with for five years, maybe mention youll be taking your time (Were not in any hurry this evening) so the waiter can provide unhurried service, and you wont feel rushed.
Also, if you have allergies or sensitivities (or just an abiding hate for garlic), say so early on, and please dont lie. (I prefer my food lightly salted, rather than Im allergic to salt.)
Dont ask if menu items or specials are good. If a server thinks somethings spectacular and not to be missed, theyll tell you. Certainly, theyre not going to say, I wouldnt order the salmon. Its from last Tuesday, or, The sous chef really isnt very good at mussels. So, dont waste their time and yours by asking.
Speaking of not wasting time, it isnt necessary to read all the adjectives and descriptors from the menu back to your server. Instead of saying, Ill have the Ethereal Farms Pan-Roasted Rack of Grass-Fed Lamb with sautéed baby vegetables, Israeli couscous and Tomato-Spearmint beurre blanc, just say, Ill have the lamb, medium rare. All that other stuff automatically comes with it, you see, unless you request otherwise. And speaking of requesting otherwise: dont. Unless you have health-threatening allergies or severe aversions, let the kitchen prepare you the dish it has planned and practiced, and dont use the menu like a build-a-bear workshop.
And please, tip properly.
Remember, servers in Kentucky are allowed to be paid only $2.13 an hour by their employers. Its a crappy system, but its the one were stuck with for the time being. Basically, youre on the honor system to help pay them a living wage, so unless wait staff is actively rude or over-the-top incompetent tip 20 percent. If theres some reason you feel justified in tipping less, speak to a manager.
Really, the advice Im giving here can be distilled into a single sentence: A servers time is literally their money. In a way, diners have their end of the dining experience to uphold, too. While a pleasant interaction should be an automatic part of your transaction (and please do enjoy it when it is!), dont waste her time or your own. Theres silver to be rolled and ketchup bottles to marry and the curtain is going up at 8 with or without you.
Marsha Lynch has worked at many Louisville independent restaurants including Limestone, Jack Frys, Jarfis, L&N Wine Bar and Bistro, Café Lou Lou, Marketplace @ Theater Square, Fontleroys and Harvest.