just to post a few of my observations on my trip to paris and amsterdam. this was my wife's and my fourth trip to paris, so we've frequented some of the same restaurant's on each of our trips. the restaurant workers that i have met in paris really are concerned that "all" americans hate them because of their lack of support of the war. but on the other hand, they say all they ever wait on are dumb americans, with semi comtempt. i might mention that i own three restaurants so i do look below the surface, and i would consider myself an easy guest. amsterdam was as always, friendly, what a quality of life! our one bad experience was just south of brugge on n50 at a place called De Oude Meerlaan. the place was busy, the menu looked great, BUT THEY WOULDN'T WAIT ON US. we sat, and sat, and sat, and yes, we had showered. as we saw people coming and being waited on that arrived 20 minutes after us, and not a server making any eye contact, we climbed in the car and went down the road. the next place couldn't have been more different, not a word spoken in english, but the staffs warmth came through clearly. great meal, nice people. in all the restaurants that i have visited, never had i been refused service, maybe a bad attitude, but that happens everywhere.

That is really bizarre. Maybe you were in an area that was in between waiters - one getting off & one coming on or maybe yours was on break and someone else was supposed to cover. But, then again, you're in the restaurant biz so I'm sure you've thought of these possibilites. Anyway, glad that you found a better place down the road. I'm sure eating at that other just wasn't in your destiny. : )

I was in Paris about 4 weeks ago and a French family & I were carrying on a conversation and one gentleman stated that many French people he knew were afraid to come to the U.S., that they might be hurt somehow. That really blew me away as it hadn't even occurred to me that they might be having the same fears as us. So I told him about all the media hype that had been going on prior to my trip about Americans being hurt in France and he was flabbergasted as he said it was very few incidences and made a comment about the really crazy, bad people who make a country look bad. We had a good laugh over our media manipulating us and I ended up by saying I was glad I wasn't afraid to travel to Paris. : D

It didn't strike me as bizarre at all -- I've had that happen to me several times. Not a lot, but it has happened to me, only I think it was because I was a single woman. It was pretty obvious when couples who entered after me were getting menus, attention and even ordering while I was sitting there politely looking expectant, clearly ready for service. I guess you don't have that reason (being a single woman). It's happened to me only a couple of times overall in any restaurant, but it happens. I finally walked out, also.

Christina,
I have not had that happen in Europe, but it has happened in the US several times. Here I go find a manager and complain before I leave (I will NOT stay and eat after my complaint, but I want the management to understand the cost!) I have actually found I seem to attract more attention in Europe and since some of the patrons are talking to me, it is harder for the waiter to ignore me. (I seem to be the kind of women that Grandfathers are drawn to!!)

Richadsonsnm,
I have one question that I am sure I will get slamed for, but... I leave Thursday and it looks like it is fairly cool. Did it "feel" cool? I am trying to pick a coat!

When I feel I am being ignored in restaurants and I really want to eat there i.e. I am very hungry or can't be bothered to look for anywhere else then I make myself known to the waiting staff. This always works and usually brings an apology also. Just smile and say something like Excuse me could you bring me the menu please.. I can practically guarantee that you'll be looked after. Don't assume that you're being ignored on purpose. The staff simply might not see you or they may assume you're waiting to be joined by friends.