Separate checks
Feb 18th, 2014, 09:43 AM
#41
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Just to clarify the point about mixed drinks before - or (gasp!) with a meal.
If you go to upscale restaurants with a largely non-Italian clientele you will find some places do serve cocktails (like the Bellinis at Harry's in Venice) - but this is not the norm in the average or modest Italian restaurant. In those places one drinks wine or water with the meal - and coffee AFTER the meal.
If you go to upscale restaurants with a largely non-Italian clientele you will find some places do serve cocktails (like the Bellinis at Harry's in Venice) - but this is not the norm in the average or modest Italian restaurant. In those places one drinks wine or water with the meal - and coffee AFTER the meal.
Feb 18th, 2014, 10:23 AM
#42
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What I love about this thread are the screeds where people state their own idiosyncratic ways of eating and of viewing the world while denigrating other people's idiosyncratic ways of eating and of viewing the world.
The conclusion here, although it was not the original question or intent, is never travel with anyone else on the Fodor's boards, unless you schedule time for self-righteous bickering.
The conclusion here, although it was not the original question or intent, is never travel with anyone else on the Fodor's boards, unless you schedule time for self-righteous bickering.
Feb 18th, 2014, 10:37 AM
#44
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Newtone
That is a reasonable and logical compromise, thus it would have small chance of success.
What I think I am going to suggest is as follows:
1. Politely ask if the waiter can split the check. I hate to hear how they will pronounce the word for check in Italian but include at least one per favore and grazie.
2. If the waiter refuses, quietly demure and use whatever plan they group has devised to solve this riddle.
3. Stand away.
That is a reasonable and logical compromise, thus it would have small chance of success.
What I think I am going to suggest is as follows:
1. Politely ask if the waiter can split the check. I hate to hear how they will pronounce the word for check in Italian but include at least one per favore and grazie.
2. If the waiter refuses, quietly demure and use whatever plan they group has devised to solve this riddle.
3. Stand away.
Feb 18th, 2014, 10:46 AM
#45
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The aforementioned example of receipt being needed to get expenses reimbursed is a bit too.. narrow.
We have 28 different tax regimes over here, and in several it is quite the opposite:
I won't get meal expenses back if I just "invite myself". I NEED other people from different companies on my receipt so the taxman will accept it as business expenses.
Instead of rotating around the principle (and honestly, no one in Firenze or Roma gives a youknowwhat about how you in New York City think his business should be run) I would look for alternative solutions.
If you feel that you have free-loaded on the others in your party because you got a more expensive meal why not buy your friends a round of drinks afterwards, or pay for the taxi back to the hotel?
I would have assumed that you have friends around you when you travel, and that no one is keeping track of pennies lost or gained... Who wants to travel with a bunch of accountants
We have 28 different tax regimes over here, and in several it is quite the opposite:
I won't get meal expenses back if I just "invite myself". I NEED other people from different companies on my receipt so the taxman will accept it as business expenses.
Instead of rotating around the principle (and honestly, no one in Firenze or Roma gives a youknowwhat about how you in New York City think his business should be run) I would look for alternative solutions.
If you feel that you have free-loaded on the others in your party because you got a more expensive meal why not buy your friends a round of drinks afterwards, or pay for the taxi back to the hotel?
I would have assumed that you have friends around you when you travel, and that no one is keeping track of pennies lost or gained... Who wants to travel with a bunch of accountants
Feb 18th, 2014, 10:51 AM
#46
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The word for check is "conto", pronounced roughly "KOHN toh". You would said "possiamo avere quattro conti, per favore?"
The solution with the kitty is one that was followed when we went on a cycling trip with eight other people in Lombardia. Everyone put in the same amount initially, and the kitty holder told us when it was running low, so we could add to it. The only difference would be that the drinkers would put some extra in every day to cover their wine tab.
The solution with the kitty is one that was followed when we went on a cycling trip with eight other people in Lombardia. Everyone put in the same amount initially, and the kitty holder told us when it was running low, so we could add to it. The only difference would be that the drinkers would put some extra in every day to cover their wine tab.
Feb 18th, 2014, 11:10 AM
#48
We usually just split the check. But if someone wants separate checks, that's OK.
When we were in Spain last year the other couple wanted separate checks and that's what we did. I never question the other couple for their reasons.
With this same couple in the US we have just split the check.
When we were in Spain last year the other couple wanted separate checks and that's what we did. I never question the other couple for their reasons.
With this same couple in the US we have just split the check.
Feb 18th, 2014, 11:23 AM
#51
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My sister pays all the bills when her group travels, keeps all the checks, marks who had what, and works out who owes what when they get home. She doesn't mind. It takes very little time. The others trust her.
Feb 18th, 2014, 11:37 AM
#53
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Bvlenci
Thank you for the translation and pronunciation. I will gladly pass the along to my sister. Please note that the word "conto" is very close to a very vulgar word in English.
Cold
Please find out if your sister is available for a trip to Italy.
Thank you for the translation and pronunciation. I will gladly pass the along to my sister. Please note that the word "conto" is very close to a very vulgar word in English.
Cold
Please find out if your sister is available for a trip to Italy.
Feb 18th, 2014, 12:09 PM
#55
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What if you're traveling for business? You don't get to eat?
Whether traveling or not you need to eat. That is why a business lunch must include others; you are being paid for the transactional element (time spent at work) of the meal.
Whether traveling or not you need to eat. That is why a business lunch must include others; you are being paid for the transactional element (time spent at work) of the meal.
Feb 18th, 2014, 12:44 PM
#57
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To answer the OP's question. The practice of asking for separate checks is not all that common in Italy. One thing that may help is that the single check presented will be fully detailed, so each diner can pay their proper share.
