Would you change tables in the middle of a meal?
Dec 2nd, 2007 | 12:55 AM
#21
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,236
Likes: 1
The waitress is stressed out. There's probably not enough help, too many angry customers, the cooks yelling at everyone as they place their orders and no one to really take charge.
I would have left too or would have asked for a free glass of wine, coffee or dessert. I bet she would have given it to you too.
Don't be afraid to demand compensation in Europe. We were at a highly recommended restaurant in Ascona (Osteria Nostrana) and my US friends order a glass of wine each. The waiter came out with an opened bottle, poured wine into their glasses and left. My friends tasted their wine and said it wasn't at all like cabernet savignon. I tasted it too and almost spat it out. It had been diluted with water! I asked for some new wine and the waiter brought them, undiluted and delicious. I wanted to complain to the boss afterwards but the restaurant was too full and the staff stressed out.
Anyway, my friends said they wouldn't have complained because they felt it was unhospitable. Please do complain if you genuinely feel the service or food is bad. Often the supervisor isn't aware of what is going on. And ask for compensation if you've waited too long for your food (such as a cup of coffee.)
By the way, customer turnover isn't as important as full tables. Don't think if you've been at the restaurant for one hour, it's time to leave. Most of the time, unless mentioned otherwise, the table has been reserved for you until closing.
I would have left too or would have asked for a free glass of wine, coffee or dessert. I bet she would have given it to you too.
Don't be afraid to demand compensation in Europe. We were at a highly recommended restaurant in Ascona (Osteria Nostrana) and my US friends order a glass of wine each. The waiter came out with an opened bottle, poured wine into their glasses and left. My friends tasted their wine and said it wasn't at all like cabernet savignon. I tasted it too and almost spat it out. It had been diluted with water! I asked for some new wine and the waiter brought them, undiluted and delicious. I wanted to complain to the boss afterwards but the restaurant was too full and the staff stressed out.
Anyway, my friends said they wouldn't have complained because they felt it was unhospitable. Please do complain if you genuinely feel the service or food is bad. Often the supervisor isn't aware of what is going on. And ask for compensation if you've waited too long for your food (such as a cup of coffee.)
By the way, customer turnover isn't as important as full tables. Don't think if you've been at the restaurant for one hour, it's time to leave. Most of the time, unless mentioned otherwise, the table has been reserved for you until closing.
Dec 2nd, 2007 | 01:42 AM
#22
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
tomboy wrote: <i>Often in Bavaria a restaurant will have a large table for people willing to share a table. It's called the "stammtische".</i>
Actually, a "Stammtisch" is the "regular's table" (usually in beer halls or village inns, rarely in restaurants), the only table where you should ask the waiters first before you sit down.
It's an old tradition to have that Stammtisch for the local "dignitaries", i.e. mayor, priest, etc.
Otherwise, it is the usual procedure to pick an empty table when there are some. And as normal to ask to share once the place is full.
Actually, a "Stammtisch" is the "regular's table" (usually in beer halls or village inns, rarely in restaurants), the only table where you should ask the waiters first before you sit down.
It's an old tradition to have that Stammtisch for the local "dignitaries", i.e. mayor, priest, etc.
Otherwise, it is the usual procedure to pick an empty table when there are some. And as normal to ask to share once the place is full.
