Tea Bags
Jan 5th, 2003, 06:02 PM
#1
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Tea Bags
I do realize that this is a loosely travel-related question, but I sincerely want to know - when served a selection of tea bags,and the server later brings a refill of hot water, is the restaurant's intention for the diner to reuse the bag? I may have too much time on my hands, but I've always wondered!
Jan 5th, 2003, 06:08 PM
#3
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I usually put the tea bag in the pot (rather than the cup) in restaurants, and if they bring me more hot water (rare occurrence), at least the bag's been sitting in there long enough to make the tea pretty strong and less likely to be too diluted with new hot water.
Two completely unrelated comments:
I wish wish wish restaurants would stock non-caffeinated teas and make sure their waitstaff know the difference between flavored teas (which are usually made with black or green tea, both with caffeine) and herb teas/infusions (which shouldn't have caffeine).
2. My aunt was so stingy ('how stingy was she?') that she'd dip a new tea bag just enough times to color the water and then hang the bag on a cup-tree to dry it out and reuse it. She always had the strangest looking cup-tree with bags hanging from its "branches" in her kitchen.
Two completely unrelated comments:
I wish wish wish restaurants would stock non-caffeinated teas and make sure their waitstaff know the difference between flavored teas (which are usually made with black or green tea, both with caffeine) and herb teas/infusions (which shouldn't have caffeine).
2. My aunt was so stingy ('how stingy was she?') that she'd dip a new tea bag just enough times to color the water and then hang the bag on a cup-tree to dry it out and reuse it. She always had the strangest looking cup-tree with bags hanging from its "branches" in her kitchen.
Jan 5th, 2003, 06:24 PM
#4
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I can top that stingy aunt. I once had an elderly lady neighbor who one day figured out how little tea there was in all the bags in a box of tea bags. So she bought bulk tea, cheap coffee filters, cut them up and made her own teabags. Now that's cheap!!!
I once bought her a tea infuser for using bulk tea, but she refused to use it, saying she preferred tea bags!!!
I once bought her a tea infuser for using bulk tea, but she refused to use it, saying she preferred tea bags!!!
Jan 5th, 2003, 06:32 PM
#5
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If your question pertains to the US, I think most people are unfamiliar with the finer points of tea drinking. That said, I think you can assume that a restaurant provides one bag per cup just like one pours one cup of coffee. If the server actually refills your hot water (unusual) , what's the harm in asking for another bag if you prefer it.
Just like a coffee refill. cheerio.
Just like a coffee refill. cheerio.
Jan 6th, 2003, 03:31 AM
#6
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To Patrick - one can buy empty tea bags by mail (although your elderly aunt probably would not do this as it costs almost as much as tea bags filled) to use with loose tea - I use a tea infuser but for more powdery teas (like Thai tea which is really a powder) it prevents little nasty tea things from escaping from the tea infuser.
I am primarily a coffee drinker, but it must be annoying to tea drinkers to get charged for each cup when coffee drinkers get free refills.
I am primarily a coffee drinker, but it must be annoying to tea drinkers to get charged for each cup when coffee drinkers get free refills.
Jan 6th, 2003, 04:00 AM
#7
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LOL T n C and Patrick!
It does seem rather unfair, not to mention stingy, not to allow tea-drinkers a seperate bag with each cup, when coffee drinkers get refill after refill. But then, all those soggy bags next to your cup would be pretty unappetizing .....
It does seem rather unfair, not to mention stingy, not to allow tea-drinkers a seperate bag with each cup, when coffee drinkers get refill after refill. But then, all those soggy bags next to your cup would be pretty unappetizing .....
Jan 6th, 2003, 05:48 AM
#8
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I always expect a fresh tea bag with each cup or small pot.
Before a server takes thepot away for a refill, I tear a corner off the teabag tag. That way, when they bring the pot back, I can tell if they put in a fresh tea bag or not.
PS. Does anyonone remember a tea hoddle?
Before a server takes thepot away for a refill, I tear a corner off the teabag tag. That way, when they bring the pot back, I can tell if they put in a fresh tea bag or not.
PS. Does anyonone remember a tea hoddle?
Jan 6th, 2003, 06:03 AM
#9
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Hmm, not sure what a hoddle is. But once when my mother started drinking tea instead of coffee we were at a rather elegant place and they put everything down in front of her. There was a little porcelain dish with a lid. She lifted it and called the waitress over to inform her the "sugar bowl is empty", to which the waitress replied, "no, dear, that is for your used tea bag". I thought at the time that was the height of class -- having a cover for your tea bag so you don't have to look at it, but I was so embarrassed by my mother's comment I wanted to crawl under the table. Isn't it funny what we remember from years ago?
Jan 6th, 2003, 06:10 AM
#11
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I usually drink coffee, but when I do drink tea, I want it STRONG. During a stop at the DC Old Post Office Pavilion we went to a baked goods stand & bought some goodies & beverages. I got a large coffee, my friend a large tea - I think the prices were like .90 and 1.39. All the extra money only bought her a little more hot water, but still only 1 teabag, even when a second was requested. Agree that tea drinkers are treated unfairly.
I remember the hottles used for tea and coffee when I was a busboy doing room service deliverys years ago. That was great how the small carafe fit right into a cup, giving the guest about 1 1/2 refills.
I like the infusers, but have sometimes at work just poured the tea right into the cup, and used my teeth to strain. Nasty? Yes, but I am a caffeine addict.
I remember the hottles used for tea and coffee when I was a busboy doing room service deliverys years ago. That was great how the small carafe fit right into a cup, giving the guest about 1 1/2 refills.
I like the infusers, but have sometimes at work just poured the tea right into the cup, and used my teeth to strain. Nasty? Yes, but I am a caffeine addict.
Jan 6th, 2003, 08:53 AM
#13
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to "tired" who posted about restaurant patrons using their own teabags: why is this bad? I'm asking sincerely, because I like to bring my own tea with me when I travel -- I'm just picky about the tea I drink and since I like green tea there aren't many restuarnts that carry it. I'm perfectly happy paying full price at a restaurant for tea when I'm only really having their hot water. Since it's actually saving the restaurant a teabag or two, why would you complain?
Jan 6th, 2003, 09:41 AM
#14
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Tired-
Maybe you should have a better selection of tea. People pay more for cappuccino, what makes you think they wouldn't pay more for PREMIUM tea?
Although I don't bring my own tea to a restaurant, I do bring my own tea bags when travelling...because my tea bags are better than what is generally available.
At airports I am frequently charged a dollar or more for a cup of hot water....but at least I get a decent cup of tea.
Maybe you should have a better selection of tea. People pay more for cappuccino, what makes you think they wouldn't pay more for PREMIUM tea?
Although I don't bring my own tea to a restaurant, I do bring my own tea bags when travelling...because my tea bags are better than what is generally available.
At airports I am frequently charged a dollar or more for a cup of hot water....but at least I get a decent cup of tea.
Jan 6th, 2003, 10:13 AM
#15
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OK, did i fail to mention that the people who request hot water and bring their own tea bags, sit and drink this tea, and DO NOT order food....they use up a table, that a PAYING customer could be sitting at and spend no $$$!!!! I'm trying to run a business here....
Jan 6th, 2003, 10:21 AM
#16
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Why don't you charge for the hot water then, "Tired"? Readers have already stated that they are willing to pay for the convenience. Those who don't wish to pay can walk. As far as not buying any food ... well I'm sure you've got as many who buy "a cup" of coffee, sit for an hour and never purchase food either. It's all part of the industry (yes, I've worked in it, including ownership) ... and remember: it's called the HOSPITALITY industry.
Jan 6th, 2003, 10:21 AM
#17
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To "tired,"
Sorry, I really can't credit your post. I suspect you aren't even a restaurant owner to begin with (if so, what on earth are you doing on line today? I know Mondays are usually slow days or you're closed, but ....). And the number of times I've ever seen someone order hot water and nothing else is ZERO (except in old movies when someone is having a baby -- apparently the midwives need tea! ;-) )
I'm also sick of restaurants that only offer Lipton or Tetley regular tea while offering 17 kinds of coffee. I carry my own tea bags, ask the waiter about their choice of teas ("uh, ya mean hot or iced? we only got iced tea and regular tea") and THEN I ask for a pot of hot water. No restaurant that does this should EVER get more than 2 stars in my book.
Sorry, I really can't credit your post. I suspect you aren't even a restaurant owner to begin with (if so, what on earth are you doing on line today? I know Mondays are usually slow days or you're closed, but ....). And the number of times I've ever seen someone order hot water and nothing else is ZERO (except in old movies when someone is having a baby -- apparently the midwives need tea! ;-) )
I'm also sick of restaurants that only offer Lipton or Tetley regular tea while offering 17 kinds of coffee. I carry my own tea bags, ask the waiter about their choice of teas ("uh, ya mean hot or iced? we only got iced tea and regular tea") and THEN I ask for a pot of hot water. No restaurant that does this should EVER get more than 2 stars in my book.
Jan 6th, 2003, 10:22 AM
#18
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Tired, unless you have lines of people waiting out the door for a table, aren't you still making money anyway even if they just want a drink? If it bothers you so much then just post a sign telling patrons they can't sit down unless they order food. Or have your waitstaff inform them. Do you have a bar area? You could ask people who just want coffee or water to move there. As a traveller I appreciate the places where I can come in for a bev and rest my feet. Of course if there's a crowd waiting to get iin and eat I move along and find someplace less busy.
Jan 6th, 2003, 10:41 AM
#19
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TO: Totally Tea'er
Believe it or not, Mr./Mrs. Smarty Pants, restaurant owners now have the AMAZING ability to have an office, where they do things such as payroll, inventory and yes, we occasionaly go on-line and check the fodors.com message board, because believe it or not - we travel too!!! I don't know where you come up with your ability to validate others occupations, but you either "owned" a burger shack, or didn't have any customers. You have no right to decide if my post was accurate or valid.
Believe it or not, Mr./Mrs. Smarty Pants, restaurant owners now have the AMAZING ability to have an office, where they do things such as payroll, inventory and yes, we occasionaly go on-line and check the fodors.com message board, because believe it or not - we travel too!!! I don't know where you come up with your ability to validate others occupations, but you either "owned" a burger shack, or didn't have any customers. You have no right to decide if my post was accurate or valid.
