Why is silverware in so many American restaurants NASTY?

Question

I was appalled on a recent visit to Austin, Texas by the filthy silverware routinely given to diners apparently to get them in and get them out ASAP so more money can be made. These places --Pancake House and one famous Barbeque restaurant whose name I have been fortunate enough to forget -- were NASTY! I don't mean water spots on forks either. I am Texan, but do not remember this in any restaurant in the early 80s before I came to Europe. And now they also expect a 20% tip for service?!? People, I tip for GOOD service and that includes, most especially, sanitary silverware! Do American establishments now condone such barbaric practices as a former diner's spinach hanging off a fork or nasty milky, dried gunk on spoons served to patrons? Are there no standards or pride in a business anymore? Are most Americans uncomplaining to the point of barbarism? It is about STANDARDS, people. If you screw up on silverware, I and many others won't be returning. Ever! Serious responses only.

Answer 1

I work in a restaurant, not in TX, though. Silverware is harder to get clean because things do get stuck in between the fork tines. At the two different restaurants I've recently worked at they clean there silverware in different ways. At one place they soak the silverware in water and cleaner as soon as it's brought back from the table. This seems to help alot, it then gets dumped into a tray to be run thru the dishwasher. Then we sort the silverware into groups and stand them up in a special container and run it thru the dishwasher again. If this is all done properly and not too much silverware is stuffed into the special container, everything gets clean. But, it does happen that something will be stuck to something. We wrap our silverware at this restaurant, meaning, we wrap a napkin around one knife, fork and spoon and then put it in a container for later use. So, the server/waitress that sees the dirt, might not care or might not see it and then the server/waitress that gets that container later (almost always a different one) doesn't know what the silverware looks like. So, don't not tip the person just because of that. Let them know and they will go get you a clean whatever, they are most likely embarrased that you got yucky silverware, I know I am, when it happens.

So, I hope that helps you understand. No, American establishments do not condone any such thing. Yes, there are quite stingent standards to follow. Americans are not barbaric. Accidents happen, I'm sorry you got stuck with yucky silverware more than once. Next time, relax and say "Excuse me, can I get a clean fork, please. Thanks." Your dining experience will be much better for it. Isn't that the most non barbaric thing too do...funny...I'm an American and that's what I would have done.

Answer 2

I live in the northern Great Plains, and I never have that problem. I would say it's the commercial dishwashers that are bringing low quality silverware to your table. Dishwashers are terrible at removing caked on food and a busy restaurant is probably not going to spend the time pre-washing like we might do at home. I agree that dirty silverware is a real turn-off, and having that disgust reflect in your tip is perfectly fine. People do take pride in their establishments. You just have to find those who do and give them your business. You don't have to settle for less. America is very big, so find a different place to eat!

Answer 3

having worked as a waitress i do understand what you mean. i do understand the story from both sides. A lot of times, especially during rushes they put as much silverware as they can fit into the dish tank and what happens is that sometimes food sticks due to the lack of drainage room. This is all thanks to high turnover. But heres what gets me. Anyone who has worked for a retaurant that has a dish tank area knows how utterly disgusting they are. And we continue to eat from the dishes that are run through this tank machine. To me, the silverware with a piece of food stuck to it it cleaner than the dish tank area. And thinking about that makes me want to never eat out again.

Answer 4

most restaurants use automated dishwashers that run the cycles quickly through them. Complain to the management as they may realize the silverware is dirty. Not all American restaurants are this way.

Answer 5

i dont take care of ponderosa a lot, ive under no circumstances had dinner there besides the undeniable fact that the lunch wasnt very strong and the breakfast buffet provided alot of about 6 issues besides the undeniable fact that that could want to easily be in orlando. i respect mcdonalds yet im an adolescent its quick and cheap and strong. so yeh thats probable why maximum persons do appart from no longer having time to set up dinner

Answer 6

too much silverware is dumped onto ONE flat rack and put threw the machine once. But then, it is the servers job to sort and polish all the silverware. The process gets lost. But, if you want, you can blame your server. chances are they handled it last.

Answer 7

Because they have so many peices of silverware to clean they dont take the time to clean everyone of them good.

Answer 8

Did you tell the manager? It isn't the waitresses fault if the table is set by someone else. She isn't the one who does the dishes either.
It is ultimately the fault of the owner/manager for not keeping close watch on quality.

Answer 9

Dishwasher probaly does not work right in most places and they do not rinse before and the food gets caked on. I know I have noticed this too.

Answer 10

Just think of all the people who have had that silverware in THERE mouth and think about where their mouth has been and what else could be in it. Carry your own, that's what I do.