...there with fork in hand and fork in salad, or even if I am chewing. It almost seems obvious that I am not finished. This really gets on my nerves. Does this ever happen to you and what do you do about it?
2007-03-24 18:33:40 · 11 answers · asked by Cas 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
If it's that obvious you're eating, then I agree it's quite rude! She has eyes, doesn't she? I'd probably say something like 'well, what does it look like???'
But if I were mostly chatting with friends and only taking an occasional bite, or if I were a very slow eater and the rest of the company were long finished, however, then it's more understandable, and I'd just answer 'yes, I'm still eating, thanks'.
2007-03-24 23:21:05 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it happens to me very often. And, it is not because I am a slow eater. It is because I have 2 small kids to whom I am attending. There've been times when I am helping a kid across the table, and the waiter takes away my plate, from under me :-)
I used to let it go, then started politely, "No, I am still not done".
Now, I make a small(really tiny)scene, glancing from my fork to the plate to the waiter, with a look of complete bafflement on my face.
what I hate even more, is when they interrupt you when you are in mid-sentence.
Really, I've found that the more upscale restaurants are better at this.
isn't there some way of putting the fork/spoon/knife that indicates you are done ?
2007-03-25 11:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by MB 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people eat slow, and that's all there is to it. Servers should never be rude however, and rushing the customers is just not on.
Reply politely, but then don't leave a tip - it's your right and privilege.
Anyway, what's wrong with keeping your salad alongside your main course, European style? Where does it say that a salad has to be finished first?
2007-03-25 09:33:26 · answer #3 · answered by Vivagaribaldi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must be a slow eater like someone I know.
She just stabs the server in the leg with her fork. ;-)
Servers are usually busy and probably don't have time to come watch your table for a minute to see if you're still eating before they ask you this stupid question. Just let it go and say "I'm not done yet" or "working on it" since it's easier and less effort than making a scene or being a smart-***.
Plus if you say something snotty they'll probably spit on your main course if it's coming out after you finally finish your salad.
2007-03-25 02:11:57 · answer #4 · answered by postcibal 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a waitress, that is not cool. That is why we have eyes. Or if I have checked on the table several times I have someone walk by to see if they are done. In most cases I would tell the customer approx. how long their food would take to cook and ask them how long before they would like me to turn the order in, or tell them was food was just about up would you like me to bring it out or wait a couple of minutes. But if we were really busy I would tell them that I was putting their food in right away not knowing how behind the kitchen was. If they wanted to order apps at that point I would tell them that they might not be getting it before the food even though I opened their food ticket twice to ring the food in separately. I gues that was why I had several requests.
2007-03-25 01:57:25 · answer #5 · answered by vicki p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Food servers certainly vary in helpfulness and etiquette. It is possible he is trying to rush you through your meal to seat more parties to either alleviate the wait for a table or to earn more tips for the night. It is best to totally ignore it and carry on enjoying your meal. If the server keeps bothering you, make sure he/ understands you do not care to be rushed. The hint will be taken if he wants a decent tip!
2007-03-25 01:46:15 · answer #6 · answered by - 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
just chill. just tell the server you ARE still working on it, in a nice way. maybe the server is busy (imagine that!!) and is not scrutinizing your every move, but rather, trying to make sure you are not sitting w/a dirty plate in front of you.
2007-03-25 01:44:03 · answer #7 · answered by lenaateach 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
at least he didn't snatch your plate away while you were still eating. I'd rather have someone ask me if i'm still working on it than just take it without asking.
2007-03-25 02:21:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually I'm not sure "working on it" means what you think it means. It might mean if you need your veggies cut or something, but I'm not sure either. Although it would make sense if it wasn't what your thinking.
2007-03-25 01:41:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask them if they take tips. If they say "Yes" ask them (like Dr. Phil) "How's that working out for you?"
2007-03-25 01:51:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋