Hi Boyd!

Boy have I think we've all been there. I feel your frustration. I have seen this situation played out TOO many times in All of the restaurants I have worked in.

Here are some sure fire TACTICS that I use over and over again to get Excellent service when I dine out! (I have been on the other side as a waiter at the Four Seasons and other restaurants, so these have been used by me and on Me :->)They WORK!!!

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE YOU COULD:

- CALL AHEAD and request for Leila!

- Visit the restaurant and speak with the MANAGER. Let him/her know the OCCASION and what you EXPECT of the evening. Meet Leila again and remind her of YOUR NAME and Your WIFE's NAMe.

It's a nice touch when you arrive with your wife and are greeted with a "Welcome back Mr. and Mrs. Stone. Your waitress Leila will be right with you!" (I've Impressed many a date with this one)

- Hey you could also have your server arrive with you and your wifes favourite wine/beverage. (very nice touch)

SET THE STAGE WHEN A SERVER ARRIVES...

- Smile AND use THEIR NAME. If no name, ASK THEM! It shows that you are a seasoned restauranteur and it sets you apart from everyone else.

* I may be from the "old-school" with this one, but I do believe in Ladies first! Majority of times I find that the server looks towards the gentlemen first when they ask what would you like to drink/order! (As a server, I did this once and the gentlemen calmly gestured towards his wife with his hand...I GOT THE POINT !!!) Ever since I have been "CALMLY GESTURING" towards my dates whenever we dine out. It makes an impression on the waiter (which says I know What I Like..and What I Expect)

- Please look me in the EYE when your talking. Please don't bury your face in the menu. (Talking to the top of peoples head is embarassing.)

- If you haven't already, let them know what the occasion is.

- Make sure you know what you want to order! (No need to frustrate a 'busy' server)

- Pick 2 items from the menu. Ask them how long what you ordered usually takes to make. Then casually look at your watch. (As a waiter I have just committed myself to ensure that the food arrives during that time.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

- Write a Positive comment on the back of their copy of the bill with their name thanking them. Sign it.

- Ask to see their manager. Tell them how satisfied/ Unsatisfied you were with their service. (Managers will not forget you if you become regulars)

- Tip BIG if service was great!...If shoddy service Tip Lower and Let management know what could have been Improved with SUGGESTIONS for improvement.

MORE TIPS:

- In terms of steaks, It may not be your servers fault, It is usually the back staffs (the cooks)

- If service is not up to your expecatations you could always talk with management and state that service is not up to your expectations.

Happy Dining Boyd.

Duane Adolph

> Hi!

> Sorry about the incomplete subject line.

> I need some surefire ways of getting
> Excellent Service in restaurants.

> Backstory: recently some relatives came to
> visit, and my wife and I took them to a new
> steak place called Saltgrass. We happened to
> get an absolutely fabulous waitperson named
> Leila, and we all left the restaurant
> ecstatic about how great the experience was
> ($125 dinner check didn't detract from our
> happiness).

> A few weeks later my wife and I decided to
> celebrate something by going back to the
> same restaurant. Guess what happened? We got
> a slow, dumb, disinterested waitress who
> seemed to be on some kind of medication, our
> "well-done" steaks were raw
> inside, we had to practically beg for
> refills on coffee, etc., etc. To make the
> situation even more aggravating across the
> room we could see Leila giving other patrons
> the same kind of great service she had given
> our party on the earlier visit (Leila seemed
> to have an assistant that worked for her,
> I'm not sure how she had it set up, but
> between Leila and her assistant her tables
> got Royal Treatment). My wife and I were
> childishly disappointed, we got fussy with
> each other, had a fight at home, and the
> evening was just a Disaster! We don't want
> to repeat that experience!!!!!!

> Does anyone have techniques for demanding
> and receiving Great Service at any
> restaurant?

> Thanks in advance!

> - Boyd