Good point made by mrbarolo as far as ethnic places such as Spoon-my above rant does not apply to this type of establishment. Also, the above rant isn't meant to single out the server as the (only) culprit. I've been told by servers that they have been instructed to say things like; "Still or Sparkling" by management.

stewed coot wrote:I've been told by servers that they have been instructed to say things like; "Still or Sparkling" by management.

To be very clear what kind of water I expect, I will often say, "Lake Michigan on ice." I can easily drink the local water that just happens to be free. Most servers smile with me, only a few go tsk, tsk.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:To be very clear what kind of water I expect, I will often say, "Lake Michigan on ice." I can easily drink the local water that just happens to be free. Most servers smile with me, only a few go tsk, tsk.

I love that one! I will use it henceforth!

I have been on both sides of this situation and I feel that prices should be provided for all items without being asked for. The old "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" idea is just plain snooty. If the rest of the menu has prices, then the specials should as well. The term "specials" is not very clear. Is it a special value or a special preparation? Can't tell without asking. If the server is going to provide a laundry list of ingredients in each special and expect me to memorize as I go along, then a price point should also be established. Providing a price means that I can make an educated decision and then I won't feel bilked out of some extra bucks by the establishment at the end of the meal.

I've seen this handled gracefully at some restaurants where the server described the daily specials and then left a piece of paper behind with the specials printed along with the prices.

Though I feel I should add, as far as Spoon is concerned, all this will do is make me remember to ask when I don't know - a good bet, anyway. Loved the one-bite salad last time we were there...

seebee wrote:

i_like_cereal wrote: "just to let you know mp of toro is $10/piece right now."

As a former server in a posh restaurant, bartender, and worker in the industry for several years, I can see this statement EASILY being taken the wrong way by a very subtle inflection in a server's voice even if not intended by the server. I would lose the "just to let you know" part, and offer the "Mp of toro is 10.00 per" as a non-chalant snippet of info while distributing the first round of drinks, or taking orders for the first round of drinks.

i would generally run through the night's specials and end the list with a "just in case you'd like to know"....this is because toro isnt really a special. however it's price, just like a special, is not listed. sooo, in case the customer is shy about asking mps i would put the info out there for them...just in case.

seebee wrote:

i_like_cereal wrote: "just to let you know mp of toro is $10/piece right now."

And if some dude seriously asked me if he looked poor, then I would open the flood gates. Maybe something along the lines of, "Well, most of the really wealthy people are very subdued, and try NOT to be noticed, but I don't think it would be very professional of me to answer your question. It's really none of my business."

haha that would be an ideal response. i think i just said "no, but i'd hate to have you surprised at the end of your meal when the check came." it pretty much smoothed things over...regardless he was a pain the whole night. i understand how mentioning the price after every special (esp if there are 5 or 6 specials) can be seen as crass/unclassy and tedious. but sometimes the sheer expense of a dish warrants it. a written insert with prices and descriptions would be awesome...truly the best solution.

Cathy2 wrote:

stewed coot wrote:I've been told by servers that they have been instructed to say things like; "Still or Sparkling" by management.

To be very clear what kind of water I expect, I will often say, "Lake Michigan on ice." I can easily drink the local water that just happens to be free. Most servers smile with me, only a few go tsk, tsk.

Regards,

Actually, Cathy, you may be more fashion-forward than you're letting on because many higher end restaurants are now serving Lake Michigan water (albeit filtered) in a collective effort to reduce the adverse environmental effects caused by bottled water (i.e., shipping, landfills).