On Jun 16, 5:54*pm, Kalmia > wrote:
> On Jun 16, 11:33*am, "The Ranger" > wrote:
> > > One cigar smoker landed me sick in the restroom by
> > > the time my meal came - a hundred bucks down the
> > > drain. Management said they didn't wish to upset
> > > anyone and maybe _I_ shudda said something to him.

> > You didn't say anything?

> Yes - "management said (to me after I beefed) that they didn't wish to
> upset anyone ( maybe he was a regular??)_ and that it was up to ME to
> say something to the smoker.

> Never went there again - too expensive to get burner twice.

In that case you're at the "show your cards" point of the game and
it's a matter of following through. I've only needed to do this twice.
The second time SWMBO and I were dining at a local upscale Italian
restaurant. We'd been there several times to the point where they
greeted us by name. One night, the assistant manager was seating
people, not the owner, and lead us towards the back, near the bathroom
and kitchen area.

As we walked past several open tables, I stopped and called to the
him, "We'd like to sit out here. At one," motioning to two deuces that
were free, "of these two."

"I'm sorry but those are for other reservations."

"I'm sorry, too. We're not being seated back there."

"All our tables receive the same level of service."

"I'm sure they do. That wasn't my worry. We're sitting at either of
these or not at all."

"I'm sorry..."

"That's twice you've said that and we both know you're not. Give my
regards to John." And SWMBO and I turned and walked back out.

I didn't have to call.

John called me and apologized for the assistant's actions inviting us
back another evening.

You don't have to be an extrovert to point out poor service or
unacceptable behavior. I never raised my voice nor got in the guy's
face. I simply stated, in a soft voice, that I wasn't willing to
accept the situation. My money votes wherever my feet take it.

The Ranger