In article . net>,
says...
>
>Well, tipping is going to change. According to the attached Keller that has
>French laundry is going to add tip automatically to bill to compensate
>staff.
>
>This is a welcome change in my opinion. See link:
>
>http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/...ion/edshaw.php
>
>We have debated tipping in past....long threads....perhaps the European
>method will prevail here in USA over time.
>
I've always loved the UK term, "discretionary gratuity added... " on the
restaurant fare list and the bill. Since it seems to ALWAYS be added, I have
always speculated that the line should read, "mandatory gratuity added." <G>.
I suppose that they are just stating that it is at THEIR discretion, and they
exercise THAT discretion 100% of the time. In the US, it has been a standing
policy for a percentage to be added to all bills for, say five + diners. So
long as the gratuity is clearly shown, and the patron is informed of its
presence in more than "fine print," I think it is a good policy – so long as
the wait-staff doesn't fall down on the job and expect this remuneration,
regardless of how poorly they perform their jobs. Personally, I like the idea
of the establishment figuring the pay of the wait-staff into the cost of my
meal, then I am allowed to "reward" the staff, when service exceeds my base
expectations, but that is just me. Heck, I even tip UK cabbies, when they
gather my wife's luggage for her, stack the gear in the front, to great
height, just so that her feet are clear of any obstacles, and then load her
stuff in front of the curb-side check in. I've actually had to physically
PRESS the 10 's or so into their hands, saying "No, thank you VERY much."
Besides, they speak perfect English, give us detailed tour notes along the
route, offer clean vehicles, know where they are going, and drive in a
sensible fashion. I cannot say the same for Chicago, DC, San Francisco,
Boston, or many, many other US cities. Heck, in some of THOSE cities, I'd just
take a cab, where more than one door works, and the incense isn't as thick as
High Mass in a small chapel.

Hunt