We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal in
the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
ourselves.

When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought it
up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He immediately
returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the table with, "I
can't believe this..."

It stopped all conversations.

I reached for it and reviewed it this time and walked back up to the
hostess' station.

"Get John. Now."

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes. You can get John."

The waiter came over at that point and asked, "Is there something wrong this
time?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Nothing John can't fix, though." I said
in my most charming tone.

"Then let me look at it again," he demanded as he stuck his hand out for the
bill.

There are times when Death rides my shoulder and this was one such moment. I
simply stared at him. He became uncomfortable and started to shift back and
forth and his arm dropped to his side.

John emerged from the back of house and saw me staring at the waiter. "Mr.
Ranger. How may I be of service."

"There was a minor mistake made and when SWMBO brought it to our server's,"
I gestered to the waiter still standing there, "he corrected it but then
tossed it at our table with a comment. He's still giving attitude and I'd
like to adjust his tip accordingly."

John was no longer looking at me but glaring a hole into his waiter's
forehead. "Certainly. May I see the receipt?"

I handed it over and John handed it to our waiter. "You'll pay for this
ticket. Now. You'll immediately apologize to this customer and his wife and
then come see me. Will there be anything else, Mr. Ranger."

"No," I said extending my hand, "thank you."

I walked back to the table and our waiter apologized to everyone then went
into the back to "see John."

I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
the waiter. What's up with that?!

The Ranger

In article dth>,
"The Ranger" > wrote:

> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
> the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> The Ranger

Bad night?
--
Peace! Om

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
-- Anon.


Subscribe:

On Jul 17, 10:40*am, Omelet > wrote:
> In article dth>,
> *"The Ranger" > wrote:

> > I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
> > the waiter. What's up with that?!

> Bad night?

Haven't a clue. I know we weren't demanding or out-of-control. There
weren't a lot of special orders, in fact, there weren't any
modifications. His tip was going to be 20% of the total bill so for 90
minutes work, he was going to make out pretty good.

Hopefully he used it as for some introspective personal growth.

"The Ranger" > wrote in message
ndwidth...


<snip>

>
> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped
> by the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> The Ranger

Bad upbringing!

Mommy used to give him trophies for getting up in the morning.

Dimitri

In article
>,
The Ranger > wrote:

> On Jul 17, 10:40*am, Omelet > wrote:
> > In article <QtCdnRN2MfRGKf3XnZ2dnUVZ >,
> > *"The Ranger" > wrote:
>
> > > I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped
> > > by
> > > the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> > Bad night?
>
> Haven't a clue. I know we weren't demanding or out-of-control. There
> weren't a lot of special orders, in fact, there weren't any
> modifications. His tip was going to be 20% of the total bill so for 90
> minutes work, he was going to make out pretty good.
>
> Hopefully he used it as for some introspective personal growth.

If he kept his job...
--
Peace! Om

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
-- Anon.


Subscribe:

On Jul 17, 10:57*am, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> "The Ranger" > wrote in message ndwidth...
> <snip>
> > I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped
> > by the waiter. What's up with that?!

> Bad upbringing!
>
> Mommy used to give him trophies for getting up in the morning.

This wasn't a young kid; he was at least in his 30s. That's what floor
everyone. Oh well.

On Jul 17, 11:04*am, Omelet > wrote:
> In article >,
*The Ranger > wrote:
> > On Jul 17, 10:40 am, Omelet > wrote:
> > > In article <QtCdnRN2MfRGKf3XnZ2dnUVZ >, "The Ranger" > wrote:

> > > > I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped
> > > > by the waiter. What's up with that?!

> > > Bad night?

> > Haven't a clue. I know we weren't demanding or out-of-control. There
> > weren't a lot of special orders, in fact, there weren't any modifications.
> > His tip was going to be 20% of the total bill so for 90 minutes work,
> > he was going to make out pretty good.
> > Hopefully he used it as for some introspective personal growth.

> If he kept his job...

His job retention is simply not something I'm going to lose any sleep
over. If I see him at an intersection corner holding a sign, I'll know
he's made a career choice more suited to his personality.

The Ranger

On Jul 17, 1:28*pm, "The Ranger" > wrote:

> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
> the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> The Ranger

Sounds like someone having a bad night, who just got a worse night.
If he learns from it, it's a lesson he'll thank you for someday.

Sounds like the manager knew what to do and did it right.

maxine in ri

On Jul 17, 12:28*pm, "The Ranger" > wrote:
> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
> the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> The Ranger
=============
Choose one:

A. Got up on the wrong side of the bed

B. Borderline Personality Disorder

C. Bad toilet training

D. He's an aXX hole

E. All of the above

Lynn in Fargo
Cheering you on!

The Ranger > wrote:

> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the
> attitude copped by the waiter. What's up with that?!

It's impossible for any of use reading this to know what
went down from hearing just one side of this story.

One possibility is you were mistaken, the original bill
was correct, and you invoked the nuclear option without
just cause. Or someone within your party did something
less than completely civil towards the waitstaff at some point
without your being aware of it. It's really difficult
to rule out any scenario, unless one is omniscient.

Steve

On Jul 17, 10:28*am, "The Ranger" > wrote:
What's up with that?!
>
> The Ranger

Who knows. Maybe he found out his wife was cheating. Maybe his mom
died. Maybe someone stole his car. Nonetheless...he shouldn't have
behaved that way.

On Jul 17, 2:11*pm, The Ranger > wrote:
> On Jul 17, 11:04*am, Omelet > wrote:
>
> > In article >,
> *The Ranger > wrote:
> > > On Jul 17, 10:40 am, Omelet > wrote:
> > > > In article <QtCdnRN2MfRGKf3XnZ2dnUVZ >, "The Ranger" > wrote:
> > > > > I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped
> > > > > by the waiter. What's up with that?!
> > > > Bad night?
> > > Haven't a clue. I know we weren't demanding or out-of-control. There
> > > weren't a lot of special orders, in fact, there weren't any modifications.
> > > His tip was going to be 20% of the total bill so for 90 minutes work,
> > > he was going to make out pretty good.
> > > Hopefully he used it as for some introspective personal growth.
> > If he kept his job...
>
> His job retention is simply not something I'm going to lose any sleep
> over. If I see him at an intersection corner holding a sign, I'll know
> he's made a career choice more suited to his personality.

I don't know about that. He would still have to deal with the public.

John Kane, Kingston ON Canada

Steve Pope wrote:
> The Ranger > wrote:
>
>> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the
>> attitude copped by the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> It's impossible for any of use reading this to know what
> went down from hearing just one side of this story.
>
> One possibility is you were mistaken, the original bill
> was correct, and you invoked the nuclear option without
> just cause. Or someone within your party did something
> less than completely civil towards the waitstaff at some point
> without your being aware of it. It's really difficult
> to rule out any scenario, unless one is omniscient.
>
> Steve


Steve - If you use words like "omniscient", with the waitstaff, that
will likely cause you problems in the long run.

Bob

On Jul 17, 12:44*pm, Chemo the Clown > wrote:
> On Jul 17, 10:28*am, "The Ranger" > wrote:
> > *What's up with that?!

> Who knows.

More importantly, who cares? Certainly not me.

On Jul 17, 11:54*am, maxine > wrote:
> On Jul 17, 1:28*pm, "The Ranger" > wrote:
>
> > I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
> > the waiter. What's up with that?!

> Sounds like someone having a bad night, who just got a worse night.
> If he learns from it, it's a lesson he'll thank you for someday.
>
> Sounds like the manager knew what to do and did it right.

I certainly hope he learned something from the experience... But I've
learned that most people that act like that often blame everyone else
for their troubles.

As far as the owner doing the right thing, that was never a worry.

On Jul 17, 12:10*pm, (Steve Pope) wrote:
> The Ranger > wrote:
> > I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the
> > attitude copped by the waiter. What's up with that?!

> It's impossible for any of use reading this to know what
> went down from hearing just one side of this story.
>
> One possibility is you were mistaken, the original bill
> was correct, and you invoked the nuclear option without
> just cause. *Or someone within your party did something
> less than completely civil towards the waitstaff at some point
> without your being aware of it. *It's really difficult
> to rule out any scenario, unless one is omniscient.

Mistakes on my part are not unheard of but mistakes from SWMBO are as
rare as hens' teeth, especially when dealing with receipts.

As far as me missing something my party did (or didn't) do... I'm not
really worried about that, either, because it's not his job to "teach
us." He clearly stepped over the line and I won't be anyone's patsy. I
don't need abuse when I dine out because someone is having an off
moment. If we made a mistake on the bill, there are many ways to
handle it; tossing it at the table was not it. Commenting, snottily
like he did, is way past the pale.

What would you have done, Steve?

The Ranger

The Ranger > wrote:

>On Jul 17, 12:10*pm, (Steve Pope) wrote:

>> It's impossible for any of use reading this to know what
>> went down from hearing just one side of this story.

>> One possibility is you were mistaken, the original bill
>> was correct, and you invoked the nuclear option without
>> just cause. *Or someone within your party did something
>> less than completely civil towards the waitstaff at some point
>> without your being aware of it. *It's really difficult
>> to rule out any scenario, unless one is omniscient.

>Mistakes on my part are not unheard of but mistakes from SWMBO are as
>rare as hens' teeth, especially when dealing with receipts.

>As far as me missing something my party did (or didn't) do... I'm not
>really worried about that, either, because it's not his job to "teach
>us." He clearly stepped over the line and I won't be anyone's patsy. I
>don't need abuse when I dine out because someone is having an off
>moment. If we made a mistake on the bill, there are many ways to
>handle it; tossing it at the table was not it.

Oh, I agree by any objective standard he misbehaved. I'm just
saying that by just hearing one side of the story, I do not
and cannot know the total circumstances, and with a group size
as large as 12, it's hard for anybody to track the total
circumstances.

>What would you have done, Steve?

Assuming the service up until that point was average quality,
I would have left him a low (but not zero) tip. Under some
(but not all) circumstances I would have further communicated
with the management, but probably not on the spot.

Steve

"The Ranger" > wrote in message
...
>
> His job retention is simply not something I'm going to lose any sleep
> over. If I see him at an intersection corner holding a sign, I'll know
> he's made a career choice more suited to his personality.
>
> The Ranger

ouch....

On Jul 17, 12:07*pm, Lynn from Fargo Ografmorffig >
wrote:
> On Jul 17, 12:28*pm, "The Ranger" > wrote:> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
> > the waiter. What's up with that?!

> Choose one:
> A. Got up on the wrong side of the bed
> B. *Borderline Personality Disorder
> C. *Bad toilet training
> D. He's an aXX hole
> E. *All of the above

I choose E, Ms. Lynn. That's my final choice.

> Lynn in Fargo
> Cheering you on!

Thank ya kindly, ma'am.

On Jul 17, 3:12*pm, "C.D" > wrote:
> "The Ranger" > wrote in message ...
> > His job retention is simply not something I'm going to lose any sleep
> > over. If I see him at an intersection corner holding a sign, I'll know
> > he's made a career choice more suited to his personality.

> ouch....

Why?

C.D wrote:
>
> "The Ranger" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> His job retention is simply not something I'm going to lose any sleep
>> over. If I see him at an intersection corner holding a sign, I'll know
>> he's made a career choice more suited to his personality.
>>
>> The Ranger
>
> ouch....


That may have been an "ouchy", but I did laugh pretty hard. I love when
someone is that funny on line.

Bob

The Ranger wrote:
> On Jul 17, 12:07 pm, Lynn from Fargo Ografmorffig >
> wrote:
>> On Jul 17, 12:28 pm, "The Ranger" > wrote:> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
>>> the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
>> Choose one:
>> A. Got up on the wrong side of the bed
>> B. Borderline Personality Disorder
>> C. Bad toilet training
>> D. He's an aXX hole
>> E. All of the above
>
> I choose E, Ms. Lynn. That's my final choice.
>
>> Lynn in Fargo
>> Cheering you on!
>
> Thank ya kindly, ma'am.


But Ranger, you did not frame that in the form of a question... You Lose!

Bob

On Jul 17, 3:35*pm, Bob Muncie > wrote:

> >> Choose one:
> >> A. Got up on the wrong side of the bed
> >> B. *Borderline Personality Disorder
> >> C. *Bad toilet training
> >> D. He's an aXX hole
> >> E. *All of the above

> > I choose E, Ms. Lynn. That's my final choice.


> But Ranger, you did not frame that in the form of a question... You Lose!

Alex-Bob! We're not playing Jeopardy! I didn't need to choose my topic
amount. (I also didn't need to use a lifeline.)

hello all,
Well that is sure a bad attitude to throw back at the customers, I imagine he got a shake down from his boss later. Maybe he even got fired----I know it can be a tough job but that is no excuse for such poor behavior.

It sounds like you kept your cool and got some action in your favor at the end of the day. Have you been back to the restaurant as yet?

The Ranger wrote:
> On Jul 17, 3:35 pm, Bob Muncie > wrote:
>
>>>> Choose one:
>>>> A. Got up on the wrong side of the bed
>>>> B. Borderline Personality Disorder
>>>> C. Bad toilet training
>>>> D. He's an aXX hole
>>>> E. All of the above
>
>>> I choose E, Ms. Lynn. That's my final choice.
>
>
>> But Ranger, you did not frame that in the form of a question... You Lose!
>
> Alex-Bob! We're not playing Jeopardy! I didn't need to choose my topic
> amount. (I also didn't need to use a lifeline.)


And that's okay. I even like smarty pants. As long as you are amusing,
I'll read.

Bob

In article >,
Bob Muncie > wrote:

> The Ranger wrote:
> > On Jul 17, 3:35 pm, Bob Muncie > wrote:
> >
> >>>> Choose one:
> >>>> A. Got up on the wrong side of the bed
> >>>> B. Borderline Personality Disorder
> >>>> C. Bad toilet training
> >>>> D. He's an aXX hole
> >>>> E. All of the above
> >
> >>> I choose E, Ms. Lynn. That's my final choice.
> >
> >
> >> But Ranger, you did not frame that in the form of a question... You Lose!
> >
> > Alex-Bob! We're not playing Jeopardy! I didn't need to choose my topic
> > amount. (I also didn't need to use a lifeline.)
>
>
> And that's okay. I even like smarty pants. As long as you are amusing,
> I'll read.
>
> Bob

Not only is his writings always amusing, he's a helluva good cook and
has posted some good recipes here and on the Yahoo.com recipe group. :-)
In fact, he's the only one that has posted recipes there lately! I need
to post a few of my regular ones...
--
Peace! Om

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
-- Anon.


Subscribe:

Omelet wrote:
> In article >,
> Bob Muncie > wrote:
>
>> The Ranger wrote:
>>> On Jul 17, 3:35 pm, Bob Muncie > wrote:
>>>
>>>>>> Choose one:
>>>>>> A. Got up on the wrong side of the bed
>>>>>> B. Borderline Personality Disorder
>>>>>> C. Bad toilet training
>>>>>> D. He's an aXX hole
>>>>>> E. All of the above
>>>>> I choose E, Ms. Lynn. That's my final choice.
>>>
>>>> But Ranger, you did not frame that in the form of a question... You Lose!
>>> Alex-Bob! We're not playing Jeopardy! I didn't need to choose my topic
>>> amount. (I also didn't need to use a lifeline.)
>>
>> And that's okay. I even like smarty pants. As long as you are amusing,
>> I'll read.
>>
>> Bob
>
> Not only is his writings always amusing, he's a helluva good cook and
> has posted some good recipes here and on the Yahoo.com recipe group. :-)
> In fact, he's the only one that has posted recipes there lately! I need
> to post a few of my regular ones...


Please do Om. I'm sure Ranger would appreciate that too. :-)

I'd post my own, but I don't use any unless baking something.

Bob

"The Ranger" > wrote in message
ndwidth...
> We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal
> in the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
> weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
> ourselves.
>
> When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
> couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
> amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought
> it up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He
> immediately returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the
> table with, "I can't believe this..."
>

I can't believe you made such a fuss about it. At least he didn't dispute
there was a problem with the bill. Granted, he could have had a better
attitude about it but after all, there were 12 of you and you probably ran
him ragged. I like you, Ranger, but this sounds like sort of a self
aggrandizing post whereby you knew "John" and want everyone to know it.

Jill

On Jul 17, 5:00*pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> "The Ranger" > wrote in message ndwidth...

> > We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal
> > in the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
> > weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
> > ourselves.

> > When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
> > couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
> > amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought
> > it up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He
> > immediately returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the
> > table with, "I can't believe this..."

> I can't believe you made such a fuss about it. *At least he didn't dispute
> there was a problem with the bill. *Granted, he could have had a better
> attitude about it but after all, there were 12 of you and you probably ran
> him ragged. *I like you, Ranger, but this sounds like sort of a self
> aggrandizing post whereby you knew "John" and want everyone to know it.

So what would _you_ have done had the waiter cheekily tossed the
receipt on the table after adjusting his error?

(And for the record, people in the group _already_ knew of my
friendship with the owner. I didn't need to grandstand but I don't
hesitate to handle knotheads like that waiter.)

The Ranger

The Ranger wrote:
> We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal in
> the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
> weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
> ourselves.
>
> When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
> couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
> amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought it
> up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He immediately
> returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the table with, "I
> can't believe this..."
>
> It stopped all conversations.
>
> I reached for it and reviewed it this time and walked back up to the
> hostess' station.
>
> "Get John. Now."
>
> "Is there something I can help you with?"
>
> "Yes. You can get John."
>
> The waiter came over at that point and asked, "Is there something wrong this
> time?"
>
> "Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Nothing John can't fix, though." I said
> in my most charming tone.
>
> "Then let me look at it again," he demanded as he stuck his hand out for the
> bill.
>
> There are times when Death rides my shoulder and this was one such moment. I
> simply stared at him. He became uncomfortable and started to shift back and
> forth and his arm dropped to his side.
>
> John emerged from the back of house and saw me staring at the waiter. "Mr.
> Ranger. How may I be of service."
>
> "There was a minor mistake made and when SWMBO brought it to our server's,"
> I gestered to the waiter still standing there, "he corrected it but then
> tossed it at our table with a comment. He's still giving attitude and I'd
> like to adjust his tip accordingly."
>
> John was no longer looking at me but glaring a hole into his waiter's
> forehead. "Certainly. May I see the receipt?"
>
> I handed it over and John handed it to our waiter. "You'll pay for this
> ticket. Now. You'll immediately apologize to this customer and his wife and
> then come see me. Will there be anything else, Mr. Ranger."
>
> "No," I said extending my hand, "thank you."
>
> I walked back to the table and our waiter apologized to everyone then went
> into the back to "see John."
>
> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped by
> the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> The Ranger
>
>

Oh, the drama! Voice your gripe and pay the bill. If you really left
it to the waiter, you are an ass.

d

Steve Pope wrote:
> The Ranger > wrote:
>
>> On Jul 17, 12:10 pm, (Steve Pope) wrote:
>
>>> It's impossible for any of use reading this to know what
>>> went down from hearing just one side of this story.
>
>>> One possibility is you were mistaken, the original bill
>>> was correct, and you invoked the nuclear option without
>>> just cause. Or someone within your party did something
>>> less than completely civil towards the waitstaff at some point
>>> without your being aware of it. It's really difficult
>>> to rule out any scenario, unless one is omniscient.
>
>> Mistakes on my part are not unheard of but mistakes from SWMBO are as
>> rare as hens' teeth, especially when dealing with receipts.
>
>> As far as me missing something my party did (or didn't) do... I'm not
>> really worried about that, either, because it's not his job to "teach
>> us." He clearly stepped over the line and I won't be anyone's patsy. I
>> don't need abuse when I dine out because someone is having an off
>> moment. If we made a mistake on the bill, there are many ways to
>> handle it; tossing it at the table was not it.
>
> Oh, I agree by any objective standard he misbehaved. I'm just
> saying that by just hearing one side of the story, I do not
> and cannot know the total circumstances, and with a group size
> as large as 12, it's hard for anybody to track the total
> circumstances.
>
>> What would you have done, Steve?
>
> Assuming the service up until that point was average quality,
> I would have left him a low (but not zero) tip. Under some
> (but not all) circumstances I would have further communicated
> with the management, but probably not on the spot.
>
> Steve

Good answer.

d

The Ranger wrote:
> On Jul 17, 5:00 pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>> "The Ranger" > wrote in message ndwidth...
>
>>> We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal
>>> in the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
>>> weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
>>> ourselves.
>
>>> When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
>>> couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
>>> amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought
>>> it up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He
>>> immediately returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the
>>> table with, "I can't believe this..."
>
>> I can't believe you made such a fuss about it. At least he didn't dispute
>> there was a problem with the bill. Granted, he could have had a better
>> attitude about it but after all, there were 12 of you and you probably ran
>> him ragged. I like you, Ranger, but this sounds like sort of a self
>> aggrandizing post whereby you knew "John" and want everyone to know it.
>
> So what would _you_ have done had the waiter cheekily tossed the
> receipt on the table after adjusting his error?
>
> (And for the record, people in the group _already_ knew of my
> friendship with the owner. I didn't need to grandstand but I don't
> hesitate to handle knotheads like that waiter.)
>
> The Ranger

Yes you did. And you did. Did you get some after that performance?

d

The Ranger wrote:
> On Jul 17, 5:00 pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>> "The Ranger" > wrote in message ndwidth...
>
>>> We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal
>>> in the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
>>> weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
>>> ourselves.
>
>>> When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
>>> couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
>>> amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought
>>> it up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He
>>> immediately returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the
>>> table with, "I can't believe this..."
>
>> I can't believe you made such a fuss about it. At least he didn't dispute
>> there was a problem with the bill. Granted, he could have had a better
>> attitude about it but after all, there were 12 of you and you probably ran
>> him ragged. I like you, Ranger, but this sounds like sort of a self
>> aggrandizing post whereby you knew "John" and want everyone to know it.
>
> So what would _you_ have done had the waiter cheekily tossed the
> receipt on the table after adjusting his error?


I would have said thanks for adjusting, then written a note to the
waiter asking if he had seen too many episodes of fAwlty towers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXkNbCmeYL0

Truly manic
>
> (And for the record, people in the group _already_ knew of my
> friendship with the owner. I didn't need to grandstand but I don't
> hesitate to handle knotheads like that waiter.)
>
> The Ranger

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ3cm...eature=related

an OLD classic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvj99iHCB0U

D wrote:

> The Ranger wrote:
>
> > We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty
> > liberal in the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve
> > of us). We weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but
> > were enjoying ourselves.
> >
> > When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and
> > noticed a couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added);
> > not a huge amount given the overall bill but not items we were
> > provided. She brought it up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought
> > it to the waiter. He immediately returned and tossed the "revised"
> > bill into the middle of the table with, "I can't believe this..."
> >
> > It stopped all conversations.
> >
> > I reached for it and reviewed it this time and walked back up to the
> > hostess' station.
> >
> > "Get John. Now."
> >
> > "Is there something I can help you with?"
> >
> > "Yes. You can get John."
> >
> > The waiter came over at that point and asked, "Is there something
> > wrong this time?"
> >
> > "Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Nothing John can't fix, though." I
> > said in my most charming tone.
> >
> > "Then let me look at it again," he demanded as he stuck his hand out
> > for the bill.
> >
> > There are times when Death rides my shoulder and this was one such
> > moment. I simply stared at him. He became uncomfortable and started to
> > shift back and forth and his arm dropped to his side.
> >
> > John emerged from the back of house and saw me staring at the waiter.
> > "Mr. Ranger. How may I be of service."
> >
> > "There was a minor mistake made and when SWMBO brought it to our
> > server's," I gestered to the waiter still standing there, "he
> > corrected it but then tossed it at our table with a comment. He's
> > still giving attitude and I'd like to adjust his tip accordingly."
> >
> > John was no longer looking at me but glaring a hole into his waiter's
> > forehead. "Certainly. May I see the receipt?"
> >
> > I handed it over and John handed it to our waiter. "You'll pay for
> > this ticket. Now. You'll immediately apologize to this customer and
> > his wife and then come see me. Will there be anything else, Mr. Ranger."
> >
> > "No," I said extending my hand, "thank you."


If i had been the waiter, at that point i would have resigned rather
than put up with being spoken to by the 'boss' like that.

Nor, as a 'boss' would i have spoken to an employee like that, perhaps
its rare but i was indoctrinated in the military to not humilate a
person in front of other people. The boss should have just given him
instructions to change (not pay it!) the bill and come to his office.

I have quite jobs just cause the 'boss' thought they could yell at me,
or try to intimidate me. They might be able to do so, but only once, i
wont put up with it.

Not that i have ever had a job where it might have been worth it but i
like to think i would stick to my principles even if.

--

Mr. Joseph Littleshoes Esq.

Domine, dirige nos.
Let the games begin!
http://fredeeky.typepad.com/fredeeky.../sf_anthem.mp3

"The Ranger" > wrote in message
ndwidth...
> We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty liberal
> in the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of us). We
> weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
> ourselves.
>
> When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and noticed a
> couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
> amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She brought
> it up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He
> immediately returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle of the
> table with, "I can't believe this..."
>
> It stopped all conversations.
>
> I reached for it and reviewed it this time and walked back up to the
> hostess' station.
>
> "Get John. Now."
>
> "Is there something I can help you with?"
>
> "Yes. You can get John."
>
> The waiter came over at that point and asked, "Is there something wrong
> this time?"
>
> "Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Nothing John can't fix, though." I
> said in my most charming tone.
>
> "Then let me look at it again," he demanded as he stuck his hand out for
> the bill.
>
> There are times when Death rides my shoulder and this was one such moment.
> I simply stared at him. He became uncomfortable and started to shift back
> and forth and his arm dropped to his side.
>
> John emerged from the back of house and saw me staring at the waiter. "Mr.
> Ranger. How may I be of service."
>
> "There was a minor mistake made and when SWMBO brought it to our
> server's," I gestered to the waiter still standing there, "he corrected it
> but then tossed it at our table with a comment. He's still giving attitude
> and I'd like to adjust his tip accordingly."
>
> John was no longer looking at me but glaring a hole into his waiter's
> forehead. "Certainly. May I see the receipt?"
>
> I handed it over and John handed it to our waiter. "You'll pay for this
> ticket. Now. You'll immediately apologize to this customer and his wife
> and then come see me. Will there be anything else, Mr. Ranger."
>
> "No," I said extending my hand, "thank you."
>
> I walked back to the table and our waiter apologized to everyone then went
> into the back to "see John."
>
> I'll still visit the restaurant but I was floored by the attitude copped
> by the waiter. What's up with that?!
>
> The Ranger


Since you asked others..

What I would have done would have been to lose the
"death riding on my shoulder" attitude and avoided the glaredown with the
waiter. I would have asked to see the owner and talked to him quietly and in
private and settled it with him.

The manger should have removed the gratuity and offered a free round of
drinks, or dessert, etc and then disciplined the employee in private.... up
to and including firing him if necessary. You never make an employee better
by embarrassing them in front of the customers. Praise in public,
discipline in private is a good way to do business, especially in a customer
service business like a restaurant. Your friend "John's" management skills
are lacking.

George L

Phil..c wrote:

> The Ranger wrote:
>
> > On Jul 17, 5:00 pm, "jmcquown" wrote:
> >
> >> "The Ranger" wrote in message
> >> ndwidth...
> >
> >
> > So what would _you_ have done had the waiter cheekily tossed the
> > receipt on the table after adjusting his error?
>
>
>
> I would have said thanks for adjusting, then written a note to the
> waiter asking if he had seen too many episodes of fAwlty towers


*Chuckle* good one! i once had an overcharging attitude situation in a
rocery store, after the clerk got all hot and bothered by my pointing
out a discrepancy i said to him "your a Virgo arent you?" ..... floored
him! didnt have a comeback other than to admit that, yes he is a Virgo.

He was trying to confuse me with jargon and double talk into just
accepting his over ring and not argueing about it.

It defused a situation and rather than shuffling my purchases aside
while the manager settled the dispute he just made a simple correction
and i was on my way.


--

Mr. Joseph Littleshoes Esq.

Domine, dirige nos.
Let the games begin!
http://fredeeky.typepad.com/fredeeky.../sf_anthem.mp3

D wrote:
> The Ranger wrote:
>> On Jul 17, 5:00 pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>> "The Ranger" > wrote in message
>>> ndwidth...
>>
>>>> We were dining out at a local restaurant recently and were pretty
>>>> liberal
>>>> in the amount of food and drinks we ordered (there were twelve of
>>>> us). We
>>>> weren't loud and obnoxious, as large groups _can_ get but were enjoying
>>>> ourselves.
>>
>>>> When the time came to pay the bill, SWMBO reviewed the check and
>>>> noticed a
>>>> couple discrepencies (three drinks and an appetizer added); not a huge
>>>> amount given the overall bill but not items we were provided. She
>>>> brought
>>>> it up to the hostess and she, in turn, brought it to the waiter. He
>>>> immediately returned and tossed the "revised" bill into the middle
>>>> of the
>>>> table with, "I can't believe this..."
>>
>>> I can't believe you made such a fuss about it. At least he didn't
>>> dispute
>>> there was a problem with the bill. Granted, he could have had a better
>>> attitude about it but after all, there were 12 of you and you
>>> probably ran
>>> him ragged. I like you, Ranger, but this sounds like sort of a self
>>> aggrandizing post whereby you knew "John" and want everyone to know it.
>>
>> So what would _you_ have done had the waiter cheekily tossed the
>> receipt on the table after adjusting his error?
>>
>> (And for the record, people in the group _already_ knew of my
>> friendship with the owner. I didn't need to grandstand but I don't
>> hesitate to handle knotheads like that waiter.)
>>
>> The Ranger
>
> Yes you did. And you did. Did you get some after that performance?
>
> d


So D,

Are you really as worthless as your postings would indicate?

I'm guessing you have a real life to get back to where you are not
annoying others.

You could just be an obvious troll, but you actually have some skill at
trolling... What's your real name? And have you been here before?

Do You? I mean, have a pair?

Just curious.

Bob

Mr. Joseph Littleshoes Esq. wrote:
> Phil..c wrote:
>
>> The Ranger wrote:
>>
>> > On Jul 17, 5:00 pm, "jmcquown" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "The Ranger" wrote in message
>> >> ndwidth...
>> >
>> >
>> > So what would _you_ have done had the waiter cheekily tossed the
>> > receipt on the table after adjusting his error?
>>
>>
>>
>> I would have said thanks for adjusting, then written a note to the
>> waiter asking if he had seen too many episodes of fAwlty towers
>
>
> *Chuckle* good one! i once had an overcharging attitude situation in a
> rocery store, after the clerk got all hot and bothered by my pointing
> out a discrepancy i said to him "your a Virgo arent you?" ..... floored
> him! didnt have a comeback other than to admit that, yes he is a Virgo.
>
> He was trying to confuse me with jargon and double talk into just
> accepting his over ring and not argueing about it.
>
> It defused a situation and rather than shuffling my purchases aside
> while the manager settled the dispute he just made a simple correction
> and i was on my way.
>
>
Hi Joe , I am not sure about this story something just does not feel
right. It may be just the US Idiom . However having had more than a few
bills mucked up and many MANY years ago having worked part time jobs
in kitchens and out at the tables things can get stuffed up .

I adopt the well no big deal attitude and ask the waiter if would not
mind double checking what ever the issue is (be it wrong order
wrong mixer in the drink or an error in the bill )

And always say when you get a chance please mate or lass etc
very rare to have a problem .

I now do recall a problem decades ago and was actually in the states
the bloke was off his tits on something (see later on ) and really was
the waiter from a Marx bros type situation with dreadful halitosis
and this is in a swanky hotel .

Bill was really a shambles (turned out to be another tables )
he at first said that's the bill what do you think is wrong with it
and was obviously having a real bad hair day .

This is where my you never know the other persons pain reflex kicks in.

So I said (in my broadest Aussie accent -this is pre croc Dundee
days ) Look cobber I loved the food the service was entertaining
and the last thing I want is to annoy the staff in case you you take a
leak in the soup when we come back -------

He just cracked up and then took the bill and got it sorted .
Came back and said your safe next time -where are you from etc etc .

Problem solved - In fact when we did return he apologised for being
weird and there were reasons for him being a bit off three days earlier.


Turned out to be a thoroughly decent chap and the service was opposite
to before . Also he got tipped both times Nothing flash just an
adequate tip


While writing this another two funny incidents have returned .

One of my best mates an ABC (Australian born Chinese)
although ex Dux of Melbourne Grammar school & gifted engineer

Owns a couple of Restaurants (because more money in them than being an
Engineer )

In the days when I could afford to be a Sir Lunch a lot we used to
settle in regularly at his place a real gang of--------- well lunatics
from diverse fields and professions.

Noel was a good & gracious as well as generous host to all of us and
food was and still is SUPERB .

Long story short a real arsehole got all fired up
and called Noel a stupid slope and to stuff off where he came from
--------

SILENCE from our Corner table just as Animal was about to rise and
tear this fool apart .
Noel quickly diffused the situation with mock Asian Accent

Slow SLORRY you all rook arike to me -----------

This just splintered us. Animal started clapping and many others
even the non regulars just splintered some gave the thumbs up

Arsehole paid the bill without another word and was dragged out
by his companions (poor *******s)


BTW Animal is well over 6 foot ex Rugby International
and does not mind a blue but thankfully has a VERY long fuse


In a later mail will tell the story
of the Blue Steak The Texan (in Australia )
Cigar and $800 call girl

Funny as heck if any one wants to hear it .

Back to Ranger ------------ I would have handled it VERY differently

In article >,
Bob Muncie > wrote:

<snipped>
> >> And that's okay. I even like smarty pants. As long as you are amusing,
> >> I'll read.
> >>
> >> Bob
> >
> > Not only are his writings always amusing, he's a helluva good cook and
> > has posted some good recipes here and on the Yahoo.com recipe group. :-)
> > In fact, he's the only one that has posted recipes there lately! I need
> > to post a few of my regular ones...
>
>
> Please do Om. I'm sure Ranger would appreciate that too. :-)
>
> I'd post my own, but I don't use any unless baking something.
>
> Bob

<lol> Neither do I so all ingredients are approximations. I usually make
stuff up as I go along but if something comes out exceptionally well,
I'll write it down for my own records, and to share. That lemon/lime
tarragon chicken with paprika was one of those examples. ;-d

My sister liked it so much, she's made it twice already. I bought her
some of the stuff since she did not have the Tarragon or dried lemon
peel.

Herbs/spices are cheap at our local store in the bulk section!
--
Peace! Om

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
-- Anon.


Subscribe:

In article >,
D > wrote:

> Oh, the drama! Voice your gripe and pay the bill. If you really left
> it to the waiter, you are an ass.

You know, I agree about letting the waiter pay for the bill.
It probably came to more than he made for the shift. Or did
I misunderstand that part of the story?

Mike Beede