Tipping For Cheapskates and Coupon Lovers February 10, 2009

It’s amazing how divided people are when it comes to tipping; and then dealing with tipping and coupons!   It’s even stranger behavior that they don’t mind lavishly ordering what they want to eat and drink, and pay for it – yet when it comes to tipping for service, this becomes somewhat of an emotional disorder.     Why?   People are always quibbling over what the correct percentage is.   If   you keep in mind though that there are restaurants that automatically add gratuity if you have a large party.  FYI, a large party is usually considered 8 or more guests, at one table or dining together (that’s how it’s calculated).

 

Sample Tipping Schedule

• Waiter: 15% to 18% of the bill pre-tax; 25% for extraordinary service
• Wine steward: 15% of wine bill
• Bartender: 10% – 15% of bar bill
• Coat check: $1.00 per coat
• Car attendant: $1.00 – $2.00

The amount of tipping should reflect the total price before any coupons, gift certificates, etc.      Just because you got a discount, does not mean that your server discounted the service.     The food and beverages may have been discounted by the restaurant by the means of advertising to introduce you to the restaurant’s menu and services.    However, the coupon/discount is no way saying, the service is also discounted.    One thing people should know is that when they are dining with a large party and there is an automatic gratuity, and it’s normally posted on the menu or on a sign somewhere in the restaurant; that the gratuity will be based on the entire bill, pre-tax on large parties of 8 or more.

 

Realistically, people just use their best judgment based upon the kind of service they receive.     They should ask themselves – was the waiter prompt with the service, refills on drinks, menu knowledge, extra care, etc.  And how about the waiter/server having to put up with your screaming toddler or entourage with a golden smile?   That in itself is a special service when a waiter/server can entertain your child in a public establishment.   When my daughter, Sydney was two, we enjoyed going to this particular Applebee’s Restaurant in Sugar Land, Texas because there was a funny waitress named Shanda that always paid attention and special care to my toddler who was experiencing the terrible twos.     At every Applebee’s visit for Sydney and I; it was fine dining and temporary sanity with my toddler. 

 

By the way, even if the owner of the restaurant serves you himself, you should still tip him. He will divide the tip among those who work in the kitchen and dining room.  I am not saying this is always the case, but for the most part, within my realm of experience.

 

I hated being a server/waitress, trying to make ends meet many years ago, and when  I dine out now, I have a greater appreciation of the service being provided in that establishment.  When the service rendered is satisfactory and beyond, I never forget to show my gratitude.  And neither should you. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dining With A Screamer February 3, 2009

Toddlers always scream in public. It can be embarrassing situation for every parent while parenting toddlers. Parents face difficulty when they take their toddlers for dining out. I know, because my daughter Sydney was one of them.   Everyone in the restaurant looked at me like I was a horrible parent because my toddler child was screaming at 10 decibels while eating out. 

 

Here are effective ways in parenting toddler while dining out and I learned this way after Sydney graduated to being a preschooler – so my mistakes are your gains. 

 

1. Preparation and practice! If you have preparation and practice while parenting toddler, dining out can be an enjoyabe experinece for the entire family. Dealing with  an infant needs only preparation, but parenting toddler requires both aspects.

2. Disruptive behavior!   Toddlers behave in disruptive way when they are hungry, need a diaper change or tired. Toddlers get bored during the waiting periods that are a part of restaurant dining which leads to disruptive behavior.  Parenting toddler is easy if you prepare for these situations before only.

3. Selecting the restaurant!    Restaurant selection is the first step in preparation. Find out whether the tables are set far apart that other diners will not be disturbed by your toddler noise. Find whether there is a place for breastfeeding so that a mother can feel comfortable nursing her toddler.

Find if there is room for diaper changing. Find out whether the restaurant is busy and the peak dining hours. If the restaurant is busy, quick service will not be there.

4. Practice in parenting toddler! When you enter the restaurant, practice comes into picture. You have to teach the toddler how to dine out. Start small and work your way. When you are starting to teach your toddler, select a family friendly place so that they will accept the behavior and noise of toddlers. Fast food places are the better option to teach toddlers in the beginning.

5. Don’t choose! Do not chose the restaurant which have play ground types of activities and equipment for children. Such type of restaurants encourages loud behavior which is not what you are trying to accomplish. Once your toddler is habituated with fast paced settings, you can slowly work on your way to more formal settings.

6. Be prepared while parenting toddler! Bring a blanket for breastfeeding at the table if you are still breastfeeding a toddler.   Make sure to have plenty of formula for a bottle fed baby.    For a toddler, bring finger foods or light snacks to nibble while waiting for the main dish.   Arrange the dining time to coincide with the normal mealtime of the toddler. Don’t offer unnecessarily to save his appetite for the meal.

7. Time is important! Select the time as it is important factor. You can choose nap time for young infant because baby can sleep happily in car seat or in your lap with breast or bottle while you can have peaceful meal.

While parenting a toddler, select the time for best performance level for meal out. If your toddler is tired and meal timings are changed, it can lead to difficult situation.

8. No boredom! While parenting a toddler, come prepared with the things so that they cannot get bored.   Encourage them to do their own activities so that you can spend some time with your dining companions. You can get crayons and coloring books so that your toddler can enjoy.

9. Get the toddler things! While parenting a toddler, bring your own supplies. Toddler cup with spill proof lid, paper towels or napkins, and package of baby wipes are good preventive measures.

10. Quick getaway! Be prepared to make a quick getaway if necessary. If your toddler behavior makes that necessary, you can simply getaway. Don’t bribe or bargain a toddler for good behavior. You feel inconveneint getting up and leaving at that moment but it can lead to long term behavioral gains.

With preparation and practice, parenting toddlers will become easy at the restaurant. While parenting toddlers, you have to remember these things so that the toddlers follow and carry into other social situations and make meals at home more pleasant.  Have a happy day with your screamer.