Comments on: UPDATE:Handy Hints for Restaurants and Diners, Parts 1 & 2

By: Charles

Charles — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:26:23 +0000

Service means different things to diners.

EG: Last Saturday we ate at Urbana Cucina. Booked our early time table thru opentable.com. We were just into our before dinner menu choices when our waitperson came over and said “not sure if they told you when you made the reservation or when you arrived but you have 1 and 1/2 hours to eat and finish.” (paraphrased). Needless to say, that certainly put us off so we took our time.
What’s with that?

By: foodbuzzsd

foodbuzzsd — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:28:32 +0000

You're on the mark with the service at Farmhouse, and Mr. A's (though have encountered "my name is" there too). I'd add 1500 Ocean to the list of good service (and food). But don't you think that we deserve to have more than just casual service in restaurants? Some of the best service comes from our more casual eateries, I believe.

By: Howeler

Howeler — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:18:12 +0000

Service in SD is getting a tad better, but it’s nothing compared to say a Fleur De Lys in San Francisco.

Yes we’re a “Sand City” and it reflects in some places but I’ve had some good experiences lately. Best service we’ve had has been at the Farmhouse Cafe, Bertrand at Mr A’s (duh), and El Biz in RB.

Slowly but surely.

P.S. Foodbuzz when are you going to compile a list of newly closed places?

By: Glenda

Glenda — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:00:51 +0000

Totally agree regarding new best friend with waiter – name will suffice, service prompts appropriate tip. And do no interrupt conversation to remove plates, glasses, silver from table until we have all finished.

By: stephen

stephen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:53:02 +0000

It was a great list. I especially liked the comments about people who eat alone. I have made a reservations at a couple restaurants here, including the Kensington Grill, and when I got there they didn’t have a table in the main dining room, they wanted to put it in the bar area. I said that was unacceptable and I left. Also been seated near the restrooms, and right next to the station where the busboys are getting plates and silverware for other tables.

By: Maury

Maury — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:34:11 +0000

Here’s one that was missed by the NYT and is a pet peeve of mine. I think it is pretentious for a server to ask, “Would you like change back?” Yes, I would like my change back…without question! To rectify this annoying query, I only pay with a credit card whenever possible now.

By: moowiesqrd

moowiesqrd — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:48:05 +0000

Well, #3 makes me think of a morning at Urban Solace’s bluegrass brunch, when we were the second party to arrive, but missed being seated at the patio entirely b/c our party of four had an inconsiderately late fourth. I respect their policy, but I sure wish they’d seated us, because we were willing to start our meal without our friend if it meant we had the opportunity to enjoy the bluegrass.