Waitresses and drinks

[steph_co 9]

Gees. I didn't realize it would turn into such a big deal. Like I said, it's not going to alter the course of the universe whether or not they bring me Water. I just wondered if there was something I could say so that they would believe me and not bring me the drink. Sheesh.

I have worked in a restaurant. I worked all sides of it except cook or manager. I was kitchen help, table busser, waitress and hostess. I KNOW what it's like to work in a restaurant. If somebody had asked me for NO Water or any drink whatsoever and was polite about it, I would have obliged them! I've never been rude to a server.

No, I don't reach for other people's glasses to drink them. Same way that I didn't reach for them BEFORE the surgery, why would it hit my subconscious brain to reach for them after? If there's not a glass designated as MINE, I don't even think about it.

If you think I had a "tone" in my post and it had to do with a drink, it didn't. I had just had a terrible experience at a restaurant where the server was downright awful. Yes - they do exist just as they do in every profession known to mankind. When a server is good, generally they get 20% or MORE as a tip. If they were stellar, easily 30% and up. Even the mediocre ones get no less than the standard 15% and even at that, I feel guilty. If you think I don't understand the profession, you're wrong.

I would never consider yelling at the waitress because she brought me a drink. I wasn't even rude when the waitress asked me incredulously if I truly wanted NOTHING, even water and then she brought me water, anyway.

Good heavens. I wasn't looking for the fine art of insulting the waitress for not understanding that drinking with meals isn't very good for you anyway. I just wanted something I could say so that she'd truly believe me.

For those that offered HELPFUL suggestions rather than hissy fits, THANK YOU. I like the glass of ice suggestion. I think I'll do that.

[steph_co 9]

Really aren't there other issues out there to keep you up at night? That server isn't out there to sabotage your success. They are people doing a really hard job with out much respect.

I'm not sure if this comment came because I wrote the post after midnight, but I wasn't being "KEPT UP" by the thought. I am up all night long. I work the night shift. This is day time as far as I'm concerned. So if I wrote the post at 12 noon, you would know it was keeping me up. And who said I didn't respect them? I've worked many thankless customer service jobs. I GET IT.

[SteveInKansas 0]

HaHaHaHa, is someone having a bad day???

I was directed here to get some much needed information, and I have. Some of the topic's get waaaay off or "too much info for me" (post/female problems). I will not get into a pissing match with anyone over a "glass of water", sorry some of us have better thing's to do!

What I added to the comment was mearly an attempt at a joke. Would it had been better if I had said "you can fix fat, but you cant fix ugly"???

"It's a glass of water", everyone's input has been noted and will now be taken under advisment. We would like to thank everyone for their participation and we look forward to hearing from you next time when we'll be discussing, How to keep that person over the intercom from asking "Do You Want Fries With That". :smile:

Please have a good day!

[mbanja 1]

Step, I am sorry I didn't directy quote the negative poster. My negative post was to bmysuccess. That post really offended me. In no way did I think your post was negative. I just don't see it as right to call a person stupid for having the courtesy to bring a glass of Water "just in case." And if the poster didn't want anyone to know about the surgery she should have just said, "I can't drink with my meals because I have a sensitive stomach and it interferes with the digestion of my food."

Steve here is a funny for you: Stupid recognizes Stupid.

[VegasGrace 1]

A waitress bringing Water is nothing new. It's being polite.

Go for a coffee, sometimes they just put down a glass of Water.< /p>

Order a milkshake w/ a meal instead of soda at Applebees...they bring a water.

So, to stop the questions and to make you feel more at ease, just order water. You don't have to drink it.

They ask if you want lemon...say 'sure'. The scent is nice to go along with your meal.

[Ginger_ 0]

I order Water. I drink it before the meal, thirst quenched. When the meal arrives, I drink no more water. Everyone is happy.

[Wheetsin 714]

I order Water and 99% of the time and let it just sit there. I got tired of answering, "Yes, I'm sure." I used to pay $2 for a glass of tea that would just sit there, until I realized how stupid that was. :eek:

Hmm, if you get an insistent waitress, maybe just say that you don't drink with your meals. I know bandsters who will pour salt over their food to keep from taking that one last bite, perhaps you could do the salt thing with your Water, as another technique for insistent wait staff.

[LauraD 2]

Steph, congrats on surviving the Restaurant Wars!! I'm a fellow veteran, just back of the house. I hope my post didn't come off as rude to you, I was honestly trying to be helpful.

Steve, you might want to re-examine what you consider funny when telling jokes to women. What goes over as hilarious with guys isn't going to be as big a laugh with (IMO) most women. Sort of a Three Stooges rule.

I hope you are finding the info you came to this board for, it's been an incredible learning community for me. I will suggest one thing; if you find a thread not to your liking, just stop reading it. Frequently, there are hints in the title or the very first post that will clue you in to the content. If it says "just us gals", it might have info you will consider offensive. There is also a section for men only-I have no idea what's in there, I honor the name of the section.

I'd also like to ask you to remember that people who do life's less desirable tasks-like ask if you want fries with that-are people deserving of your respect.

[Randi 0]

Make it fun. Run this experiment every time. If Water is brought to the table or you request it just to avoid the beverage hassle, immediately shake a lot of pepper into the glass and then add a pinch of salt in the middle. What happens? The pepper moves over to the sides of the glass. Now THAT'S entertainment!

[salsa1877 10]

I just tell them no Water and if they ask why I just tell them because I had lap band surgery at that is the rule. But then again, I have always been very comfortable telling about my surgery. If they do bring it then I just slide it to the far corner of the table. I too have been a waitress and I know how crazy it can get and you can't remember everything. If it is that big of a temptation then I would just hand it back to them or remind them "no water" when they bring it.

[jbates 0]

I know that I'm probably paranoid, but sometimes when I don't order a drink I wonder if the waiter/waitress might think that I'm just cheap and think that I'll drink my children's in order to save money. Because of this, if Water is free, I just get one and not drink it.

[Michee 2]

Many years ago in Canada restaurants stopped just bringing Water to the table unless someone asked for it. Environmentally it is very wasteful, not only does it waste the Water they pour into the glass, but then they use more water, soap, electricity etc to wash a glass that no one used. Perhaps you could ask them not to bring water, because you are not going to drink it, and to bring it "just in case" is not very eco-friendly.

On another note, I waitressed a few years ago when I got back from a long sabbatical in Europe. I am sick of people saying that waitressing is such a hard job. It was the easiest money I have ever made in my life. I didn't continue because I wanted to use my education.

[HarleyNana 10]

I always order Water and a "dish" of lemons. I flavor the Water to taste, then take a few sips before my meal. Then after my meal, I order a to go cup half filled with ice, then I take my water with me. By the time my food settles, I have a nice cold water to sip.

(I have to admit there have been occasions when that cup came in handy after I've left the restaurant too....if you get my drift, LOL)