Dining out
Posted 05-08-2009 at 02:17 AM by Virtually Assisting You
Last Saturday we decided to venture to town for some groceries. Of course there is 2 grocery stores in our little community, but to get the best deals you head towards the bigger towns when your in need of the mother load of groceries.
While were out, we decided to dine out. And, when I say dine out I mean somewhere other than McDonalds. We finally chose Ruby Tuesdays. I instructed my boys, this was a nice restaurant and to at least pretend like they had some manners. After we all 4 had carefully looked upon the menu, we gave our order to the waiter that was ever-so waiting impatiently. As a matter of fact, at one point I'm pretty sure I looked at the waiter and said - I apologize it's taking so long, we don't get out much.
Not waiting very long at all our food arrives. The waiter gives the boys their plates first, and I do my motherly duty and start smearing ketchup on burgers and cutting steak strips into bite-size. At that moment a Lady with a strong voice walks up to me and says "Ma'am could I get you to go a-head and cut into that steak, so we can see if it's cooked correctly. I smiled at her and said "sure, if you would like to finish putting this one's[pointing to first son] ketchup on and cutting his[pointing to second son] steak." as I was handing the lady both of their plates. I thought my husband was going to fall out of the booth. The Lady -which I'm assuming was a manager, kindly said "I see your busy Ma'am I'll check back in a bit to see how that steak is."
Just so you know, I didn't cut into my steak at that moment and we got the best service from a restaurant we've ever received.
I'm just wondering..Is it me with bad manners?
While were out, we decided to dine out. And, when I say dine out I mean somewhere other than McDonalds. We finally chose Ruby Tuesdays. I instructed my boys, this was a nice restaurant and to at least pretend like they had some manners. After we all 4 had carefully looked upon the menu, we gave our order to the waiter that was ever-so waiting impatiently. As a matter of fact, at one point I'm pretty sure I looked at the waiter and said - I apologize it's taking so long, we don't get out much.
Not waiting very long at all our food arrives. The waiter gives the boys their plates first, and I do my motherly duty and start smearing ketchup on burgers and cutting steak strips into bite-size. At that moment a Lady with a strong voice walks up to me and says "Ma'am could I get you to go a-head and cut into that steak, so we can see if it's cooked correctly. I smiled at her and said "sure, if you would like to finish putting this one's[pointing to first son] ketchup on and cutting his[pointing to second son] steak." as I was handing the lady both of their plates. I thought my husband was going to fall out of the booth. The Lady -which I'm assuming was a manager, kindly said "I see your busy Ma'am I'll check back in a bit to see how that steak is."
Just so you know, I didn't cut into my steak at that moment and we got the best service from a restaurant we've ever received.
I'm just wondering..Is it me with bad manners?
Total Comments 4
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Oh Kena, you are too funny. I don't think it was bad manners at all. The manager or whoever she was should not have even insisted that you cut into your food, seeing you were currently occupied with other tasks, should have came back once she saw you were all actually eating.
Obviously she does not have young children! I would have been more thrilled that your boys were behaving than if your steak was cooked correctly. Good for you for handling it the way you did! I don't get this new trend of management being right up your butt to see everything is okay then disappearing for the remainder of your meal. Why not wait until you have begun eating and then visit your table in case you need something you did not get. |
 
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What a great story! Kena you're full of surprises
 Hamid and I went out for a lunch date on Wendesday this week [our first 'date' since Nou was born!! It only lasted an hour and a half I missed her so much..] anyway, I think we had five different people visit our table twice each to ask if everything was OK. I get that they are trying to improve customer satisfaction all around but that was just nuts, and annoying after the third and fourth time. Wish you'd been there to say something hilarious and make them go away!  |
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I couldn't help but smile during that second paragraph - it sounded so familiar! And I am pleased I am not the only one who experiences those same thoughts.
I don't think any of you had bad manners, in fact it's a great example of assertiveness at it's best. We all only have two hands and sometimes saying that can offend I think that your assertiveness in that situation was best for all parties at the table. I'm sure your husband will live through the minor embarrassment. My dear mere male and I have had some of his own experiences very similar and now he is much more assertively helpful with the kids when we're dining out too! Well done you. |
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Kena - you are too funny!
My husband and I are usually left alone when we dine out...except for when we are looking at our menus. It takes us quite some time to look at the menu and then decide. One time my husband and I went out for breakfast and no lie..the server came by our table 4 times before we were ready to order. Yes, it is just breakfast...we were treated like we were strange because we weren't ready to order as soon as we sat down. Sure, many people know what they want..eggs scrambled, toast, pancakes, whatever. We want to weigh all our options, thank you very much! Actually, I took my mother out to dinner this past Friday..after our server stopped by our table twice to see if we were ready..I commented.. "My mother is ready, but I am being very indecisive." The server was extremely nice...but other times..they just keep coming back! So, the point is...no Kena..it is not bad manners. I understand they are doing their job..making sure everything is okay..but they can wait until you have a mouthful of food (seems like that is their cue to come to the table, right?) and then ask your meal is and if the steak is cooked thoroughly! |
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