Wait Stiff
Recently we dined at a very nice and very expensive restaurant in
On this first and almost certainly only trip to Jean Georges, we found the food (except for dessert) really quite nice. On the other hand, our waiter gave the distinct impression of having recently had surgery to have their personality bone removed. It's quite unusual to find someone in a service type job, at least one that does not have a Civil Service designation, that demonstrates such a complete lack of humor or even a glimmering of humanity. I think we gained an appreciation for what things will be like when our robot overlords take over the restaurant industry. It might not be fun but at least the toast will be perfect.
Don't get me wrong, the other end of the wait staff gamut irritates me probably as much if not more. You know the type:
"Hi, I'm Erikk, that's with two k's, I changed it myself when I was 17, and I'll be your server tonight. I love puppies, updating my Facebook page, and exorbitant tips that I really, really need for my cocaine habit. Would you like to hear today's specials now, or could I interest you in some pre-dinner cocktails? The bartender is really good at combining ingredients that don't have a lot in common but have a really high markup. Or should I just mark you down as cheapskates who're going to waste my valuable time and reduce the size of my potential tip by ordering only an entrée and a single glass of wine?"
Erikk's (it's a type) also have the uncanny ability to sneak up behind me and pouncing just as I start savoring a forkful of risotto, inquiring as to whether the food is acceptable. I always suspected there's a score board back in the kitchen where the wait staff record the number of times they managed to get the customers to talk with their mouth full. So if I have to pick I'd probably come down on automaton waiters rather than the types that want to share.
By the way - dessert at Jean Georges. Really, canisters of homemade marshmallow slice on a trolley at your table? Maybe if there was a mini campfire with it where I could roast the marshmallow, other wise I'll pass in the future.
