Comments on: It’s All in the Attitude

By: cateringdude

2006-11-28T07:03:11Z

In a recent long haul Amtrak journey, I was treated to superior attitude by the Dinning Car Steward. The Steward knocked on the door of my sleeper compartment and asked “what time would you like to eat sir”. Since I had planned to visit the lounge car before dinner and indulge in a onboard cocktail or 3, I replied “7:30 would be great!” The reply was, “7:15 is available.” I humbly accepted and wondered why I was asked in the first place.

At 5:00 the calls started over the train PA, “5:00 dinner reservations please come to the dinning car.” 5:10, last call for the 5:00 dinner reservations.” I thought, mmmmmmmmmm, pretty strict here. As the hours passed, more stern warnings from the Steward continued over the PA. Yikes! I kept watching the time, not wanting to be a second late. Deathly afraid to get too cocktailed as I did not wish to be chastised for a late arrival. Several scotches later it was 6:55. Due to the Acela-like speed of the Califonia Zepher over rock blasted steel reinforced tracks somewhere in Kansas or (was it Missouri) hmmmmm, tipsy by now, I proceeded to the dining car. The train was violently rocking by this time and it was 4 cars to my scrumptious dinner, tuff get to even for a young dude without a hoverround.

A couple I had visted with had a 7:15 reservation and were in front of me, it was 7:05. They asked the Steward if they could be seated early…..”NO YOU MAY NOT!” (There were 6 passengers in a dining car made for 70.)
I jumped in the head not wishing to be associated with these horrible trouble makers (they were in the upper 70s) fearing I would be thrown off the train with them in the desert with no water, food or my hoverround. They were sent back to their compartment. I hid in the bathroom, knees knocking, for twenty minutes until 7;14.

When i arrived, with a big ole scotch chesshire grin, I was told “JUST A MINUTE, WE HAVE TO RESEST.”

By: Bill

2006-11-27T23:24:11Z

Lovergirl: An archetypal upperclass approach to those faceless invisible minions who toil to enrich the lives of the rich. Just a cut above whistling dog-style for the waiter, as was the classic appoarch in Mexico.

By: lovergirl

2006-11-27T20:01:03Z

What kind of fool asks the captain his first name? His name is “Captain”, period, just as the waiter’s name is “Waiter” and the waitresse’s name is “Waitress.” Most people think it is incredibly tacky to have wait staff introduce themselves by their names. I’m not there to socialize with them; I’m there to have them serve me. I do my part courteously and they should do theirs. At the end of the night we go our separate ways.

As a former restauranteuse, I always try to discern what makes an individual cross before condemning him. I know how hard these people’s jobs are. If the service is poor I ask if they have too many tables. Frequently they do — someone called in sick. If the restaurant is empty and I get poor service (the most common time for poor service), I tell the wait person why they are not getting a tip after first checking to see if there is a problem in the kitchen. I’ve never really been in a place with bad attitude, just poor service, and there is usually an explanation for that.