Waiters asking for names at dinner, new trend?

[speeder]

Quote de speeder

Do you know what obsequies means?

Obsequies - Noun, Funeral rites

Obsequious - Adjective, Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree

I'm fairly certain you intended to use the latter.

Indeed. I need to stop trusting the spell check when I know it looks wrong. Thanks.

[Neilk]

I don't mind giving my names out to bartenders or "baristas" as they need to manage a tab or figure out who the drinks belong too, but the names at restaurant was odd. Like others have said, I am not at a restaurant to make friends, I just want to eat a decent meal because the cooks at our house aren't that good.

That said, I am always respectful to waiters etc and hate going out to restaurants with a certain friend as she can be embarrassingly rude to those around her.

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by dtw

Vinny, I can be happy in either environment but the roadside dive has a greater chance of success with me. Pretty sure you walked by me at Hershey while I was sitting on a bench eating a cheese steak. There was no Grey Poupon there either, but I struggled through somehow.

[mikesride]

In the nicer places in Canada, the $85.00 - $125.00 entrée experiences they take some time to talk to you and become part of the dinning experience. A good waiter gets to know why you are out tonight, some of your likes and dislikes. He or she will share experiences about food, wine beers etc. I find it really makes for a better night out. A truly professional waiter is tough to find, but can really direct you through a culinary journey if you let them! I actually had a waiter from Mystera in Toronto follow up with an email about where they source out this one particular Belgium beer that he knew I really enjoyed!

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by berettafan

Would never return to a restaurant where the waiter asked my name. It is unquestionably cheesy.

What if she stripped for you and "really became involved in your dining experience?"

[speeder]

Originally Posted by mikesride

In the nicer places in Canada, the $85.00 - $125.00 entrée experiences they take some time to talk to you and become part of the dinning experience. A good waiter gets to know why you are out tonight, some of your likes and dislikes. He or she will share experiences about food, wine beers etc. I find it really makes for a better night out. A truly professional waiter is tough to find, but can really direct you through a culinary journey if you let them! I actually had a waiter from Mystera in Toronto follow up with an email about where they source out this one particular Belgium beer that he knew I really enjoyed!

See, that's the thing...everyone likes a waiter with a good personality who seems like they're into their job. That goes for most professions and the people you encounter throughout the day. I just think that asking for your name in a restaurant is a cheeze-ball thing to do. I love to hear the specials explained by someone who sounds like they actually like the food themselves.

Some of us will have to agree to disagree on some of these food service issues, I guess.

[EMJ]

I don't see a big issue with the name asking. Odd, yes, but no big deal. I've never been asked, but if I were, I'd probably be intrigued and ask why they're asking for customer's names now. I'd be friendly about it. No need to be rude to some person just doing their job trying to earn a living.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Neilk

This fake sincerity to try to connect with you by asking your name really bugs me

I dunno man. There's a awesome family owned and operated Ethiopian restaurant down the street from me. They greet me by name every time I go in. It's a nice gesture. They have awesome food, good prices and the owner once handed me a bottle of his homemade mead to try out and ask my opinion. (it was awesome).

I've found that it's all about your attitude, really.

[scottmandue]

Five pages... really?

I will bet anyone a donut that asking the customers names was some brilliant manager/owners idea to try to make their restaurant feel more friendly... and the waitstaff are being forced to do it.

I have two or three restaurants I frequent where they know and refer to me by name... otherwise this has not happened to me... yet.

[EMJ]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

I dunno man. There's a awesome family owned and operated Ethiopian restaurant down the street from me. They greet me by name every time I go in. It's a nice gesture. They have awesome food, good prices and the owner once handed me a bottle of his homemade mead to try out and ask my opinion. (it was awesome).

I've found that it's all about your attitude, really.

+1

I remember as a kid everywhere we'd go with my dad they'd greet him at the entrance by name. I take my kids to certain places - same. Not such a bad thing, but that's just my opinion.

[Nostril Cheese]

Another note..

Every morning I get my coffee from the cornershop. Inside is a young, stunningly beautiful Nepalese woman that hands me the newspaper, and lights up my day a bit more. I usually spend 5 or 10 minutes chatting with her. Has asked for my help with some car stuff as well. She's in school to become an architect.

I figure I should interact with the people in my community. You never know when you may need help. Plus you can learn a thing or two.

[berettafan]

Originally Posted by RWebb

What is she stripped for you and "really became involved in your dining experience?"

DEFINITELY doesn't need to know my name then!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Another note..

Every morning I get my coffee from the cornershop. Inside is a young, stunningly beautiful Nepalese woman that hands me the newspaper, and lights up my day a bit more. I usually spend 5 or 10 minutes chatting with her. Has asked for my help with some car stuff as well. She's in school to become an architect.

I figure I should interact with the people in my community. You never know when you may need help. Plus you can learn a thing or two.

That's because you are a regular, Nostril. Like "Cheers" --- where everybody knows your name!

Right Normy!

[Neilk]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

I dunno man. There's a awesome family owned and operated Ethiopian restaurant down the street from me. They greet me by name every time I go in. It's a nice gesture. They have awesome food, good prices and the owner once handed me a bottle of his homemade mead to try out and ask my opinion. (it was awesome).

I've found that it's all about your attitude, really.

Apples and oranges...

The owner of the Ethiopian restaurant sounds like a great manager, one who cares about his customers. I am talking about the random waiter who was asking our names because they were told to or read that it could garner bigger tips, thus being completely insincere.

I am all about recognizing regulars and making them feel at home, that will be bring me back.

Now does your wife or SO know about the Nepalese dream girl?

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Neilk

Now does your wife or SO know about the Nepalese dream girl?

Yep. she thinks shes hot too.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by speeder

Some of us will have to agree to disagree on some of these food service issues, I guess.

no way!

we have to resolve this online and now so the result will be adhered to be everyone and for all time (or at least 350,000 miles)

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rwebb

no way!

We have to resolve this online and now so the result will be adhered to be everyone and for all time (or at least 350,000 miles)

lol

:d

[MRM]

Quote de Nostril Cheese

I remember as a kid everywhere we'd go with my dad they'd greet him at the entrance by name. I take my kids to certain places - same. Not such a bad thing, but that's just my opinion.

Your Dad's name was Norm?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by MRM

Your Dad's name was Norm?

You asked.....

[vash]

"mike hunt! your table is ready..mike hunt?"

sorry..went old school on you guys.