[Zeke]

I don't think any server should ask about the food. Yet, they should be within eye sight as much as possible so that you can signal that you'd like them to come over so you can ask for what you might need or tell them your meal is not prepared the way you would like.

I mean really, how many times has a server stopped by and asked about the meal and you just sloughed it off. For me, that's the case 99 times out of 100. I have an in law that sends food back 4 out of 5 times. I can't stand it.

Furthermore, stopping by to ask about the food is self serving; you want a good tip, don't ask for it, earn it. I carry this forward to the chef/manager/owner/ whomever. You want to stop by at an opportune time and thank me for my business, fine. If the food is bad, I'll let you know.

Other things: If my water is 2/3rds full, don't fill it. Same with my coffee. If you can't bring the toast with the browns and eggs, don't bring it at all. It's the same to me. Ditto for the beverage asked to be served with the meal.

Bussers are sometimes the worst. You stop eating your salad to talk for a minute and some third world person has got his hands near your plate asking if he can remove it. Is it a crime to have a plate in front of you that is partially eaten?

Oh, BTW, that can be a good clue to the server if you don't eat much off any given plate or serving. That might be the one time they could inquire as to the unsatisfactory nature of the serving. That I do appreciate and will take advantage of.

The last thing: No one should have to keep their used silverware from course to course. There either has to be enough utensils at the setting from the beginning, or clean ones should be placed in position along with a serving. That is unless you take them off the plate when it's removed (which you shouldn't because you don't place used silverware on the table, or tablecloth and your bread and butter plate will look kinda stupid with a dinner knife, fork and spoon on it along with your butter knife).

I've eaten at some very expensive restaurants over my lifetime and don't choose to any more because the art is lost. When I was young and green, a good waiter would make the biggest boor of a diner feel like a king. If you didn't immediately place your napkin in your lap upon being seated, they did that for you without hardly being noticed. Total grace.