Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

It may not be a nightmare, but FAR too often my wife and I have the same experience in high-end restaurants. I'm 29 and have a baby face, and as soon as the host/hostess catches a glimpse of me I get shuttled off to the table closest to the kitchen/bathroom/drink station/front door/etc. The waiter will then show up, take a look, and drop by once or twice during the whole meal. I guess I look like I'm going to prom or something, because I don't get the time of day from most restaurants, especially the nicer joints. Drives me nuts, especially when I'm about to drop $150 on a meal.

On the other hand, I did have one exception to the rule, at one of Atlanta's best, and the company was picking up the tab as a thank-you for some hard work. My wife and I ordered everything on the menu and drained the bar. It was an incredible night and for once I wasn't ignored/pandered to/ or talked down to by the server.

RE: NTSCBlogdotcom

Oh gracious me! I *HATE* being put near the serving quarters where the doors are constantly 'whooshing' and you can barely hear yourself think. I've begun to really be 'ballsy' about DEMANDING a better seat and now I always get a nice seat because I INSIST on it. I don't care how darned hungry I am I'll wait an extra ten minutes if it means the difference between a beautiful view of the ocean seat or a lousy, frumpy, stuck-in-the-serving quarters seat.

Please, PLEASE stand up for yourself! Especially if you're going to throw that kind of dough down. If someone steers me to a regular table I immediately say, "Pardon, but I'd prefer a booth, please." I'm always polite and friendly when asking and I usually get what I want that way. I also believe in being very kind to folks whom serve food...I have a deep and humble appreciation for what they do. It might sound a little corny but I often give a big hug to my waiter/waitress after dinner and I always try to mention how well they did to their manager. The other night...my favorite waitress wasn't serving us but I mentioned her just the same to the manager and she whispered to her and she came up and gave me a big hug and was so happy to see me and you know what she said? She said, "You made my day!" Aww. :D

Fine dining=pretentious nonsense. I couldn't be bothered.

I'm a food writer and my husband is a service and hospitality consultant and we live in wine country, so I hate to admit this, but I think sometimes we just get TOO picky about a meal.

What makes meal a nightmare for me is . . . subpar food--over/undercooked meat, seasonings off, a lazy presentation; subpar service (because I KNOW my husband is going to be ticked)--slow to respond, haphazard manner, poor knowledge of wine and/or food.

What delights me is when, from the first moment, your server acts like he/she is the luckiest person in the world to accompany you on this glorious adventure ahead. When everyone--from the maitre d' to the sommellier to the bus staff--acts like they're just thrilled you're there and are eager and able to answer just about anything. And then, just when you think it can't get any better and you could almost leave fully satiated without even taking a bite, the food comes and makes you swoon it's so perfect. You learn something about yourself and food on nights like these--an exemplary pairing (foie gras and sauternes), a new way flavors interact (salt and chocolate), or maybe something about your companions ("eel is your favorite fish?")--and you leave feeling as rejuvinated and relaxed as if you've been on vacation.

OK . . . makes me want to go to Cyrus tonight . . .

Cheers,
Lia
www.swirlingnotions.com