Is This What I Ordered?

Is This What I Ordered?

We know what you’re thinking: I’m having a lovely dinner out, why should I complain? American restaurants place a top priority on excellent service. Because people have so many choices when dining out, if a restaurant’s service isn’t perfect, it can lose customers. The waiters and waitresses know that great service equals great tips, so they’ll do their best to be sure you have an excellent meal. But, let’s face it: everyone has a bad day. You may have a beef about something if the food or service is not right.

Servers are not surprised if a customer has a legitimate complaint. For example, it is absolutely unacceptable for anything in the place setting to be dirty. Your server should apologize and immediately replace the item with one that is spotlessly clean. Although this is not fast food, if the service is too slow or if the waiter doesn’t ask often enough if there’s anything you need, then you can complain. If the food is not hot when it arrives, you can complain. If you don’t get the dish that you ordered, you can complain. Of course, the best way to complain is to be very polite.

If there has been a problem and if you’re polite when you mention it, the restaurant staff will usually try their best to correct their mistake. There’s an expression in English: “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” This means that if you are polite, people will try to make you happy. If you are rude, they may not try their best.

ALAN: Miss… Excuse me, but my glass has a smudge on it.

** Some time later **

ALAN: Miss, I’m still waiting for a clean glass, and we still haven’t received our salads. We’ve been waiting a long time for our food.

SERVER: I am SO sorry! We’re a little busier than usual tonight, and we’re short-staffed. I’ll bring it immediately. I’ll also bring more water.

** A few moments later **

SERVER: Here you are, sir, and I’ve brought you another glass of wine, on the house. The manager would also like to give you a dessert of your choice, also compliments of the house. We’re so sorry for the mix-up. Sorry you had to wait.

ALAN: Thank you very much.