Tip or Tat

hahahaha..

2007-02-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

Good insight from a waitress...

http://www.progressiveu.org/010901-31-things-your-waitress-might-want-you-to-know

I'm not surprised

2007-01-30T20:36:00.000-05:00

Hooters sees increase in Sunday sales
Jan 29, 2007 12:42 PM

Valdosta - Hooters in Valdosta poured its first alcoholic drink on Sunday just four weeks ago.

Managers say they are already reaping the benefits. "Previously none of us were selling alcohol on Sunday. Now they don't just see it as a Monday through Saturday establishment, they can come in 7 days a week," says Hooters Manager Fran Merchant.

Adding alcohol that extra day has brought an influx in sales and customers each Sunday to Hooters. "Now on Sunday's they can sit back, watch TV, drink a beer and eat," she adds.

But managers aren't the only ones who've noticed a difference. The servers say they've also seen an increase in business and tips. "We've always done pretty well getting our regulars to come in on Sunday but since we've been to actually sell alcohol we've noticed a tremendous increase in sales," says waitress Maggie Bearer.

And an increase in moral. "Girls actually want to work on Sundays now," Bearer says.

Waitress Tiffany Stinger agrees. "Yeah, there's a major difference in girls who actually want to work on Sundays. I definitely liked to work more on Sundays."
http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
They say it's only the beginning and they think it will continue to benefit the restaurant in the future. "I can see it only getting better because the more people know about it, the more people will come on Sunday," says Merchant.

Now they'll prepare for their biggest weekend yet, Super bowl Sunday.

Managers with Applebee's, Outback Steakhouse, and Texas Roadhouse say they've also seen an increase in Sunday sales.

Huh.

2007-01-23T00:02:00.001-05:00

Denny's waitress: Robber in cast stole $300

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- It certainly wasn't a strongarm robbery.
A waitress at a Denny's restaurant told police officers a teenager with a cast on his left arm robbed her of $300.

The woman told investigators that the teen came in Saturday night and sat at a table. She said he told her he was waiting for someone.

But she said that when she turned around after taking an order, the teen stood up, grabbed her money book and ran out the front door.

AP

Question of the Day

2007-01-08T00:22:00.000-05:00

This was submitted by a Tip OR Tat reader...

"I recently took my girlfriend out for a great meal. Food, wine and service were great. For some reason a couple of days later I was telling a coworker about the place and how much the bill had come out to with tip. I then realized that I may have inadvertently undertipped! The bill was $200 ($60 of which was wine and around $15 was tax). I'm trying to justify it by saying I left enough without wine for tip, but I don't feel right. What do I do?"

This is a very good question. Everyone knows, accidents happen. I too have done something similar. There are a couple different ways you can handle this...

To be honest, the server has probably forgotten about it by this point. If you don't feel right, and you do plan on frequenting the restaurant, (assuming you remember the server) you should go back and give them a little more tip. That is a classy move.

But at the end of the day, it was an honest mistake, and you should forgive yourself!! At least you left something!

I always believe in doing what is best for you...If going back and leaving more will set your mind at ease, then get in the car and go! Otherwise, you should let it go:)

Thanks for the submission and if you would like to submit a question email misscaroline@tiportat.com

27 years as a waitress

2007-01-02T00:31:00.000-05:00

A waitress since age 14
Harbor East Oceanaire's Nancy Oliver says talking about food and wine is her passion

Nancy Oliver
Waitress
Oceanaire Seafood Room, Harbor East

Salary // $3.08 an hour plus tips; she averages $30,000 a year

Age // 41

Years on the job // One. But she has been a waitress for 27 years.

How she got started // Oliver said she began working in the restaurant business at the age of 14, by following her mother to her job at a catering hall. She worked there for about four years and has stayed in the profession ever since. Other area restaurants where she has worked include Bandaloops (now closed) and Legal Seafood. "I find it enjoyable. I could talk about food all night long."

Typical day // She works four nights a week starting at 4 p.m. and regularly picks up extra shifts. Her night starts with about a half-hour of prep work. The Oceanaire, known for it's "ultra-fresh" seafood, prints a daily menu with fresh catch selections that are always changing. A staff meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. to discuss issues of the day, including special menu items. At 5 p.m. the doors open and customers begin to come in. Oliver said the Oceanaire is not a "turn-and-burn" type of restaurant where waitresses make their money by serving as many diners as possible. Instead, she typically has three or four tables and serves between 12 and 25 customers a night. She expects customers to stay about two hours.

Tips // 20 percent is the industry standard for good service, said Oliver, who averages between $125 and $150 in tips a night.

Best tip // $450. Oliver said she worked a party of about 10 people who spared no expense. "They were exceedingly generous."

Busiest time // Convention season, which includes spring and fall.

Most popular items on menu // Scallops and black cod. Oliver said the scallops are "magnificent in size" and are best pan-seared, while the cod is served with a perfect combination of miran and miso to give it the signature "black" color.

The good // "I love meeting new people, talking about food and wine. That's my passion."

The bad // Time management. "Making sure you have been able to focus on what needs to be done. When you get three or four tables all going at once and all the chairs are full, you need to know how to focus."

Physical toll // Oliver said her mother waited tables until she was in her late 60s and it took a toll on her body. "I can't imagine doing this my whole life because it is so physically demanding. It puts a beating on you."

Future // Although she expects to continue to waitress a few more years, Oliver is preparing for her life outside restaurants. She has taken business classes and hopes to open a garment business. She previously worked as a bike courier and has designed over-the-shoulder bags, which she sold through word-of-mouth to messengers around town.

Perks // Small meals are offered at the start of a shift and select dinner specials are available for tasting. Oliver can also dine at the restaurant for 50 percent off most menu items.

Helping customers decide // "I really like the challenge of someone coming in hungry and not really knowing what they want. And when they come away with a really great experience, that's when I enjoy it."

The difficult customers // "I take everything with a smile. We look at a complaint as an opportunity to turn things around and make them pleased with how we handled it."

Philosophy on the job // "Do my best to make their experience good."

(source)

Best Waitress/Love Story in a movie ever!

2006-12-18T23:25:00.000-05:00

Seriously, go for it!

2006-12-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

I know when you are comfortable, it is hard to get up and change jobs or careers. However, the bottom line is that at some point you just have to. I feel like for most people it is a confidence issue. You know you can do something better, so honestly, just do it! It is easier said than done, but you never know unless you try!

The Good Girls: Experienced waitress should consider an upgrade to manager

Dear Good Girls: I've been working as a waitress and bartender for 30 years. We don't get benefits and it's been that way all my life.

I think I'm a very good waitress and everyone I have ever worked with says I'm a very hard worker. I raised my children and I'm married, but just don't make enough money to make my payments. Right now I make about $20 to $25 some days and $40 others. But it sure doesn't add up to much once you pay your taxes and turn in tips. How can I get the money I deserve?

Dear Reader: It's time you gave yourself a raise, either by switching jobs or employers. The food-service industry is in dire need of management-level people, according to Mary Adolf, president of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, based in Chicago. Your experience in the operational and hospitality area is "greatly sought after and appreciated" in managers, she says.

Want to stick with waitressing? Look for restaurants that have higher check averages so the tips are better, or other food-service organizations, such as colleges and hospitals, where employees are entitled to benefits. With your solid skills and experience and a little effort, you should be able to cook up a more lucrative opportunity.

(source)

Talk about being bitter....

2006-12-03T17:37:00.000-05:00

I don't even know what to say about this...

Hear About the Strip Club Waitress and the Explosive Condoms?

Now this is something you don't encounter every day. A former strip club waitress has been sentenced after pleading guilty to mailing to several recipients condoms filled with a potentially explosive mixture.

Kimberly Lynn Dasilva's sentence is five years of supervised release. A federal judge in Boston also sentenced Dasilva to community service and ordered her to get mental counseling.

She admitted to mailing the explosive condoms to a TV station, strip clubs where she had worked and other places.

Dasilva said she was tired of being mistreated by men.

None of the condoms actually exploded.

Story from the Associated Press

Guess Who?

2006-11-30T20:22:00.000-05:00

Ok..I've been getting a lot of slack for my lack of attention to Tip Or Tat. I'm so sorry and I'm looking for someone to help out....Know anyone?

Anyways, to hold you all over...

Which legend of an athlete is dreaded by the service community all over the country for his lack of appreciation of service? This champion bull is known to run up thousands of dollars worth of tabs (that are usually comped) and then walks out leaving nothing (and usually with a bad attitude)! I've asked this before but didn't get too many responses...

Guess who?

Hmmmm...

2006-11-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

You know how I got you all excited about Indiana posts?

To put it simply, this is all I got. Sorry.

It's Thanksgiving time..

2006-11-19T22:17:00.000-05:00

You lucky readers are going to get another Indiana edition of Tip or Tat. Which means yet another year that I live in NYC and I've still never seen the Macy's day parade. Oh well. I promise that I'll be posting more frequently, so much more to look forward to! (shut up.) I mean I'll try my best to keep it entertaining.

Safe travels!

Zellweger misses being a humble waitress

2006-11-19T22:09:00.000-05:00

My first thought was, yeah right. But then I started to think about it and how I'm now a retired waitress, and I too miss it on some days. I guess you can always find positives in every experience.

SHE makes millions a movie but Renee Zellweger reckons she isn't as happy as when she was a humble waitress.

The Texan actress says: "I did some work on a farm and in a bar - they were the happiest times in my life - I had no worries apart from serving tables."

And the Cinderella Man star, 37, hates all the attention: "Why am I not a 'look at me' girl? When I face walking on the red carpet before a premiere, I am terrified by the wall of photographers screaming my name. It is so violent.

"When I first went to Hollywood, I remember working for two years in a bar. I was happy when all I had to worry about was the labels on the bottles."

We'll drink to that...

(source)

My Home State is Doing Something Right!

2006-11-13T00:32:00.000-05:00

A Judge in my home state came up with a clever disciplinary method. Now if only we could just get something done for those that don't tip!

Teen Who Skipped Tab Made to Wash Dishes

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) - Not paying a restaurant tab will cost a teenager a day in the county jail - not in a cell, but in the kitchen. A judge ordered Donna Shelby to wash dishes at the Porter County Jail on Thanksgiving after she was convicted of a misdemeanor conversion charge for walking out of a restaurant without paying her $18.19 bill.

Porter Superior Court Judge David Chidester ordered the penalty Monday after a bench trial for the 19-year-old. She offered no defense to the accusation that she left the Round the Clock restaurant on Aug. 12 without paying.

Chidester said the restaurant was not seeking restitution, so he sought an alternative sentence, which he remembered from an old television show.

He first suggested Shelby wash dishes at the northwestern Indiana eatery, but managers did not want her back on the property, the judge said.

No telephone listing for Shelby could be found in Porter County to obtain comment.

(source)

Thanks MD for the tip!

Uma's been a waitress

2006-11-08T22:49:00.000-05:00

Her t-shirt says the rest of the jobs she had before being, well, being er, Uma.

Guess The A-List Waitress
Actresses normally start off as waitresses before hitting the big time in Hollywood.
Not the other way round.
However, this table-waiting gig isn't the only work Uma Thurman can currently find.
She's still an in-demand actress (we loved her in My Super Ex-Girlfriend, btw), so in-demand in fact, that she was asked to attend the Sundance Institute's 25th Anniversary Gala.
And, to say thanks for all Sundance has done for her career, Uma picked up a tray and started serving drinks.
But giving Uma competition for tips were Parker Posey, Claire Danes, http://beta.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifPaul Newman and Glenn Close.

Btw..Claire Danes dropped her tray!!

Halloween as a Waitress

2006-10-29T11:24:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is about some of these holidays that bring out the worst in people. Although as a waitress, we do get to dress up and at least for one night, sort of feel like we are out too instead of working. However, I've never had people be as rude as they were on Halloween! Just because you are wearing a mask doesn't mean you can treat a waitress poorly. I don't care if you also spent a too much money on your Princess Leia or R2D2 costume, you still need to pay for drinks and tips are appreciated. And, for every sleazy comment you make about our costumes, there should be an added gratuity.

On a more positive note, have a safe Halloween!

New York City's answer to nightlife problems...

2006-10-22T16:27:00.000-04:00

GIVE CLUBS JUST 1 SHOT
THEN SHUT THEM DOWN: CITY
By FRANKIE EDOZIEN

October 19, 2006 -- The Bloomberg administration revealed yesterday that it will propose cleaning up the city's out-of-control nightclubs with new "two strikes and you're out" legislation.

The bill would give city officials the power to shut down clubs that get hit with two or more serious offenses in a year.
"Our bill will enable the court to close premises where there have been two or more crimes of murder, manslaughter, felony assault or gang assault within one year," said Shari Hyman, director of the mayor's Office of Special Enforcement, at a hearing before the City Council Consumer Affairs and Public Safety committees.

"Additionally, the bill allows for the closing of an establishment for two or more violations of selected provisions of the Alcohol Beverage Control Law," Hyman added.
Bloomberg officials also said they support Council Speaker Christine Quinn's proposal to have cameras at club entrances and exists. But they don't back her plan to require high-tech ID scanners to check patrons' ages and allow off-duty cops to be hired by clubs to police the exterior areas.

"We believe the use of [police] in that manner is contrary to the ABC law. It's illegal," NYPD Assistant Commissioner Susan Petito testified.
David Rabin, president of the New York Nightlife Association, said the administration's positions were counterintuitive.

"Why on earth would I call the police ever again if I'm risking my entire business?" asked Rabin, who co-owns the Lotus nightclub.

"Where is the discussion of an overall change in NYPD's philosophy . . . as opposed to [putting] us in a gotcha situation?"

Robert Bookman, an attorney for the nightlife industry, said the council's proposals for scanners were, at best, flawed.

"Your bill says if somebody appears under 30, they have to have ID and we have to scan it. That's ludicrous in the hospitality city of the world," he said.

This year, two young women, Imette St. Guillen and Jennifer Moore, and two young men, Antonios Sasarakis and Gustavo Cuadros, have been killed violently after they interacted with bouncers or people they met after a night of drinking.

(source)

Learning to carry a tray

2006-10-14T20:24:00.000-04:00

I remember when I first learned how to carry a tray. It's one of those special moments in life that I'll never forget. ha. I really like the added music...it really resonated with me and made the video that much better. ha. ha.

I really empathize with this waitress

2006-10-14T20:09:00.000-04:00

This article was in the University of Georgia newspaper and I definitely had to share it with you! I feel for this girl and totally understand where she's coming from. Good advice for all to read! I have, of course for your enjoyment, put in bold some of my favorite parts!

Opinions
Advice from the abused waitress
Published , October 11, 2006, 06:00:01 AM EDT

Welcome to Hell. After I seat you, I’d be happy to bring you some menus.

Forgive me if that sounds harsh. While the rest of you were out partying for/during/after the game against the Big Orange, I spent all of my weekend downtown, with a 10-hour shift on Friday night and an 18-hour shift on Gameday, sober, dealing with some really ridiculous people.

And for the sake of myself and my fellow servers and bartenders in Athens, before the next game, I must pass along a list of appropriate restaurant behavior because if I have another experience like the one on Saturday, the men in white coats are going to have to come take me away.

Early on Sunday morning, when my fellow servers and I were still cleaning, I started thinking of an appropriate way to tell people how to behave in restaurants. I settled on a column. So here are my helpful hints, or things every server wishes they could say, to restaurant patrons.

Your servers are NOT responsible for every disaster. Seriously, there’s not some huge server conspiracy to make your lives miserable.

Friday night, I had a woman who went from zero to bitch in the blink of an eye. I don’t care that she was three sheets to the wind; there’s no reason to make your servers cry profusely because there’s no chili for one’s fries. Do I look like I control the cooking of chili in bulk?

You are paying for the privilege of not having to cook your own dinner and clean up after yourself. However, if you were eating at your grandmother’s house and she ran out of mashed potatoes, you wouldn’t berate her until she was sobbing in the kitchen.

Same principle — servers are humans and we make mistakes. Deal with it.

The HOSTESS will seat you. If there is a sign that says “The Hostess Will Seat You,” it wasn’t put up just to give the restaurant an authentic look. There is a method to the madness of seating, so don’t think you know better than we do.

Also, if you MUST go out to eat on a game day, please understand that no matter where you go downtown, you are going to have to wait. Do not complain about how long you’ve been waiting. We already know. At least you get to drink beer while you wait and sit down eventually. Your staff doesn’t have that luxury.

Your actions always affect someone. Just because you don’t have to clean up after yourself and your friends on gameday does not give you permission to treat a restaurant or bar like your own personal frat party.

I and my fellow servers spent close to three hours after the bars closed Saturday/Sunday cleaning up a disaster area of food (left in the strangest places), mini bottles of liquor (which we don’t serve), team tattoos and pompoms.

The piles of broken glass on the floor and vomit in the bathroom had me asking my manager if we could just set the place on fire and collect the insurance. It was that bad.

There is a special place in Hell for people who skip out on their tabs, whether they are for food or alcohol.

You and your friends might think it’s cute or an adrenaline rush or whatever. What it is is illegal and cruel.

You dip out on a $100 check and someone is going to have to cover the resources you used. That money comes out of the pocket of your server or bartender, thus cutting into their already-meager profits.

Don’t be THAT table. All people in food service know what I mean. Let me explain to you who don’t. Don’t keep your server from their other tables all night with 75 ridiculous requests for more lemons and 87 drink refills.

Whether you’re in a bar or a restaurant, don’t shake your empty glass at whoever is waiting on you. We see you and your empty glass, but obviously we cannot take care of just you; we will get to you as soon as we can. We’re not dogs, don’t shake things at us and expect us to come on command.

As to the issue of tipping, food service workers agree: Just leave what you would appreciate if you work as hard as the servers/bartenders in Athens do.

At the end of the day, don’t be jerks. If you want service that will make that will make you 100 percent happy, eat at home and pour your own drinks. If you want to go out, we will try our hardest to make sure you have an awesome meal or happy hour, but things can go wrong.

Don’t make your servers’ lives miserable; just go with the flow, order another round and I guarantee you won’t remember what made you mad in the first place.

(source)

Disney CEO is my new BFF...

2006-10-10T00:12:00.000-04:00

Quietly Keeping the Spotlight on Disney
CEO Robert Iger has kept a low profile while mending fences broken under his predecessor and forging key deals with Pixar and iTunes.
By Joseph Menn, Times Staff Writer

Even to those who have worked closely with Robert Iger, the Walt Disney Co. chief executive is something of an enigma — "easy to like but hard to get to know," in the words of one former senior officer.

Since ascending to the top a year ago last week, Iger has kept an unusually low profile, a relatively tricky task at an entertainment icon whose leaders have been household names for nearly all of its 83 years.

In his short tenure, Iger has amassed goodwill by patching up feuds he inherited from his predecessor, Michael Eisner.

Yet he has limited his public exposure to carefully selected events, such as being honored last week at UCLA's Millennium Ball. He has turned down most interview requests, including one for this story, and in June canceled on 24 hours' notice without explanation a speech to the power elite of Los Angeles that was to have been his local coming-out party.

Contrast that to Eisner, who was easy to know, harder to like. He penned two autobiographies, hosted Disney television shows and became a fixture on such TV programs as "Charlie Rose." At the same time, Eisner's abrasive micromanagement polarized investors and left him unpopular with a large swath of his own company.

"Bob is very modest about his abilities and instincts — which in fact are very, very good," said DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, one of many Disney leaders who departed after disagreements with Eisner. "He is way less engaged in the trappings and public persona than he is in really providing leadership."

Such reluctance to take center stage is rare among CEOs, especially in Hollywood, where many get caught up in their celebrity. And Iger has a lot to crow about, having overseen a dramatic turnaround in the company's financial and stock performance. But Iger is determined to avoid Eisner's fate as a big target for company critics.

"He's just smartly decided that people should focus on the company and not on him," said Rich Frank, a former top Disney executive and now co-chairman of the Firm, a management company.

As Disney's president, Iger was Eisner's second in command for five years and had the best seat in the house to view the downside of being a CEO whose name is synonymous with the company's.

Eisner's persona served Disney well after he took over a troubled operation in 1984, putting a public face on the company and sending a message that he was the fun-loving leader of a creative team that would restore the kingdom's magic.

But as investor discontent grew toward the end of Eisner's reign, he became a lightning rod. In 2004, Eisner endured a humiliating 45% no-confidence vote from shareholders — an unprecedented rebuke in U.S. corporate history — and was stripped of the chairmanship by directors. Instead of enjoying a victory lap of plaudits, Eisner hastened his departure.

According to people who have discussed the issue with directors, they are thrilled that Iger has mended fences while keeping his head down.

He can still turn on the charm when it counts. At a Disneyland premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," Iger moved like a seasoned politician, greeting a new acquaintance with the same warmth as he did Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. A quintessential company man, Iger has the public poise and good looks of a TV weatherman, which he once was.

"Bob is a nice guy," said Comcast Corp. Chief Operating Officer Stephen Burke, who was president of ABC Broadcasting under Iger. "There's an old business bromide that if you're interviewing a guy for a job and he treats the waitress poorly, you shouldn't hire him. Bob would never treat a waitress poorly."

Read More (source)

"Tip" Of The Day

2006-10-05T00:23:00.000-04:00

Was in the east village (NYC) on Sunday for some football watching and came across this chalkboard..

If you can't read it (I'm not the best photographer), it says:

Today's Specials

You Are,
Everytime You Tip!

(not sure what it says in pink...)

Ahh..it leaves me feeling all fuzzy inside!

royalty (..and Prince too!) share the wealth with waitress

2006-10-03T09:42:00.000-04:00

Page Six reports:
A GAGGLE of princes showed up at Pink Elephant over the weekend and had their waitresses bowing down to them after leaving extravagant tips. Several from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia crowded one table and ordered an $8,000 bottle of Cristal - on which they left a hefty $2,000 tip. Meanwhile, Prince the musician strolled in with a female pal and a bodyguard and "left a huge 100 percent tip on their large tab," said our spy.

(source)

Curiosity has got the best of me....

2006-10-03T08:05:00.000-04:00

Ed Norton Sticks Up for waitress

2006-09-27T22:30:00.000-04:00

(Took place in a NYC eatery)

Norton visited the restaurant around 10 pm last week (Friday) with a date.
Hardly anyone noticed him because he doesn't aim to be noticed--he's
not flashy and neither was his date (although the source said both
"looked hot").

Anyway, the restaurant is small and always crowded, so
they were at a table right in the middle of the action. A female server
waited on them and on a all-male party of ten right next to them. The
all-male party was really demanding, drunk, and totally inappropriate
with the waitress. Two of them in particular were overtly sexual with
her. She asked them to stop and they cooled off for a while, but
continued soon after.

Apparently, Norton alerted the manager of the
problem before the waitress had the chance, so the two harassers got
kicked out and the rest of the party soon followed. After they
cleared, Norton said, "I apologize for my gender. Sorry you had to
endure that." She thanked him for talking to the manager.

Another party of mixed company filled the formerly all-male table and two of
the women recognized Norton and said their hellos and said they were fans. When the waitress returned to the table next to Norton's, the woman told her that Edward asked her to tell her entire table to be extra nice to my waitress because she had just been waiting on a group of sexist pigs!

The rest of the evening was quiet; Norton and his date were there for
about an hour and a half. Their bill was around $100 and Norton left
$200 in cash.

Thanks Ed! We appreciate it!

Thanks AC for the tip!

UPDATE: This story is from an actual employee at the restaurant...no publicists were involved! Amazing that all of you question this!

Lindsay Lohan is NOT Below Service

2006-09-26T08:06:00.000-04:00

Word is that Ms. Lohan went to a lavish party in the English Countryside a couple weeks back with boyfriend (or ex) Harry Morton. Lindsay was obsessively cleaning the mansion in front of other party goers. Every time someone put down a glass, she picked it up and wiped the table. She made some comment that glasses on the table really bothered her. She also asked if she could assist in the DJ duties for the entire evening. What a little miss helper!

I'm glad to know that when she is out and about she is cleaning up after herself and others. She sounds like she'd make a great waitress. Wonder why so obsessive? Hmm.

Sorry for my absence!

2006-09-23T14:18:00.000-04:00

Yes. I've been a slacker. I assure you I've been very busy, but I know that is not an excuse. I will be back on a regular basis from now on! I have a mission to make sure everyone knows how you treat a waitress says a lot about who you are!!

Anyhow, I have not had a chance to put it up on this site, but my podcast is available. I'm embarrassed that I say "you know" so much (and "um" too), but cut me some slack, it was my first interview! From now on I'm on a mission to be more articulate!

I also want to give a huge thanks to John Linder of the Baltimore Sun for coming up with the blogger segment Blography featuring a new blogger every week (I was the first!!)! Blography is dedicated to the exploration, study and appreciation of the Blogsphere and its inhabitants. Thanks for supporting blogs and I wish you success!

Check it out...(btw..I'm Caroline Simpson).

www.baltimoresun.com/blography

Wow, I just listened to it again, and I sound out of it! The metro blogging guy put me to shame! It's still a great concept and you should still check it out..but please, cut me some slack! I'm enrolling in a public speaking class ASAP!

Sometimes it's hard to leave the industry

2006-09-23T14:13:00.000-04:00

Where I'm from in the Midwest, many stay in the service industry their entire lives. There is loyalty to the place and they almost become a town celebrity. Without sounding too cliche, it is nice to go to a place where everyone knows your name..(and their always glad you came). OK, I'll stop now and just take the time to wish Phyllis Elkins a happy retirement!

Waitress Retires After 60 Years
Posted Friday, September 22, 2006 ; 03:31 PM

After waiting on some pretty famous people, one Huntington woman is hanging up her apron.
Story by Gina Long Email | Bio

Waitress Phyllis Elkins is retiring after working for Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House in downtown Huntington for 60 years.

Thursday, people poured into the restaurant to say goodbye to Elkins.

She started at Jim's when she was just 15-and-a-half years old.

She says she's been there through it all. She waited on John F. Kennedy during his campaign trip to Huntington in 1960.

In fact, she's featured in a picture of JFK over the booth where he sat.

"He came in one morning, when he was campaigning and there was about 8 or 10 other people with him. Of course, I was young enough, I didn't pay much attention to it. You know, I wasn't in politics or anything. But anyway, he was sitting over there and looked up at me and asked me if I minded having my picture taken and I told him it was my pleasure," Elkins fondly remembers.

And Elkins isn't the only one who put in some long hours at Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House.

Sharon Price retired this year after working at the restaurant for 40 years, but managers say she still comes back to help out!

Advice Column Question for Waitress (Not Just Any Waitress)

2006-09-19T19:53:00.000-04:00

I came across this today and thought that it was interesting. I've put in bold some of my favorite parts. Well, actually, it is just on favorite sentence.

Advice by Marilyn Heins, M.D. : Parenting Give wayward waitress direction and cut off material support to her
Advice by Marilyn Heins, M.D.
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.17.2006
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Q My 18-year-old granddaughter who just graduated from high school has recently gone to work in an all-nude bar as a waitress.
I am well aware that these places get the girls in the door with the lure of "big money." I understand that the dancing girls then "work" on the waitresses to earn even bigger money by becoming a dancer. Her hours are 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.!
Everybody in the family has voiced grave concern, but she refuses to listen and won't quit, even after money was offered to bail her out of her car loan.

A This is a tough problem and a difficult question to answer.
Your granddaughter is legally an adult, and "I can do what I want now" is no doubt her mantra. She should be heading for college or another way to learn how to support herself — which means health insurance and retirement benefits, not just enough money to make car payments and keep her in lattes.

The three tasks of adolescence are to learn how to support oneself, emancipate from the family of origin and find a life partner. Even though adolescence in our culture is very prolonged compared with that of a primitive society, the human brain is not completely developed for abstract thinking until age 25. So if family members say, "She's not thinking straight," they are right.

But you cannot stop her. There are few options for a caring family with a legally of age child who is on a wrong path.
You can cut off all contact.

I know there is one school of thought that holds the family should cut her off completely because what she is doing does not fit with its values. I disagree. My suggestions are to maintain contact while quietly pointing out your disapproval: "We love you, but we hate what you're doing."

Another option is to cut off all material support. If she lives at home, tell her to move out. Do not give her any money. The message again is: "We love you, but we cannot support what you're doing."

Speaking of material things, I would not have offered to pay off her car loan. If she cannot "support" her car, including payments and insurance, she will have to take the bus. I don't know what city your granddaughter lives in, but few towns have all-night bus service.

Waitressing is hard work. Going and coming home from work at these ungodly hours can not only be dangerous but can also keep her from being with friends who have normal hours. Keep hoping your granddaughter realizes this and finds another job.
The third option for a family is to do nothing or to grumble and nag, which amounts to the same thing in ineffectiveness.

I am saddened by the fact that so many of our youths graduate from high school without any plans for the future. There is a reason the words "graduation" and "commencement" are used synonymously. Graduation from high school is just the beginning. The ones who do not enter college have to work even harder on the planning process than the ones bound for college.

Saying "I'll find a job" isn't enough. That job must provide a basis for personal and financial growth. It should be a steppingstone to a better life than one can expect from the usual jobs available to teenagers.

(source)

Waitress Accused Of Swiping Credit Card Numbers

2006-09-17T21:02:00.000-04:00

Now I don't know how she thought she wouldn't get caught. But then again, I guess drugs can make a person do things they normally wouldn't do. I hope she is seeking treatment for her addiction and I hope she recovers.

BOSTON -- If you've eaten at the Ground Round in Salem recently, you might want to pay close attention to your credit card bill.
A waitress there is accused of swiping customers' credit card numbers to support her heroin habit.
Nicole Sekenski, 28, allegedly kept copies of customers' credit card numbers.

When other customers paid with cash, she would allegedly bill the meal to one of those credit cards and pocket the cash.
One customer said she was charged six times for the same dinner.

Click on the title for source.

Question of the Day

2006-09-14T01:43:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my friend that called last night and asked me this question, I didn't have to think of a good post today! I've had a hectic week, but stay tuned because I will be airing my first podcast soon! Anyways, back to the question of the day....

Do you tip on carry out from a restaurant?

No. I usually leave a couple of dollars just because I'm crazy, but it is not expected. I did work at a restaurant where a server had to ring in the take out order, box it all up and do the financial transaction (all while handling their tables)...and I appreciated if someone gave me a dollar or two for the effort. Final answer, it is not expected. Usually in this case a smile and a "thank you" are more than enough, but if you feel the urge, leave a buck or two (if you feel like someone deserves it)!

Hefty Lawsuit for NYC Pub

2006-09-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

What was this pub trying to be? A modeling agency? Craziness. BTW, for those of you that are New Yorkers, would you call Sutton place a "trendy east side" bar? That kind of made me chuckle. I guess it was trendy when I was in my younger, just moved to the city, still holding on to the college days.

In all seriousness...

Now I'm not saying the girls don't have a case, but $15 million? I hear that it is standard to always shoot high. Then again, I'm still getting used to the litigious society where we live.

WEIGHTRESS OUTRAGE AT PUB

SEX-HARASS LAWSUIT

By DAN MANGAN (www.nypost.com)

September 12, 2006 -- Two ex-waitresses at a trendy East Side bar are serving up a heavy-duty, $15 million sex-harassment lawsuit, accusing their former bosses of ordering female employees to be weighed as part of a bizarre scheme to keep tabs on their poundage.
"They told me I needed to get on the scale," said one of the women, Kristen McRedmond, about her humiliating experience in a manager's office at Sutton Place Bar and Restaurant in July.

"I told them I'm not going to be part of your sick game," recalled McRedmond, 27, who said she physically resisted when a beefy manager tried to pick her up to get her on the scale while another manager looked on.

"I just felt so violated."

McRedmond and fellow former Sutton Place waitress Alexandria Lipton, 25, both said the scale episode came a few weeks after a top manager at the Second Avenue watering hole had walked around with pen and pad in hand demanding to know how much all the waitresses weighed so he could record the results.

"The manager, Neil, came over to me and asked me how much I weigh. I said, 'I don't know.' He looks me up and down, and he goes, '135' . . . Then he writes down my weight," Lipton said.

Both women said only female workers were singled out for the weigh-ins and questions about their weight, and that it was done without explanation. And they claim the managers would criticize waitresses - but not waiters - for ordering fatty fried food for their own dinners.

They also claim that waitresses' individual weights were tracked on a computer spreadsheet - and the results placed on a Web site that tracked the weights of waitresses in other establishments in the city. "I've been doing sexual-harassment law for 20 years, and this has to be the most egregious case of degradation to women that I have ever seen," said the women's lawyer, Rosemarie Arnold. "It's unbelievable."

Arnold and her co-counsel, Joseph Tacopina, today are filing suit on behalf of the women in Manhattan Supreme Court against Sutton Place and its owner, Richard Kassis, as well as managers including Neil, who is listed as "Neil Doe" because his last name is unknown.

The suit accuses the defendants of sexual harassment and illegally firing McRedmond and Lipton after they were overheard complaining about the weigh-ins, which, it says, had severely upset most other female workers.

Sutton Place's lawyer, Joel Simon, denied the allegations, calling them a "nice piece of fiction," but declined to address them point by point, and also declined to say why the women were fired. "I believe that once the facts are known, it will be seen that the individuals were fired due to their own fault, and not to do with anything related to these allegations," Simon said.

(source)

Technology Hitting the Bar Scene

2006-09-12T07:53:00.000-04:00

Record revenue from interactive table at student bar

Westminster University benefits from tabletop computers.

Dave Friedlos, Computing 12 Sep 2006

A trial of interactive computers that allow customers to order drinks from their seats has generated record revenue at Westminster University’s student bar Intermission.

Touchscreen computers, similar to those launched at the Ministry of Sound nightclub recently (Computing, 24 August), are embedded into the table and allow customers to order drinks, play games and flirt electronically by sending gifts to other tables.

Student union vice president of communications Rayhan Omar says the system will go live when the new term starts next week.

‘We held a trial event to identify any potential problems, but instead took £5,000 at the bar from a crowd of 500,’ he said.

The computers are differences from those installed at the Ministry of Sound and include the ability to order taxis, communicate with the university radio station to make music requests and receive information about the union’s activities.

The computers could generate additional revenue, Omar says, as people don’t have to queue for drinks and the bar can charge for some games and quizzes.

Customers can also use a debit card to pay for a radio frequency identification (RFID) card that they can wave in front of any tabletop computer to buy extra drinks.

Intermission shares revenue generated by the screens with vendor Escapism, which provided the computers for free, as transactions are processed by separate tills.

Analyst Verdict Research consulting director Neil Saunders says the technology could help streamline service and prove convenient for customers who are often deterred from buying more drinks because of large crowds.

(source)

In Remembrance

2006-09-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

It goes without saying that today is a day of remembrance and prayer. We lost individuals that came from all walks of life, and in their time on earth they provided a service to this world. The service may have been in the literal sense or figuratively, but they all left this world in the same way, heroes.

Five years ago today, the highest grossing restaurant in the United States, Windows on the World, lost 72 employees and 100 guests having breakfast. The restaurant was 50,000 square feet of elegant space on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower. We remember you today.

The things you find on myspace

2006-09-09T11:07:00.001-04:00

I was browsing around on myspace and came across this on a bulletin (thanks to "The truth"). I'm not sure who these seven bartenders are, but they had some accurate observations.

Seven New York City bartenders were asked if they could determine a woman's personality based on what she drinks. Though interviewed separately, they concurred on almost all counts.

The results. If the woman drinks:

1. Drink: Beer
Her Personality: Causal, low-maintenance; down to earth.
His Approach: Challenge her to a game of pool.

2. Drink: Blender Drinks
Her Personality: Flaky, whiny, annoying; a pain in the butt.
His Approach: Avoid her, unless you want to be her cabana boy.

3. Drink: Mixed Drinks
Her Personality: Older, more refined, high maintenance, has very picky taste; knows EXACTLY what she wants.
His Approach: You won't have to approach her. If she's interested, she'll send YOU a drink.

4. Drink: Wine (does not include White Zinfandel)
Her Personality: Conservative and classy; sophisticated yet giggles.
His Approach: Tell her you love to travel and spend quiet evenings with friends.

5. Drink: White Zinfandel
Her Personality: Easy; thinks she is classy and sophisticated, actually, she has NO clue.
His Approach: Make her feel smarter than she is... this should be an easy target.

6. Drink: Shots
Her Personality: Likes to hang with frat-boy pals and looking to get totally drunk... and naked.
His Approach: Easiest hit in the joint. You have been blessed. Nothing to do but wait, however, DO NOT make her mad!

7. Drink: Tequila
No explanations required - everyone just KNOWS what happens there.

Are You A Waitress?

2006-09-08T11:04:00.000-04:00

Are you a waitress? It doesn't matter if you are a server in NYC or Idaho, I want you to be featured on Tip Or Tat!

Email me at misscaroline@tiportat.com to be featured.

Have you gotten your Tip or Tat (Tip or we Tattle) T-shirt yet? Visit my online store to order.

While you are at it, become a part of my myspace community at www.myspace.com/tiportatmedia!

Remember, how you treat a waitress says a lot about who you are!

CBS Fashion Rocks

2006-09-08T02:22:00.000-04:00

sorry about what I call an "abstract" photo...it's all I got...

I journeyed to the CBS Fashion Rocks show last night in NYC..If you are planning on watching it tonight and don't want to spoil it, then don't read this. Actually I'm not telling you anything that isn't in the promo ads, so read away!

It was a mob scene to get in (like most of these events are), we finally entered and stood in line to get a drink. Right as we got to the bar, they closed the bar. Awesome. I needed a drink so very badly. I lingered until the manager left and the nice bartender served me up two vodka's on the rocks (what? I said I needed a drink). Elton John was the curator of the fashion/music festivities. All in all, I was pretty impressed with all the artists there. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera, Kanye West, Nelly Furtado, Pussy Cat Dolls, Scissor Sisters, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Bon Jovi (I"m sure I'm forgetting someone). Oh yeah, and Fergie with the Black Eyed Peas, who actually put on a great show.

All I have to say that it is a good thing this show isn't live. The stage changes were a little too time consuming and in excess. The show lasted over three hours (thank goodness to all of you with tivo)...Although I'm sure the editing will condense it to make it a seamless show. There were a couple of mishaps (like Drea de Matteo flubbing her lines and they had to do retakes..)

Wait...I forgot to mention anything that pertains to this blog. Ummm, the after party had really great margaritas served on a bar made of ice. The bartender was great. I told him a needed a drink badly and he got my drift (I could tell we were on the same page). Anyways, I don't always "need drinks badly"...just an FYI (mom).

Timbaland didn't talk much but he tipped!

2006-09-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

Timbaland, best known for being a hip hop producer, visited a NYC midtown hotel bar the other day. He didn't speak much and sort of just made "huh" noises to the server while she presented them with a $145 bottle of wine. He didn't speak much to the guy and two girls that accompanied him. The bar comped the wine out of generosity and he left a $45 tip (props to T because most celebs that get comped just walk out). He then drove off in his $350,000 Maybac by Mercedes and left behind a trail of fans.

Thanks to beautiful JL for the tip!

Waitress gets tip of a lifetime

2006-09-07T08:57:00.000-04:00

This made my morning.

By Dean Jacobs/Tribune Staff
Juli Remsey has three loves in her life — her children, Jenn, 16, Jami, 13, and Jason, 11. OK, maybe there is a fourth — sports.

As a single mom, going to her children’s sporting events fills her life.

“We bond through sports,” she said.

She and Jason had a special bonding experience Saturday, thanks to a customer where Juli works, Martini’s restaurant in downtown Fremont.

A few weeks ago, she was sharing with the customer her son’s interest in Jaycee football. The customer asked if she had ever taken him to a Nebraska game.

“A single parent on a waitress salary, man, I don’t think it’s going to happen,” replied the waitress with 25 years experience.

Jason Remsey and his mother, Juli, of Fremont enjoy the Nebraska-Louisiana Tech game Saturday afternoon in Lincoln. Juli, a waitress at Martini’s in downtown Fremont, was given the tickets as a tip from one of her customers so she could take her son to his first Husker game. - Dean Jacobs/Fremont Tribune
A couple of weeks later the same customer returned to have a cup of tea. After he left, Juli went over to clean the table and found a white envelope. In it she found two tickets to the Nebraska-Louisiana Tech game with a note attached: “Have a great time at the game.”

“I started shaking and almost crying when I opened up the envelope,” Juli said.

She was barely able to contain herself when she picked up Jason after school.

“It was killing me not to tell him right away,” she said.

Once in the house, Juli sat Jason down at the kitchen table for a talk. She eased the pre-teen’s concerns by saying it was time they spent a Saturday together. With that, she slid the envelope across the table and the tickets popped out.

“No way, Mom. Are these real?” he asked.

They were. On Saturday, Juli and Jason joined the thousands of other Nebraska fans inside Memorial Stadium.

“It was pretty cool,” Jason said of his first game. “I didn’t know it would be so loud.”

“My friends know my kids are my life, so for someone to do something like this for me is beyond words,” Juli said.

“We’re just so grateful, maybe this is God’s way of showing there’s still good people in the world,” she added.

(source)

Overheard in a Bar

2006-09-06T11:17:00.000-04:00

Overheard at a VMA after party...

Girl 1: "Isn't that the guy from Jackass?"

Girl 2: "Ya."

Girl 1: "Why isn't he wearing a shirt?"

Girl 2: "Because he's a jackass."

Being Denied As A Celebrity

2006-09-05T12:10:00.000-04:00

First it was Tara Reid, now Paris Hilton. Paris was denied entry into NYC's exclusive Bungalow 8 last Thursday after the VMA's. She was accompanied by dirty mouth Brandon Davis, who was also denied I assume. It has been a rough couple of weeks at the door for certain celebrities. It's OK Paris, the first time I got denied I was pretty upset too. However, Ms. Reid, you can't be caught on video completely trashed outside a club one week (that was aired allover the blogosphere) and then show up the next week at the same place and be surprised that they don't part the sea for you. Remember, these are bars with strict rules and regulations by the government.

Watch Tara Reid get denied in the first video (at Hyde in L.A.) and then click on the link to watch the one the week prior. Maybe after watching the second one she'll realize why she didn't get in...

Hey. I've got an idea! Why don't you girls (yes, you Tara and Paris) become cocktail waitresses at the clubs? Then, you'll never have a problem getting in...It works like a charm!

Click here for the second video.

Celebrity Guess Who?

2006-09-05T11:54:00.000-04:00

Today the celebrity guess who item is from Page Six

WHICH rapper who's uncooperative with cops is also uncooperative with cocktail waitresses? He doesn't like to tip...

I'm stumped and usually I'm pretty good at this....What do you think?

Man arrested for threatening waitress

2006-09-03T21:18:00.000-04:00

This doesn't surprise this girl at all...

By Rob Daniel
Iowa City Press-Citizen

A man was arrested Friday night after he allegedly threatened a waitress at a Coralville restaurant.

Christopher Paul Huffey, 18, of Moscow, was arrested for second-degree harassment at 7:15 p.m. Friday outside of the Steak n’ Shake, 2806 Commerce Drive in Coralville.

According to police, Huffey passed a note to the waitress stating he would “beat her” if she did not bring him her tip money within two minutes. He later admitted to writing the note, police said.

He was released from the Johnson County Jail Saturday morning.

Weekly Roundup

2006-09-01T10:12:00.000-04:00

College is back in session and the bars are overflowing with students. One bartender dished that they upped the 32 oz mug beer price from 10 cents to 25 cents (still an amazing deal, don't you agree?). One student complained that he never was coming back because 15 cents is an outrage! Oh yeah, and he stiffed the bartender too. The night had a continuous hour wait to get in, so I guess some people don't mind paying 25 cents for a beer!

The MTV VMA's hit NYC in full force. Celebs seemed to be on their best behavior. (Although I haven't heard all the recaps from last night!)

I found out Miller Lite isn't made in the USA (I know! Check the can to see for yourself!). I'm still letting that one set in. Thanks to the nice execs at Bud that filled me in and treated me to Budweiser Select all night!

However, Nick Lachey is still a fan of Miller Lite. He says he likes the taste (I'm still right there with ya, but those Bud's were pretty good!)

Stay dry and have a great holiday weekend!

Bartender gets $10,000 tip on $26 tab

2006-08-31T14:07:00.000-04:00

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Two weeks ago, one of Cindy Kienow's regular customers left her a $100 tip on a tab that wasn't even half that. This week, he added a couple of zeros.

Kienow, a bartender at Applebee's, got a $10,000 tip from the man — for a $26 meal — on Sunday.

"I couldn't move," Kienow said. "I didn't know what to say. He said, `This will buy you something kind of nice, huh?' And I said, `Yeah, it will.'"

(more)

Thanks EM for the tip!

Celebrity Guess Who?

2006-08-31T10:31:00.000-04:00

Which boyband alumni and his newly publicized boyfriend were drinking grey goose vodka at One Little W12th in NYC? L.C. from the Hills and Shannon Elizabeth also stopped by the table. The boys were both extremely handsome in person and seemed to be having a great time.

No word if they tipped well..I think the alcohol was probably comped.

Thursday Trivia (A day early)...

2006-08-30T12:04:00.000-04:00

I sat next to a very wise and knowledgeable man yesterday at my local coffee shop. He shared with me many interesting facts.

Do you know why fast food is called fast food?

It got the name because back when it fist came to be, it was the first time you paid for your food before you received it. huh.

Question of the Day??

2006-08-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

One of you wrote a comment wondering what the odds of a waitress calling you if you leave your number for her on a napkin.

So, what are the odds of a waitress calling you if you leave you number on a napkin?

I would say odds aren't great. Unless you won her over, which I'm not going to say didn't happen...but she better have more than just smiled at you when she dropped off your drinks (we do that with everyone..:). I'm talking about chemistry folks. If you think you feel that, then why not? I personally think leaving your number on the credit card receipt is a better way to go. FYI...be sure to leave a good tip. Are you laughing? I'm serious, I've had gentlemen ask me out all night...I was nice, of course and gave great service, and they left me an awful tip with their phone number! Not that I would have called anyway, but please! If you want to date a waitress you better at least be a decent tipper!

Hmmm...Hooter Girl Rodeo

2006-08-28T08:21:00.000-04:00

I have a question...Do the waitresses really do this at Hooters (please let me know)? If so, does it generate better tips? If not, is it at least fun?...I mean, I don't know...it kind of looks fun doesn't it?

Poll time again...

2006-08-28T07:18:00.000-04:00

Is bottle service the real problem?

2006-08-25T15:07:00.000-04:00

(source)

Personally, I think that blaming it on bottle service is silly. Things are going to happen at any venue that serves alcohol whether in bottles at tables or penny pitchers. To make things safer, waitresses and bouncers need to cut people off when they are getting out of control. Also, in general as individuals, we need to be more accountable for our friends when we are out.

Some people need to simmer down..

2006-08-25T11:02:00.000-04:00

Some of you that keep commenting and emailing me need to simmer down. I know a lot of you get very worked up about this tipping issue.

Here's how it is, I was a server, many who come here are servers and this site is called Tip Or Tat. If you don't like what we say, then click your mouse to another site! There are no hidden agendas here. I don't understand the need to use profanity and such...so if you don't like our "lowly server" posts, move on.

As I said before, I'm a big believer in karma. And all of you haters out there are just proving my point that how you treat a waitress says a lot about who you are! Look how some of you have been treating this site, and I haven't even served you!

I love hearing different viewpoints, but the profanity is unnecessary. Or should I say, it is quite lowly of you...

Busy Waitress

2006-08-24T03:03:00.000-04:00

It's something like this for twelve hours....

B.O.D. (Bartender of the Day)

2006-08-23T12:17:00.000-04:00

Name: Christopher
Where do you work: Trendy NYC club in the meatpacking district.
Sign (sorry, I had to ask): Taurus
What do you drink when you go out? In the summer, Hanger 1 vodka (preferably Kaffir Lime) with soda. In the winter, crown and ginger ale.
Worst pick up ling from a girl while you were working? Can I touch your hair?
Biggest tip ever: $1,000
Celeb you'd most like to serve? George
Clooney or Jessica Biel.

If you'd like to be a BOD or WOD send me an email at misscaroline@tiportat.com!

Question of the Day

2006-08-23T07:40:00.000-04:00

If a server comps you a round, do you add an extra tip?

It is really your discretion and it depends on why the drinks were comped. Most fellow servers I know pay what the drinks would have cost in the tip (I do too)....I'll be the first to admit that that is a little crazy, but it is what we do to sort of build camaraderie. If you don't want to do that, a little extra is appreciated for the extra generosity.

If they were comping due to a mistake...that is a different story. It is not looked at as bad if you don't tip on those drinks. The server is trying to get in good graces with you because of a mistake they made.

Extra tips are due only with outstanding service. Again, outstanding service is up for debate. I can tell you that a waitress, ex waitress or anyone in the service industry will have a different view point than one that has never worked in the industry.

Things You Learn When You Are A Waitress (Or Were Taught By Awesome Parents)..

2006-08-22T08:43:00.000-04:00

To carry cash when you go out with friends so that the waitress doesn't to have to split the bill on 12 different credit cards.

If you don't tip on the first round, it will be harder to get a drink the second.

To talk down to a server is rude and happens more than you think (so be respectful!)..

Be prepared to start a tab, and offer a credit card if needed (don't give the server a hard time, they are doing their job!)...

N.Y.'s oldest bartender tells drinking stories

2006-08-22T08:36:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK (AP) -- Marilyn Monroe came Wednesdays for lunch and ordered a Beefeater martini, very dry. Danny Kaye pulled his jacket over his head to avoid being recognized. Judy Garland sat in a corner drinking Johnnie Walker Red.

"Judy Garland, very sad," said Hoy Wong. "She always had a cocktail glass in her hand."

Wong, or Mr. Hoy, as he is known, has been working as a bartender for 58 years.

He got a job in a bar in 1948 at a now-defunct Chinese restaurant called Freeman Chum. It was there that he encountered Monroe, Garland and other notables including Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin and Bob Hope. "They were all nice people," he said.

There were more famous faces at the Algonquin Hotel, where Wong has worked since 1979. Once, he recalled, a woman sitting at the bar next to Anthony Quinn got so nervous she shook.

Wong is about to be feted by the Algonquin, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Unless another candidate steps forward, his bosses seem safe in calling him the city's oldest bartender.

"He never misses a day," said Bill Liles, the Algonquin's general manager. "If the weather's bad he shows up early. It's just really an honor to work with someone like Mr. Hoy."

Read MORE

Venue of the Day

2006-08-21T15:59:00.000-04:00

This bi-level club in NYC has staying power. From Pdiddy to Paris, they all have visited and they keep coming back. Guess that venue!!

What we REALLY think of what you order...

2006-08-21T08:21:00.000-04:00

Cosmo...As a female, you really like Sex and the City, or you know people that really like Sex and the City. As a male, mmmm well, you don't just secretly like Sex and the City, you REALLY like it too...

Long Island Ice Tea....I.D. Please?

Sour Apple Martini...I can't really go there...

Chardonnay...As a female, you want white wine, but you don't know the names others, or you're my mom. As a male, you really like chardonnay, or just how it sounds when you say it....

Greyhound...As a female, you think it sounds better than just saying what it really is (vodka and grapefruit juice)...As a male, ya, same thing...

Out of curiosity....

2006-08-21T07:06:00.000-04:00

Waitress charged with altering tips

2006-08-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

A Palm Beach waitress was arrested and charged with credit card fraud and organized scheme to defraud Monday after she changed the tip amounts on customers' credit card receipts over a period of seven months, police said.

According to Palm Beach police, Tara Ann O'Brien, 25, of 725 Glenridge Drive in West Palm Beach, is accused of adding extra money onto the tips written in by breakfast customers at Cucina dell' arte, 257 Royal Poinciana Way, since Jan. 9. The discrepancies were uncovered during an audit by one of the restaurant's managers, who contacted police.

The police report says O'Brien altered the receipts of 62 patrons, receiving $1,305 in extra, fraudulent tips.

One customer, according to police, had used his credit card to purchase a $25.03 breakfast. When contacted by police, he said he had written a $6 tip for O'Brien. The police report said the receipt had been altered to indicate a $16 tip with an unauthorized, revised total of $41.03. Another customer was overcharged 12 times for a total of $110 in extra tips O'Brien had given herself, police said.

She was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where she was released Monday on $3,000 bond.

O'Brien is no longer employed at Cucina, according to manager Nicholas Coniglio.

source

Speaking of Tips!

2006-08-17T11:04:00.000-04:00

If you are a fan of this site and want it to continue to improve, tips are greatly appreciated!! There is NO obligation, I'm not a lazy American that just wants a hand out! I'm upgrading a bit and I'm trying to cover the costs of my growing pains:)

Click on the tip jar to help me out...

Thursday Trivia

2006-08-17T09:39:00.000-04:00

Things got a little intense yesterday during the tipping wars, and I thought we could lighten things up a bit! Instead of having a trivia question, I'm going to share with you some information.

Here are the Top 10 Alcohol Consuming Countries (on per capita basis country/consumption in gallons of absolute or pure alcohol).

1) Portugal 2.98
2) Luxembourg 2.95
3) France 2.87
4) Hungary 2.66
5) Spain 2.66
6) Czech Republic 2.64
7) Denmark 2.61
8) Germany 2.50
9) Austria 2.50
10) Switzerland 2.43

(The U.S. is #32)

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Good Ol Indiana

2006-08-16T12:21:00.000-04:00

I was gathering information about the nightlife, drama, drinks and such in this fine midwestern state, and here are some of the unique things I found out(keep in mind this is a college town)...

Corona with grenadine is a popular thing to order (I had never heard of that before!).

Women that get kicked out of clubs sometimes bite the bouncers and then tell them they have hepatitis.

It is not uncommon to see a man take off his prosthetic leg and drink a beer out of it.

On Easter Sunday a certain bar holds a miller light can drinking contest. The current record stands at 34 in 9 hours (now that is being faithful!).

Native Hoosier subway commercial guy (Jared) thinks he shouldn’t have to pay for cover or drinks. (Word is he is not as svelte as he used to be).

On 10 cent draft night (I miss college), someone actually comes up and pays with 10 pennies ...EVEN.

Tipping Wars

2006-08-16T12:17:00.000-04:00

I can see that the issue of tipping really hits a nerve with some people. Listen, I’ve been a server at many different bars/restaurants in many different cities/states. I think that as with everything, sometimes it is hard to understand a point of view if you haven’t been on both sides.

I’m saddened to even read the remark that servers shouldn’t worry about tips and just take pride an enjoy their job. I took a lot of pride in being a server, and I put my whole self into what I was doing. Not only did I, but the bus woman/man, bartender, host and bar back I worked with also took pride in taking care of a guest. Whether it is our career or a ends to a means, tips comprise most of our salary.

The remark that the service should be included in the tab. I agree!...We should add gratuity and then we wouldn’t have to deal with this! That is what they do in Europe and then you just sign. How messed up is it that that is your argument though? You rant that it should be included etc... Are you too lazy to fill in an extra line? I don’t understand this.

Bottom line is that I NEVER had a table that was respectful and pleasant to serve that did not tip. The only tables that did not tip were obnoxious, rude and downright degrading. Makes you wonder. How you treat a waitress says a lot about who you are. The debate over tipping could go on forever, but that statement stands still.

Readdressing Tipping Etiquette

2006-08-15T13:45:00.000-04:00

I wanted to address a comment that was left on the the tipping etiquette post.

The question I answered was if you tip 20% on an expensive bottle of wine. I said yes. You tip on the dining experience and not the item. Read more of the answer HERE... Others disagreed:

Buster had this response:

Bollocks - 20% to open a bottle of wine!
Americans think they deserve a tip for nothing. At an average New York hotel I was expected to add 15% to 20% for a self service breakfast! I live in Spain where waiters ( of either sex ) only expect a tip for proper service.

My rebuttal: I agree that waiters in America also should only expect tip for proper service. However, Buster, I just spent two weeks in Europe, and you must remember that being a server is a different profession there than it is here. In Europe a server is paid a proper salary and in America servers rely on tips and work well below minimum wage. It is not that we want a tip for nothing (believe me, we don't do nothing!)! Our service industry culture is different than yours!

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Be Patient With Me!

2006-08-15T13:31:00.000-04:00

Good News and Bad News. I'm upgrading my site and I'm working out the kinks. As it will all be fine soon, some things will be missing from the site (such as the videos). I'm working on it!! However, as you know, I am in Indiana. My parents have not upgraded to proper technology, so I'm trying to work this out at the local coffee shop. BTW the coffee is the same price here as in NYC. But I did leave my computer, purse and such when I went to the bathroom and I was not at all worried that it wouldn't be there when I returned!

YOU MAY NEED TO CLEAR YOUR BROWSER'S COOKIES IN ORDER TO SEE THE LATEST PAGE AND POSTS!!!

P.I.N.K. Vodka Makes The Times

2006-08-15T12:50:00.000-04:00

My favorite vodka, p.i.n.k., made The New York Times Style Section on Sunday as drink of the week! Congrats!

www.perfectpartyspirit.com

Celebrity Guess Who?

2006-08-15T12:31:00.000-04:00

Which radio show host who can be quite shocking makes it a point to be a good tipper? He once was accused of leaving a bad tip in Vegas and he is upset that the association of being a bad tipper still lingers....He speaks of it quite frequently on his hugely successful and entertaining show.

Weekend in the Midwest

2006-08-14T12:25:00.000-04:00

I have extended my stay here in the Hoosier state because I am having too much fun. Also, I'm really enjoying how much I can drink here for much cheaper. However, gas for the car is making it all equal out.

Comparison of bar tab:

Indiana/New York

2 bottles miller light $5.00 / $16.00

1 Grey Goose and soda $4.00 / $11.00

TOTAL $9.00 / $27.00

Keepin it Real...

2006-08-11T10:36:00.000-04:00

My friend just shared this with me and it really made my day...Enjoy! If you haven't seen where this video originated, I'll try to post it soon. It started on SNL with a Lazy Sunday rap about NYC, and since then many have made versions it other areas (LA, Indiana, the south). This video is a rap about east coast (Connecticut, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and such!)

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Drink of the Day

2006-08-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

In honor of Indiana, have a miller light today. Caught drinking anything else here (at least according to my family) is just not right. In NYC it is hard to get at a bar, and if you can get it it's about $6-8. I'll enjoy mine here for $2.50.

I Need A Cocktail!

2006-08-10T17:27:00.000-04:00

As I'm sure you all will be so saddened, I will not be posting for rest of today and until tomorrow around noon. This picture was the security line a LGA when I pulled up to catch my flight (yes, it was outside and looped around four times. I fortunately made it to my destination and need a drink. Cheers!

Safe Travels!

Tip or Tat Hits the Midwest

2006-08-10T05:43:00.000-04:00

Starting today Tip or Tat will be posting from the Midwest. Why you ask? I am heading home for my 10 year class reunion. Crazy right? Looking forward to some good dish from the middle of America where you can still smoke in bars (at least for now!).

Thursday Trivia

2006-08-10T05:42:00.000-04:00

What is the oldest bar in Manhattan?

UPDATE: Although it is widely debated, most concede that it is McSorley's:)

Lance Eats Out of the Garnish Tray

2006-08-09T09:35:00.000-04:00

I served Lance Armstrong back when he still hung out with a woman, Sheryl Crow. I was always more excited to wait on an accomplished athlete than a celeb. Anyways, it was a party for Crow's crew, and I served them red wine the entire evening. They were both extremely nice and down to earth.

Ironically, yesterday, I talked about when guests eat out of the bartenders garnish tray. I made it clear that it is a no-no, and today I still think that. However, before Lance left the bar that evening, he came up and chatted with us and grabbed a couple of orange slices out of the garnish tray to eat. For some reason (okay, I know why, it was Lance), this did not phase me. I even took his dirty tissue (he had a cold) from his hand and threw it away!

I guess there are exceptions to any rule (except paying the tab and tipping). Lance, you can eat out of a garnish tray at a bar in front of me anytime! Besides, the guy has earned it! No word on his eating habits with his new buddy Matthew McConaughey.

Back to Tip Or Tat HOME

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I Have Shirts and Underwear Oh MY!

2006-08-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

View my online store to have a little part of tip or tat with you all of the time!

Venue of the Day

2006-08-09T08:27:00.000-04:00

The venue of today serve their cocktails in these teacups. Located in NYC, this room is underground and back through a hallway.

Guess that venue!

What is Bottle Service?

2006-08-08T11:22:00.000-04:00

If you don't live in a metro area, you may not know what bottle service is all about. This video shows what it looks like and how it works.

When the Garnish Tray is a Buffet

2006-08-08T10:36:00.000-04:00

I'm sure if you work in a bar you've seen what I'm about to talk about. A guest sitting at the bar, who starts reaching in the garnish tray and eating the fruit as it was their main course of the day. I always think of the movie Pretty Woman when Kit is putting fruit from the garnish tray on a napkin and the bartender yells, "this ain't a buffet Kit!"

The truth of the matter is, it is pretty gross. I admit that sometimes when I've worked a twelve hour shift, I've been known to eat a piece of fruit to avoid passing out. But a rule of thumb from now on to those of you sitting at the bar....Don't eat out of the garnish tray! It's not a buffet!

Cuba Has a Little Entitlement/Temper Issue

2006-08-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

According to Page Six:

CUBA Gooding Jr. is as unlucky in night clubs as he is in picking good scripts. The for mer A-lister stormed out of Stereo Thursday after being seated at what he thought was sub par VIP seating.

According to our source:

On another note, he has also been known to get quite angry if you ask him if he is married.

Advice to Cuba: Be grateful they accommadated you with a table (which I'm sure you were getting free alcohol too), and have fun. That is why you go to nightclubs in the first place. I know you are a celebrity, but if you haven't noticed yet, there are more celebs in this world than you. :)

Check this out!

2006-08-07T11:10:00.000-04:00

Student 'fired as waitress after refusing boss sex'

2006-08-07T11:01:00.000-04:00

Hmmmmmmm

According to the scotsmen.com

A POLISH law student working as a waitress in Scotland has claimed she was sacked from her job after refusing to have sex with her employer.

Sylvia Wasilewska, 22, came to Edinburgh in June 2005 to try to find summer work to help pay for her course at Warsaw University. She told an employment tribunal that she took a job at Trattoria Siciliana restaurant in Union Street.

She said that on her second day at work, the owner of the restaurant, Salvatore Consoli, grabbed her by the face and told her he wanted to sleep with her.

She told the tribunal the harassment worsened, with Mr Consoli, 60, "constantly" pestering her. She said he even offered her money to sleep with him.

Ms Wasilewska told the hearing in Edinburgh that Mr Consoli's advances were so relentless she secretly taped his proposals as evidence for police.

And she claimed he fired her after she refused to join him in a threesome with another waitress, after Ms Wasilewska did not contradict him when he suggested she was a lesbian.

She said she had not denied it because she hoped it might "put him off" her.

At the tribunal yesterday Ms Wasilewska said Mr Consoli used "every possible pretext" to touch her bottom and rub against her.

She said she had initially been delighted to get the job. But on her second day Mr Consoli held her face and tried to kiss her, telling her, "I want to f*** you."

Ms Wasilewska said she was shocked and told Mr Consoli she did not want to sleep with him. But he refused to take no for an answer.

Ms Wasilewska has now launched the legal action against Mr Consoli, claiming that he sexually discriminated against her.

Ms Wasilewska claims she was frightened to go to the police because Mr Consoli forced her to work illegally without National Insurance.

Eventually she decided to do so. She said she wanted "strong evidence to take to the police" so she hid a tape recorder in her handbag when she accepted a lift home from Mr Consoli.

Ms Wasilewska finally left the job on 15 August, 2005.

Mr Consoli's solicitor, Christine McMenamin, said Ms Wasilewska had been sacked for behaving inappropriately with staff and customers, often asking them for their phone numbers.

Ms Wasilewska denied the claims. Mr Consoli denies all allegations made against him.

Matt Damon and Fellow Ex Bartender Luciana

2006-08-04T15:45:00.000-04:00

Matt Damon and wife Luciana Bozan take a stroll in NYC with new addition Isabella. Matt met Luciana when she was a bartender at Crobar in Miami when he was filming Stuck on You. Beautiful bartender + Beautiful movie star = Beautiful family!

Celebrity Guess Who?

2006-08-04T09:34:00.000-04:00

Which singer/actress, who sometimes used to be compared to a young Whitney Houston, once payed a bill with cash wadded up in balls all over the table? At the time she was with her first husband/boyfriend (it hasn't been figured out yet what he was), and they are reportedly back together. She is most known currently for being a judge on a contest show.

Drink of the Day: Sex on the Beach

2006-08-04T08:06:00.000-04:00

Sorry, but I'm feeling a little nostaligic for college. And, it is kind of healthy because of the juices. The beach does sound awful nice today too. Ok, I'm tired of justifying it. Just make it!

ingredients

peach schnapps
vodka
cranberry juice
pineapple juice
orange juice

Mix 1 oz. of each liquer into a shaker with ice followed by about 2 oz. of each of each juice. On a day like today shake it well to make it extra cold. Usually you strain the beverage into a glass, but I personally keep the ice and just poor into a glass. If you don't have a shaker, just stir until cool.

Nic Cage and His Ex Waitress Bride

2006-08-03T15:10:00.000-04:00

Nicolas Cage and wife Alison Kim looked great at the premiere for Nic's new movie "World Trade Center" in NYC.

I'm sure he is a good tipper. Kim actually waited on him at a sushi restaurant and then they were married, so I'm assuming he tipped her well. If not, I'm sure he has learned from her. Has anyone waited on them?

Guess that Venue!

2006-08-03T10:20:00.000-04:00


Watch the video and guess that video!

Once the clubplanet grey screen comes to a still, you must click the curser on the time lapse bar to continue to play the video.

The Curse of the Black American Express

2006-08-03T01:39:00.000-04:00

I remember the first time I was given one. I had no idea what this card was or what the "status" was that came with it. Besides, I was new to New York, and I had just gotten my fifth visa card with some silly flowers on it. I had never seen such a card so sleek!

I was filled in pretty quick that this card represents status, money and such... I know. I know. Some of you are like, "who cares, its a card." However, there are some people that REALLY care. I'm pretty over that sort of thing myself, but that is just because I've dated too many men in this town (tangent). Not to mention the fact that I could probably never get one.

Anyways, some of the girls I worked with always said it was a curse. In my experience it was. I would say that almost 75% of the black cards I received, I did not get tipped well. By saying not well, I actually mean hardly any tip at all.

The titanium black card really threw me for a loop too! I also was not tipped well by both of those patrons :( (...for all of you thinking maybe my service wasn't good...it was. I take a lot of pride in serving people). So, let me know your experiences!! Is the black amex a curse? What I mean by a curse is that you don't get tipped well if you get one...so calm down black card holders...this question is for the servers!

Thanks beautiful A.L. for the pic and S.B. for the card!

P.I.N.K. Vodka on Howard Stern

2006-08-02T17:33:00.000-04:00

My favorite new liquor was a guest on Howard Stern today! Howard personally endorsed the caffeine and guarana infused vodka. If you haven't tried it, what are you waiting for? It has all the intensity without adding the unwanted flavor of an energy drink. Also, check out the company's cool website at www.perfectpartyspirt.com.

This just in...

After Howard had p.i.n.k. vodka on the show, it was on abc news as one of the top google searchs of the day. Check it out at http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2265923

Star Better Not Let Him Go!

2006-08-02T17:23:00.000-04:00

It was circulating around media junkets that Al is divorcing Star. Star came out with a statement saying that it is a falsehood.

The real deal is that Al is an awesome person to wait on and wonderful tipper and every gal should hold onto those guys with their claws!

Angelina Jolie Likes Women to Be Her Servers

2006-08-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

According to Page Six Angelina Jolie likes waitresses over waiters:

Angelina Jolie loves to eat out - as long as a woman is serving her. When Jolie and two pals breezed into the Dakota restaurant at the Hollywood Roosevelt the other night, she oddly requested "a female server only" to bring her halibut and salad, our spy says. "The theory is she feels guys gawk at her too much, and this is one way of avoiding that."

Tipping Etiquette

2006-08-02T12:23:00.000-04:00

I get this question a lot. Do you tip 20% on an expensive bottle of wine?

The answer is YES (IF the service renders!). It is simple. When you plan to go out and have a nice evening, service is a part of the experience. That is why you go out instead of uncorking that bottle of wine at home. I know it takes two seconds to open a bottle and you can justify it that two seconds doesn't deserve 20%. But what you don't know is how much training the staff has to get to present that wine, let alone the knowledge they have to possess about other wines so they can help you choose. And besides, if you are going to order a $100 of wine, you are probably in a venue that you are paying for that experience.

My motto is this: You should never go out if you can't afford to take care of the servers properly. That is apart of the experience! If you can't, stay home.

It is HOT, Drink a Mojito!

2006-08-02T09:36:00.000-04:00

If you happen to be waitressing tonight at an outdoor bar in NYC (like some of my friends:(), or going to sit outside, order a refreshing mojito. (Pronounced Mo-Hito).

If you are at home, make one yourself! Here's how:

Ingredients:

fresh mint leaves
lime wedges
sugar
light rum
club soda
ice

Put a dozen mint leaves in a glass followed by about 4 lime wedges. Put 2 tsp. of sugar over the mint and limes. Mash the mint, lime and sugar together with a muddler (if you don't have one use a fork). Add ice to the top of the glass and then poor in the run to almost the top. Shake it in a shaker for best results (or just stir thoroughly). Add a splash of club soda and voila!

Enjoy!

Today's Guess that Venue

2006-08-02T08:35:00.000-04:00


Clues: Not in NYC. Lots of Celebs. Watch the video clip. That's all you get! Now Guess that venue!

UPDATE: Good job anonymous! It is Pure @ Caesars Palace in Las Vegas!

Overheard in a Bar

2006-08-01T11:17:00.000-04:00

Setting: Busy lounge in NYC...two girls sitting at the bar.

Girl #1: "Is there anyone good here?"
Girl #2: "I don't see anyone. It is all just hipster types."

Celebrity Tip Off: In this edition: Ralph Fiennes and Julia Stiles

2006-08-01T02:21:00.000-04:00

As some of you have written to me, I agree with you that most celebs don't really even stand out as good or bad when you wait on them. However, there are those others....Those "others" that stand out because they are so good or just so very bad.
These tips are from the trendy meatpacking area of NYC...

THE GOOD

Late last week, Ralph Fiennes was a breakfast guest with a cute little
blonde girl (American) at the eatery. Both were INCREDIBLY NICE. Fiennes
is really quiet and unassuming, but that voice and those eyes are totally
amazing.

It was crowded, so they had to wait for a table and the waiting area was
crowded with only one vacant seat. About half a dozen people offered to
give up their seats for him, but he wouldn't allow it. Instead, he sat
on the wobbly vacant seat and the girlfriend sat on his lab. They were
laughing about the situation and Fiennes was wobbling the chair more so
than it normally does, just goofing around with his girlfriend like any
other guy.

When we finally had a table for him, the hostess apologized and he told
her not to apologize at all, that they were just having a lazy morning
and it was perfect. Once seated, he and his girlfriend were talking softly
and laughing loudly, really cozy and comfortable with each other. Fiennes
was beaming.

When the server came to wait on them, he asked them if it was unusually
busy for a weekday and the server said it's hit or miss during the week and
apologized for the wait. He said, "Oh, no, no. No need. We're having a
good time. I just feel badly for you because it's so busy. You must be
exhausted." He was so kind to the waitress. He said "Thank you" to everything the server did for them, from bringing their food to refilling their coffee and water to
clearing their plates. Their bill was about $40, but he also left a
$40 tip. On his way out, he saidt to the waitress, "I hope you get a chance to rest
later today." It was GREAT.

Ok, now I want Ralph as a boyfriend!!!

THE BAD

Julia Stiles, on the other hand, is no Ralph. She came into the eatery the
day before by herself and threw a fit when her "favorite table" was
occupied. She said, "They know I come in here every (whatever day of
the week it was) and like to sit THERE" very loudly as she pointed to
a table where a family was sitting. The poor family looked horrified.

The hostess said she could wait 15 or 20 minutes for the family to
leave, and she said, "Forget it. I'll just get it to go." She placed
her order (rudely, of course) and sat with her arms folded for the
next ten minutes. When it wasn't ready, she asked the hostess, "Will
it be ready sometime TODAY?" and the hostess said, "Yes, I'm sure it
will be." The server brought her the food five minutes later and she said,
"It's about time." Her order came to $14.99 and gave $15. Nice,
huh?

Remember Julia..."How you treat a waitress says a lot about who you are!"

Thanks A for the tip off!

Ralph Fiennes Julia Stiles waitress celebrity gossip

Athlete Tip Off: Jason Giambi

2006-08-01T02:03:00.000-04:00

Jason Giambi proved to be like his other Yanks by being an excellent tipper. As I told you before, A-Rod and Jeter have already proven to be excellent tippers and extremely nice customers.

Giambi was hanging out at NYC hot spot One for their Sunday night party. He was seen leaving the bathroom attendant $50! Thanks Jason!

Jason Giambi Yankees waitress

Thank You Friends and Readers!

2006-08-01T01:53:00.000-04:00

For a split second I was feeling bad about calling Ms. Hathaway out on her behavior to me as waitress. Then, after speaking with many, I came to the conclusion that I'm not saying she is awful person. I'm just saying that she could improve her manners to servers.

I started this blog because I was horrified that so many smart, beautiful and talented people I worked with (myself included) were repeatedly treated poorly. I truly believe in karma and the saying that "how you treat a waitress says a lot about who you are...". I'm just trying to help others with their karma by calling them out on poor behavior! With that said, I'm not going to feel bad anymore.

On that note, I've been overwhelmed by the amount of feedback I've gotten from fellow servers!! I'm so thankful that Gawker, Cityrag and Save Manny mentioned my blog to bring all you wonderful people to me! I guess I wasn't the only one frustrated! We will, one person at a time, improve treatment of servers! Then we will all live in harmony!! (sort of:)

Share your stories with me (or submit yourself or a friend to be the Waitress of the Day) at misscaroline@tiportat.com.

Be my friend on myspace at www.myspace.com/tiportatmedia...

If you like what you read here, tips are always appreciated! Please click on the tip jar in the sidebar on the right side of the page. Thanks!

Devil Wears Prada Star is Devilish Herself

2006-07-31T11:41:00.000-04:00

So I know I was trying to be positive today, but this has been bothering me for a long time. With all the recent publicity of Anne Hathaway for DWP, I can't help but be reminded. I got the joy, or should I say unfortunate, opportunity (I mean let's face it, I had to. It was my job..) to wait on Ms. Hathaway last summer around this time.

How do I put this nicely? She was not so nice. First, her and her older male friend (may have been on Princess Diaries with her...I've never seen it..so I can't be sure), strolled into the bar of open tables. Of course they beeline to the table that seats 15 and with 5 reserved signs on it with birthday decorations. Interesting choice Anne. We were expecting a party of 20 at any moment for a birthday party. Seriously, are you crazy? What wouldn't you understand about reserve signs and balloons? Did you think we put them there for you?

I took a deep breathe and walked over to explain ever so nicely that I could get them a quick drink but a birthday party was on their way in and they bought this table (look at the decorations!!!!)....I explained that I just wanted to warn them and I'd be sure to accomodate them in anyway I could (I made sure to smile a lot and apologize profusely).

This is when Anne's true star power started to shine. She gave me the coldest stare I have ever had upon me and snapped that she'd have a sparkling water and he ordered some wine. I hurried to get it and my manager yelled at me to get them up. I told her who she was and what had happened, and my manager reminded me that everyone is equal. I took the mineral water and the check. The party came and Anne and Co. ran off without paying. NICE!

I know we all have our moments, but this is not the only story I've heard of her devilish ways! Maybe she doesn't know any better. I have found that those that never had to work in the service industry don't understand. I can always forgive if people make an effort to understand. There still is hope for Anne!

Return to Tip Or Tat HOMEPAGE

Good Celebrity Tipper of the Day

2006-07-31T08:30:00.000-04:00

In honor of his recent nuptials, I'd like to give Kid Rock today's title of GCT. My source said that he tipped over 50% and he even made sure to ask if it was okay to sit at the reserved table. How humble of him! A lot of celebs have the "entitlement" attitude, thankfully not Kid! I've never waited on Pam, but since Kid is her new hubby, I'm sure he'll be picking up the tabs!

The Good Things About Being A Waitress

2006-07-31T07:45:00.000-04:00

I know I talk a lot about the bad, but I'm feeling like being positive today.

1) If you are going through a break up, it keeps you occupied. You don't have time to dwell, and moving around and talking to people is therapy in itself.

2) You drink for free (managers, please forget you read that). So you definitely save money on that front, especially if you are dealing with a bad time in your life (refer to #1).

3) There are usually some cute bartenders to flirt with. (Helps the ego...refer to #1..).

4) With all that you get verbally abused, you do get some nice compliments every now and then. This is especially important during those times we were referring to above.

5) You usually have a group of fellow waitresses to gossip with. (Therapy again...refer to #1..).

6) There is always a bar that stays open just for your staff to come have a nightcap after work. Which let's face it, you will definitely need. (You guessed it...refer to #1...).

7) You make some money every time you work. Sometimes decent, sometimes not. Regardless, you'll ususally spend it right when you walk out the door when you overtip the bartender at the bar (read #6) you have a nightcap at... but at least for a split second you had cash in your pocket. And, it feels good to support yourself during lonely times (refer to #1...).

Um, ya...I had a rough weekend. But being a waitress (even though somedays I admit I was ashamed of it), gave me a lot more than I give it credit for!!

What was your biggest tip ever? (if not a server, what is the biggest tip you've ever left?)
	under $100
	$100 - $500
	$300 - $1,000
	$1,000 +

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