Etiquette For Comps/Freebees

[NeroW]

The money bush out behind the restaurant?

I'm guessing from the attitude displayed by that post that it's probably a good thing it came from someone in the back of the house. They wouldn't last long on the floor anywhere I've ever worked.

Katie, don't you know they keep all us cranky bastards out back, next to the money bush?

[Carolyn Tillie]

Interesting thread...

This last weekend, I celebrated my 40th by dining out all weekend long. At each place, a comment was made about the celebration. The place I expected *something* provided nothing. The place I expected nothing, added a candle to the dessert along with a salution on the plate, and they comped the corkage fee. (Bear in mind, we weren't Jonesing for freebies - we were just rapturous at the weekend-long indulgence in food.) From the Birthday thread, here was my mini food blog:

Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m. - Daly City, Koi Palace (Dim Sim).

Saturday afternoon, 2:00 p.m. - Berkeley, Cesar's (Mojito and Tapas of Fried Smelt, Cheese-stuffed Peppers, and Herb-fried Potato strips).

Saturday evening, 8:00 p.m. - Napa, Pillar's (Saffron and Chorizo Mussels, Veal Shoulder w/Morel Risotto, Banana Souffle).

Sunday morning, 10:00 a.m. - Napa, Home (a selection of cheeses from Berkeley's Cheese Board, a few slices of ham, and tea)

Sunday afternoon, worked at GunBun, didn't eat

Sunday evening, 6:00 p.m. - Napa, Bistro Don Giovanni (Fritto Misto, Pappardelle with Duck and Wild Mushrooms, Flan)

Monday morning, 10:00 a.m. - Napa, Home (Greek yogurt & honey, a few slices of salami and baby French olives)

Monday mid-day, - Napa outlet malls (yuck) - crudite and munchies. Went home and Shawn made one of his Famous Malted Espresso Shakes (yum)

Monday 8:30 - Berkeley, Chez Panisse (Zucchini flower blossom fritters, milk-braised Pork Shoulder, Apricot tart with Lavender ice cream)

Tuesday morning, 7:00 a.m. - Yountville, Bouchon Bakery (Raisin Roll and Latte)

Tuesday lunch, 12:00 p.m. - Angwin, Ladera Vineyards (I'll pull a glass of '02 Howell Mountain from the barrel and drink it with the rest of my weekend's cheese, some crusty bread, and fresh raspberries)

Tuesday dinner, Home - Shawn cooked (Salmon w/Dill sauce, Mushroom & Squash Ragout, Seared Baby Lamb Chops w/Herbs, finishing with miniature Lemon Tart and a Carrot Cake from Bouchon!

[KatieLoeb]

The money bush out behind the restaurant? 

I'm guessing from the attitude displayed by that post that it's probably a good thing it came from someone in the back of the house.  They wouldn't last long on the floor anywhere I've ever worked.

Katie, don't you know they keep all us cranky bastards out back, next to the money bush?

Actually, after re-reading the thread, it seems that if KarenS' restaurant is only doing 20 for lunch and 25 for dinner the problem isn't with customers lying to get a free dessert, it's with the business plan.

I suppose I'd be bitter too.

However, they still call it the HOSPITALITY industry for a reason, right? Just as there are some MD's that are better off doing research in a basement lab with their rats because their, um, people skills and bedside manner aren't conducive to being face to face with patients, there are many other industries and examples to which this analogy might apply. The restaurant industry is only one of them.