Body art in a restaurant setting ....

[Pan]

I don't think the subtle nose-rings many Indian women wear would bother me in any setting. It's all about context, somehow.

[*Deborah*]

I don't think the subtle nose-rings many Indian women wear would bother me in any setting. It's all about context, somehow.

←

You're quite right, I don't mind that either!

Sorry, I was picturing another kind of metal altogether.

[Kit]

I agree that it's totally about context. I don't mind artsy tattoos, (ie: not racist, overly pornographic, etc) tasteful piercings (if I can fit a Pepsi can in the holes in your ears, it's not "tasteful"), etc. You have a nose ring? cool! Keep the small stud in at work. Tongue ring? fine, but I better be able to hear you speak clearly without a lot of clacking. Your arms have sleeves of tattoos? Neat, but I don't want to be looking at naked women and bloody gore while I'm trying to eat.

The thing is, if I'm eating somewhere where the body art, etc. could ruin the atmosphere, the uniform you have on will probably cover the majority of it. I'm not sure about bright colors for the hair (outrageous styles are out) if they're well groomed and styled like most of the other servers, but it would be an easy way to figure out where my waitress went.

FYI, I'm 25, have a single hole in each ear for earrings, and a small tattoo on my shoulder.

[Viola da gamba]

There was a restaurant in Vancouver a few (okay - about 10) years ago called Lola's - it was in a very funky building - very high ceilings, beautiful seating, rich, royal blue velvet curtains, lovely bar, etc. (I'm not sure if it's still a restaurant or not). The food, if I recall correctly, was wonderful, and the surroundings were gracious. The staff were all young (same age as me & my friends, roughly), and were all tattooed & pierced - I don't remember anything inappropriate a la blood, gore, racism, naked women or any huge gaping holes - and we thought it really added to the ambience - particularly because the music was also very cool and laid back (at the end of an evening, the wait staff appeared to *spontaneously* start snapping along with "Fever"). The service was also top-notch. I think this is a long-winded way of saying I agree - I don't think tattoos or piercings will necessarily detract from an experience - even a high-end experience - if everything else is done right and if there's nothing overtly anti-social (and I know I'm stepping into a PC minefield here, but I can't think how else to put it) about either the art or the piercings. Context is key.

I'm female, 35, and am one of the few women I know with neither tattoos nor piercings.

Edited March 17, 2005 by Viola da gamba (log)

[cathrynapple]

there are tiny clear studs that employees can wear so that their piercings are not obvious. i have seen these used in many places.

as mentioned several times already, i beleive that the specific tone.atmosphere of teh restaurant should help employees and owners decide what is appropriate.

[petite tête de chou]

Well, I've thought long and hard about this matter. And I, finally, have come to accept that I couldn't possibly care LESS what is pierced or tattooed. Waitaminute...nope, I still don't care.

[Siren]

Personally, I would have issue w/servers w/captive bead rings or massive piercings. I personally have 10g barbells in my ears that I remove before I work(i'm a prep chef) because I've had the ball come unscrewed at some random times. I would say, hoops or studs would be fine but nothing that could pop out, like talions, plugs or beads.

attoos would have to be dependant on the atmosphere and location(ie, facial tats). I have 7 of them, myself, but all but one are hidden from public view(back of the neck), so even that high up wouldn't be bothersome to me.

I don't think this is an age issue(28, here), but more of a class/culture issue...

[ohmyganache]

I'll tell you what I expect from my waiters... solid, professional service. It doesn't matter what type of restaurant I go to, be it Dotties True Blue Cafe or A16 or wherever. I simply expect quality attitude and sense of professionalism. To me, that's what matters. I could care less what tat's or piercings my watier has, as long as they do their job well.

I will admit though, that serious body alterations can be a bit distracting at first. But like I said, if they're doing a stellar job... I won't even notice after a few minutes.