So you want to nix the hollandaise on the halibut; you want the salad dressing on the side; you’d like olive oil instead of butter; and your green beans steamed and not sauteed?
Your waistline may thank you, but what about your waiter? Diet tips for eating out often include a hit list of ways to make special requests that require a change in the way dishes are prepared. Sometimes they’re simple substitutions: “Can I have my fish with lemons instead of tartar sauce?” But sometimes they’re complicated.
Maybe it’s time for a little dining out detente so we can better understand what it takes to create a customized order and take a moment to listen to the waiter’s side of the story.
College student Adam Waldorf works nights waiting tables at the Majestic Diner in Atlanta, which is often pretty packed.
“When someone comes in and makes special requests, it’s going to take more time. Sometimes they get mad,” Waldorf said.
He once had a man ask for his scrambled eggs cooked light, light, light, light and light.
“He said ‘light’ 14 times. And they just weren’t runny enough for him until the third try, when the eggs were like a river on his plate,” Waldorf said.
That may be an extreme example, but the bottom line is: You can’t blame the waiter for a delay on a special order.
Here are some tips from tableside pros on getting what you want the way you want it:
Be specific
“Can you lightly brush the fish with butter?” “Ask the chef not to salt my food.”
Consider the environment
Ask for balsamic vinegar in an Italian place and rice wine vinegar in a Japanese place. Bearnaise sauce at steak restaurants usually comes in a huge gravy boat, best kept way on the side. But if the sauce is a light swirl and part of the chef’s creative gourmet vision, enjoy it the way it’s intended to be. You don’t have to eat the whole thing.
More Top Picks Versace Eros For Men
Be honest
When the waiter asks you if you like your meal, don’t suffer in silence. He wants to make you happy. Ask for a replacement if you don’t like something.
Check out the room
See what other diners are eating so you get a visual on portions. Way too large? Split the entree or ask the waiter to serve you half and box the rest.
Make eye contact
Also smile at and appreciate your server. Waiters are likely to spend more time at friendly tables.
Bad server
Got the absent-minded waiter? Politely tell the manager what you need.
Everybody tip now
The industry standard is 20 percent for good service, and that definitely includes the server who goes to the mat for your special-order request. They’re not doing it for their health. Even if you are. Let them know they’ll be rewarded ahead of time by saying, “If you help us eat a little less, we’ll tip you a little more.” Smaller hips, bigger tips.