Trip report: Two weeks eating in St Barth

[pascaleschmidt]

There always are at least two sides to every story.

no two sides here... c'est pas legal enfin!!!!

 

[cec1]

no two sides here... c'est pas legal enfin!!!!

I understand your point, Pascale, but respectfully maintain that it’s not necessarily “asking for a tip” when a server advises as I described. Sure, at times it easily can be — and may be clearly — perceived as an “ask.” But, I remember the first (& only) time the line was delivered to me. It was at Eddy’s & clearly was intended as helpful advice from a new, young waitress who had no idea that I was a ”regular” and very familiar with the matter. I simply said, “thank you — I know.” She undoubtedly was hopeful of a tip, but a “hopeful” expression, in my mind, doesn’t translate to an ask when it legitimately may appear to a server that a guest may not be aware of the issue. As an attorney, if the matter (whether conveying information, as my server did at Eddy’s, constitutes asking for a tip) ever came to litigation, I can confidently tell you that it’s one of those things that depends on context & other factors . . . not a black-&-white, open-&-shut case. And if related litigation ever arises, I might — depending on context & other factors — offer representation on a pro bono basis.

 

[cec1]

hmmmmmm pas bon ca!!! I object.

Overruled!

 

[cassidain]

All you say may well be true, Dennis, but given the current climate and the cultural and legal realities involved, I would suggest it's better to not even offer the guidance about how one might tip. Like Pascale, I find any overt reference to a tip highly off-putting.

 

[cec1]

All you say may well be true, Dennis, but given the current climate and the cultural and legal realities involved, I would suggest it's better to not even offer the guidance about how one might tip. Like Pascale, I find any overt reference to a tip highly off-putting.

. . . don't disagree. I'm simply saying that by offering the information, a server is not -- per se -- asking for a tip.

 

[cassidain]

. . . don't disagree. I'm simply saying that by offering the information, a server is not -- per se -- asking for a tip.

oui, mais . . .

 

[JEK]

So many words to excuse bad behavior

 

[cec1]

So many words to excuse bad behavior

That's offensive, John. My words are my thought process . . . please don't belittle them.

 

[JEK]

That's offensive, John. My words are my thought process . . . please don't belittle them.

Sorry to offend. We all think a little differently.

 

[pascaleschmidt]

. . . don't disagree. I'm simply saying that by offering the information, a server is not -- per se -- asking for a tip.

la tu cherches midi a quatorze heures..... why then do I never get asked to leave extra euros on the cc but Americans do? I am French and they know they are in the wrong... I know this because many servers tell me... they know they will get the tip from the Americans and do not care whether it is illegal or not.....

 

[pascaleschmidt]

I understand your point, Pascale, but respectfully maintain that it’s not necessarily “asking for a tip” when a server advises as I described. Sure, at times it easily can be — and may be clearly — perceived as an “ask.” But, I remember the first (& only) time the line was delivered to me. It was at Eddy’s & clearly was intended as helpful advice from a new, young waitress who had no idea that I was a ”regular” and very familiar with the matter. I simply said, “thank you — I know.” She undoubtedly was hopeful of a tip, but a “hopeful” expression, in my mind, doesn’t translate to an ask when it legitimately may appear to a server that a guest may not be aware of the issue. As an attorney, if the matter (whether conveying information, as my server did at Eddy’s, constitutes asking for a tip) ever came to litigation, I can confidently tell you that it’s one of those things that depends on context & other factors . . . not a black-&-white, open-&-shut case. And if related litigation ever arises, I might — depending on context & other factors — offer representation on a pro bono basis.

the owner or manager of the resto will be very clear to all the staff regarding asking to put extra on the cc.... and all on staff new one day or 10 years will know if the said owner or manager is ok with such behavior....

 

[Cwater]

I understand your point, Pascale, but respectfully maintain that it’s not necessarily “asking for a tip” when a server advises as I described. Sure, at times it easily can be — and may be clearly — perceived as an “ask.” But, I remember the first (& only) time the line was delivered to me. It was at Eddy’s & clearly was intended as helpful advice from a new, young waitress who had no idea that I was a ”regular” and very familiar with the matter. I simply said, “thank you — I know.” She undoubtedly was hopeful of a tip, but a “hopeful” expression, in my mind, doesn’t translate to an ask when it legitimately may appear to a server that a guest may not be aware of the issue. As an attorney, if the matter (whether conveying information, as my server did at Eddy’s, constitutes asking for a tip) ever came to litigation, I can confidently tell you that it’s one of those things that depends on context & other factors . . . not a black-&-white, open-&-shut case. And if related litigation ever arises, I might — depending on context & other factors — offer representation on a pro bono basis.

I have always been on the side of asking for tips = making me crazy. I appreciate your take on this and will be calm the next time I am asked.