It's Valentine's Day! spoiler alert: I'm livin' a totally blessed life these days and could easily pour on and on about how lucky I am. My husband is so thoughtful and perfect, our home is happy and I even have an extra little heartbeat going on just to keep up with how much love I feel.
But that's soooo predictable! Instead, I'd like to talk about some of the unsung heroes of Valentine's day. your waitstaff.
I waited tables for a 10 years (fun fact: I wore a full men's tuxedo for 4 of them!) and part of that job means having to give up a little on the holiday side of life. That meant spending Christmas eve with Jewish strangers, Easter with hard of hearing grandparents & loud babies that didn't belong to me and yes, Valentines day surrounded by love...directed at other people.
It's not all awful. Rightfully so, everyone makes the decision to splurge on V-day dinner and as a waiter, you reap the benefits and walk out hundreds of dollars richer and go enjoy a nice diner with your sweetie on the 15th.
From a former waitress, here are some notes I've made concerning V-day restaurant patrons over the years:
* First, are you sure you want to go out to dinner on Valentine's Day? I get it, but remember: it will be crowded. That means the kitchen and your waiter will be busy. It means you will be rushed a little so your table can be ready for the next seating. Simply waiting a few days would promise you a relaxed, quiet evening with more attention from the staff then on an Amateur night like V-day.
* Be nice. Your waiter is either A) away from their loved one and watching happy couples "Lady & the Tramp" their spaghetti to each other over and over OR B) doesn't have a loved one and hates you. So if he/she seems frazzled, go easy on the poor kid!
* having said that, you still should never, ever settle for snarky, nasty service.
* Don't wear red or pink. It's so overdone. a touch here or there: ok, but if you really want to stand out, flash some emerald green or canary yellow. you'll shine!
*Don't get the pre-fix, it's usually a scam! you'll get much better food if you stick to the menu.
*Don't spurge on the meal and skimp on the tip. 18% is the new 15% and anything less is an insult to good service! sorry penny-counters, thems the rules!
* Please don't propose to your Lady on Valentine's Day in a restaurant. you'll tell your server and they will tell everyone else and then you will be gawked out till you get down on one knee in front of a room full of strangers, peering over your shoulder. And what if you aren't the only one?! THE HORROR! Plus, the most you might get is a free desert. Is forking out a cool hundy plus romantic follow up to a proposal? No way. It's smoochfest time, baby!
Enjoy your happy cupid day's everyone! Remember: when in doubt, buy jewelry or sea salt caramels. and send flowers to you mother.
HAPPY MONDAY!
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