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Restaurant service: A few lessons from Italy to the U.S.

There are a lot of things I love about the United States. For instance Mr. Met, Thanksgiving Day meals and places like the Heart Attack Grill, recently featured on CBS’s Sunday Morning -- another reason why I love America.

The Yakov Smirnoff list can go on and on. But there is one thing the States are lacking. By the title of this post, you can guess what it is.

As Foodie Chick mentioned, we recently returned from a fine trip to Italy. We toured Florence, drove through the lush hills of Tuscany and spent some quality time doing as the Romans do in Roma. A more pleasurable trip I could not conceive.

Aside from the unbelievable food, one positive smaller nuance stood out to me above all. Restaurant service.

Some background on my trials and tribulations with food service…

I can say without hesitation that my Dad is by far the most fickle and demanding patron of restaurants. Any restaurant. He’ll think nothing of it to walk into kitchens, fill his own cup of coffee or berate a lousy waiter or waitress.

And to those in food service reading – never, ever  remove one plate, glass, utensil, napkin or breadcrumb from our table before everyone is finished eating every last calorie. In fact, you are much safer letting the plates pile up in front of us for the whole meal and just clearing the table when we are gone. You might even get a 16.5% tip.

As you can imagine, this made for some interesting and eventful dining experiences as a youth. I can still see the busboys snickering and the waitresses getting the extra saliva ready for our pancakes. My brother and I still walk on eggshells when dining with my parents (not you, Mom!). Anything can happen.

Over time my family has learned to live with his restaurant antics. Sometimes the heart of the problem is expecting 3-star Michelin service at Applebee’s prices. But, other times, even when you are at a very good restaurant, I have to agree with my Dad… The service sucks.

I actually want to note at this time that I realize serving food to people is an extremely difficult, thankless job. I do appreciate you fine waiters and waitresses bringing me delicious food. I think about the times when I am most grumpy – it’s when I am really hungry. All I want to do is eat. You in food service are a causality of my plummeting blood sugar levels.

That being said, at no point, no matter how famished, were we ever angered or annoyed by a member of the waitstaff in Italy. In fact, at many points we were delighted, amused and awed by them. 

Here are a few of the noticeable differences that made each meal (again, aside from the fantastic food) more enjoyable.

 
1. Every restaurant was happy to see you and welcomed you in enthusiastically. Now, I hate greeters at the Gap or people who are paid to say hello to me. These guys and gals in Italy are genuinely happy to see you. Either that or they are phenomenal actors. Sure, they like our American dollars – but so does Joe Q. U.S. restaurant.

2. When you sit down, they gave you a second to take off your coat, really peruse the menu and let you settle in. They aren’t all over you to rush you in and out. I’ll chalk this up to a cultural thing.

3. My Dad (of course) told me once that it was a sign of bad service if the waitstaff asks you what you want to drink. The thinking is you are the patron, you know what you want. If you want a drink, you order a drink. If not, you can be parched. Of course here in the U.S., that’s the first thing they’ll ask you before you can even sit down. The ritual of asking what we wanted to drink right away was very noticeable in its absence – and quite refreshing.

4. They make recommendations that are actually good. These guys (yes, most of them are guys) know what’s on the menu – and what’s off the menu – inside and out. Foodie Chick ordered something at a neat little place in Siena and the waiter/owner/chef/bartender/sweeper suggested she order a modified version of the dish she wanted. It turned out to be spectacular.

5. They let you eat… and eat… and eat… They just don’t bother you. They keep bringing the food and bringing the food. There is no rushing, no pushing, no shoving. Actually, at some points it became a problem when we wanted to leave. The only real issue I had was if we were in a semi-rush; it wasn’t that easy to get outta there. But, it slowed us down in a good way. I’m quite certain my Dad would be very happy here.

6. Without asking, they just bring some Limoncello or a nice nightcap free of charge. We aren’t talking about eating in the best places in the world. These are middle of the road places.

It may be harsh to say service in the U.S. sucks, which is me pleading to the waiters and waitresses out there to please not spit in my food.

Maybe we just need to slow down and have some minimal service tips. I mean everyone knows it’s not proper etiquette to clear all the dishes until everyone is done at the table – right?

Too bad. Would have saved me a lot of embarrassing meals.

 
Happy Dining!

Foodie Guy