I worked in a sports bar when I was 18, and I think I was a pretty good waitress and server. It’s a hard job, but if you have a little common sense, it’s easy to collect big tips. I guess the reason I’m so picky when I’m in a restaurant now is because of my experience waiting tables. I expect a certain level of professionalism, whether I’m in a chain restaurant or having a 5 star dining experience.

My friends that I eat out with often know I have a few pet peeves and will tip accordingly. My #1 rule? You are my server. You are not my friend. You are not enjoying a night out, I am, therefore, don’t sit down at my booth or table to take my order. Why do waiters and waitresses DO that? Yes, you’re tired and you’ve been on your feet for hours. Take a break in the kitchen, not at my table. This happens to me so many times you’d think I’m on candid camera.

My #2 rule - don’t EVER ask “Do you need change?” when I hand you the money with the check. Yes I need change, and I’m lowering your tip now. It puts the customer on the spot. I realize that for a server, it’s easier for ask and NOT have to make change if the customer intends for you to keep it, but waiting tables isn’t about what’s easier for you. Asking this question is tacky. A better option is to say, “I’ll be right back with your change.” That leaves it open for the customer to say “Ok”, or “Keep it”.

#3 - Keep the drink refills coming. My glass shouldn’t ever be empty. I don’t care if you’ve filled it 13 times and I’m going to float away…keep the drinks coming.

Obviously, I have a strong opinion on what I expect when I’m in a restaurant. If you treat me right and do a good job, I tip well. If not…well, I don’t tip as well. But don’t just take my opinion on the matter - check out this waiter and waitress training DVD. This should be used by every restaurant and diner the US to train servers on how to provide the best dining experience possible. People will stop coming to a restaurant for bad service - the waitstaff is the only face a customer usually sees, and average waitstaff can ruin your restaurant.

The past few Friday evenings, my husband has been able to join me at my son’s hockey practice, and we’ve decided to do dinner after hockey.

I don’t know why I continue to be surprised when I enter a restaurant on a Friday night and find that there’s a wait. You’d think I’d know by now that everyone goes out to dinner on the weekend. We tried 3 different places tonight before we finally went to a local Italian place for dinner - no wait!

Passover and Easter are coming, and all you need to do is look around your grocery store to see the signs. My local Publix not only has displays of Easter basket, candies, plastic eggs, toys, and stuffed animals, but signs offering hams for the holiday, and a huge display of matzo crackers, mix for matzo ball soup, and mixes for potato pancakes. Delish!

I want to thank Wendy’s for always giving me a source for one of my favorite drinks - sweet tea. There’s nothing like hitting that drive through after a hot day outside and getting instant refreshment in the form of a large sweet tea. The caffeine gives me a little boost too., Some people may prefer Red Bull or another type of energy drink for a pick me up - but nothing quenches me thirst like a nice cold sweet tea can.

I normally don’t drink water, but when I’m training for the 3-Day walk, and actually walking in it, I drink H2O like it’s going out of style. From a jug, from the tap, from a hose - whatever works! I’m not really picky about my water, but I know some people swear that it takes different when it’s filtered. If that’s the case, these neat water bottle filter are just the ticket for you!

I live in the Tampa, FL area. Some of you who are fans of the restaurant chain Hooter’s may know that the chain started in this area, in Clearwater. The original chain location is still open today, and busy, although I’ve never eaten at that location. (I prefer the one on the water in Port Richey!) For those of you not familiar with Hooter’s, its a wings and beer joint with waitresses wearing skimpy shorts and t-shirts. They chain had a bit of legal trouble a few years ago when a man who wanted to wait tables there took them to court. Anyway…I came across this post at GiggleSugar featuring a new Hooter’s Energy drink.

WTH? Is this for real? Hooter’s needs to stick with the wings and burgers and stop trying to sell all of this other junk on the side. We just want wings, and beer. Ok? Possible fried pickles. No energy drinks.

My husband got a new toy this weekend, in the form of this shiny new Char-Broil grill. He’s been eyeballing one for a while - the grill we have is several years old, and while it still worked, it did need some new parts. Also, because we didn’t have a covered patio in our last house, it got a big of weather wear. Now that we have a screened and covered lanai, we wanted a new grill to put on it, and thus, the Char-Broil came home with us a few nights ago. Jim fired it up tonight to make ribs for his buddies who are over for the big game, and it worked great. I really like the included griddle that you can use on the sideburner for veggies or even to make pancakes!

Technorati Tags: grill, CharBroil, Char-Broil, gas grill, outdoor living, outdoor cooking, grilling, BBQ

Do you shop when you’re hungry? I don’t mean a trip to the mall or Target, I’m talking about setting foot into a grocery store when you’re tummy is rumbling. I’m so guilty of this, and my shopping cart on any given trip proves it. I stopped typing this post after those first 2 sentences to grab myself a snack from the kitchen - apparently blogging while hungry has the same affect on me. One of the best stores to hit when you’re hungry, is a warehouse club. You’ll usually find several aisles of smiling employees offering samples, especially on the weekend. And yes, if I like something, it goes into my cart! I noticed on my last trip there that one of the sample ladies had her card table awfully close to the aisle with the medicine. Is that on purpose? You stuff yourself full of samples and then head over to pick up a metabolism booster? I’ll have to pay more careful attention the next time I’m grazing for free samples…

Technorati Tags: Costco, Sam’s Club, warehouse club, hungry, grocery store