tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post2653051291099260327..comments2024-03-03T22:02:43.757-04:00Comments on Quiet Laughter: A to Z: Restaurant Culture ShockGuilie Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-8355498604291647322012-04-24T09:01:36.735-04:002012-04-24T09:01:36.735-04:00another -good to know- post for when I start trave...another -good to know- post for when I start traveling the world :)- I am so behind on reading/commenting/visiting blogs, but made a point to peruse yours, you always have such great information.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272573103711249420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-5688715960276561272012-04-21T18:22:50.534-04:002012-04-21T18:22:50.534-04:00I've never really thought of serving differenc...I've never really thought of serving differences, it's certainly interesting.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12106399041059595196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-58806032746158771782012-04-21T13:37:33.414-04:002012-04-21T13:37:33.414-04:00Five whole minutes huh :) we'll you are making...Five whole minutes huh :) we'll you are making progress. Never thought about the difference in restaurant culture.Wandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07438544740170524813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-11452056032860438832012-04-21T11:20:08.921-04:002012-04-21T11:20:08.921-04:00I must have a bit of Dutch in me then because not ...I must have a bit of Dutch in me then because not only do I dislike having my plate cleared (because it feel disruptive) but I also don't like to ask for the check (just leave it unobtrusively at the edge of the table for me). Yeah, I'm a paradox!!! But I've never thought about the cultural differences... it's been a long time since I've traveled internationally (unfortunately).Margo Berendsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476308235642890474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-87935689042876341992012-04-20T23:30:17.692-04:002012-04-20T23:30:17.692-04:00I would love to be in Curacao! I hate it when my p...I would love to be in Curacao! I hate it when my plate gets whipped away (Canadian / North American style), and have no problem at all with them being left on the table. Mexican waiters sound...eerie, in a way, like it's a whole art there. Amazing. <br /><br /><a href="http://elizabethtwist.blogspot.ca/" rel="nofollow">A-Z @ Elizabeth Twist</a>Elizabeth Twisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133959633383307056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-28307876023461379092012-04-20T23:16:32.382-04:002012-04-20T23:16:32.382-04:00Dropped in for the A to Z...
Those little differe...Dropped in for the A to Z...<br /><br />Those little differences in expectations are a minefield, aren't they?Botanisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12098709722475364465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-4440941682450878032012-04-20T18:56:22.784-04:002012-04-20T18:56:22.784-04:00Lee, so true--the more hectic the lifestyle, the l...Lee, so true--the more hectic the lifestyle, the lower the standards of efficiency in service. Still, like you say, if you're out with friends having a *gezellige* evening (check my post for G), you want to take your time, do what we Mexicans call *sobremesa* (linger over the table once the meal is done, chatting), and an "efficient" waiter might get in the way of that. <br /><br />Thanks for stopping by and sharing your input :)Guilie Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-8620616910523668282012-04-20T18:43:54.935-04:002012-04-20T18:43:54.935-04:00That's good insight, Dino--so England is like ...That's good insight, Dino--so England is like Holland, no plates removed until "the end", and South Africa is much more Mexican (and American, maybe, too?) in its etiquette. It's hard, isn't it, to keep it from getting to you even though you know they're not being "rude" on purpose. I've learned to control it, but it still bothers me. When you find a therapist to "cure" you, please let me know--I obviously need the same treatment :D<br /><br />Glad you stopped by!Guilie Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-30506675469060463412012-04-20T18:40:24.905-04:002012-04-20T18:40:24.905-04:00You definitely have to come, Sylvie--I think you&#...You definitely have to come, Sylvie--I think you'd like it :) Aside from crappy service, there's lots of cool things here (and gorgeous beaches). Haha--yes, the waiter arriving just as your mouth is full is a classic, and the comparison with Manuel--"I know nothing, I'm from Barcelona"--is PERFECT!<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by :)Guilie Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-83291063596560662882012-04-20T18:38:34.763-04:002012-04-20T18:38:34.763-04:00Whoa--with the meal??? That I haven't seen (ye...Whoa--with the meal??? That I haven't seen (yet), but I'd definitely order dessert, a couple of liqueurs with coffee, and then maybe another dessert just to pick at, haha!Guilie Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-33870093005895110982012-04-20T18:37:19.895-04:002012-04-20T18:37:19.895-04:00Haha--definitely warn him about Curacao :D
Thanks...Haha--definitely warn him about Curacao :D<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by!Guilie Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-13053075972658478862012-04-20T15:06:37.286-04:002012-04-20T15:06:37.286-04:00Interesting insights into cultural etiquette. My d...Interesting insights into cultural etiquette. My dad's a stickler when it comes to restaurant service. He may have to be warned about Curacao!<br /><br />J.C. Martin<br /><a href="http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/" rel="nofollow">A to Z Blogger</a>J.C. Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01567971311643106302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-85907586186469578142012-04-20T13:13:10.387-04:002012-04-20T13:13:10.387-04:00It has bothered me, in the past, when the check co...It has bothered me, in the past, when the check comes ridiculously soon. And I'm talking about the waitstaff putting the check down with the meal! Makes me order dessert. I'm serious. I will order dessert if they do that -- and if I have the time, I'll linger over the coffee.Suzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07908805179119217608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-22074673453743183442012-04-20T10:31:48.103-04:002012-04-20T10:31:48.103-04:00I so would love to go to Curacao!
I really disli...I so would love to go to Curacao! <br /><br />I really dislike hovering waiters and waiters who grab your plate the moment the fork rests on the plate.<br /><br />I had a good laugh about the waiter only be there if you put your fork in your mouth. I had one such waiter once, the moment I walked out of the restaurant the giggles got me, and I giggled all the way home. <br /><br />he made me think of Manuel of fawlty towers fameSylviahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05519691494230856599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-7876520174471641842012-04-20T10:30:10.215-04:002012-04-20T10:30:10.215-04:00I'm a Brit living in South Africa and my big b...I'm a Brit living in South Africa and my big bug bear here is the speed at which plates are removed once the last forkful has entered the mouth. In England it is considered rude to remove a plate until all the diners have finished. Here the plate is gone the nanosecond the plate is clear. I guess it's a clash of cultures but thankfully the best restaurant in town and our favourite is owned and managed by a Brit who has trained his staff properly.<br /><br />No doubt I need therapy too.<br />;-)Dinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07769681950535697498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-51802709333070163042012-04-20T10:26:34.794-04:002012-04-20T10:26:34.794-04:00Interesting look a cultural differences. We Ameri...Interesting look a cultural differences. We Americans can be an impatient lot. When I go out to eat I'm not interested in a dining experience. I go because I'm hungry. Feed me, bring me my bill, and let me go. I've got things to do and I don't need to be sitting in a restaurant.<br />However, if I with friends and want to linger around the table for awhile I don't want to be rushed out. When dining out I'm paying for food and the service that goes with it. If it's not carryout then I expect the waitstaff to cater to my whims and look after me with great care. I tip well when this falls into place.<br /><br /><br />Lee <br />An A to Z Co-Host <br /><a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Tossing It Out</a><br />Twitter: @AprilA2Z <br />#atozchallengeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-41469859308267463002012-04-20T09:12:56.735-04:002012-04-20T09:12:56.735-04:00Monti, you've been here? That's so awesome...Monti, you've been here? That's so awesome--it's so rare to find people who've been to Curacao. Mostly I get the clueless look and a "is that Brazil?" Hahaha. To be fair, when I came here, I *also* thought I was going to Brazil--had never even heard of the place.<br /><br />Indeed, restaurant etiquette varies everywhere, and it has a lot to do with personal preference. Glad you stopped by and joined the conversation!Guilie Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-86944638957134298982012-04-20T09:10:26.169-04:002012-04-20T09:10:26.169-04:00Hey there,
Thanks for stopping over at the blog e...Hey there,<br /><br />Thanks for stopping over at the blog earlier today :) Haha--did you mean OCD? Asperger's syndrome is somewhat different :) My boyfriend would love it if I had a bit more OCD characteristics, haha, but unfortunately it's limited to quirky stuff like clearing empty plates.<br /><br />I did get your "other" message, via G+, and I replied--I'm assuming you didn't get my reply, so I must've done something wrong. Sorry about that!<br /><br />Have a great day!Guilie Castillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09006999087139126972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-2633610268909031162012-04-20T09:02:33.015-04:002012-04-20T09:02:33.015-04:00Really interesting to read. My husband hates it wh...Really interesting to read. My husband hates it when a waiter grabs his plate away when he has only paused for a moment to say something. He considers that very rude of the waiter. And it can be annoying. I suppose it's what you grow used to... Thanks for sharing. We've visited Curacao and enjoyed our stay there.<br /><br />MontiNotes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17417679983279135001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436812892124383603.post-67043832050749570722012-04-20T05:14:27.931-04:002012-04-20T05:14:27.931-04:00Oh golly have you sought out counciling for your A...Oh golly have you sought out counciling for your Asperger's ?<br /><br />I bet you are dying to clear away the table aren't you?<br /><br />I guess that if you were engrossed in the conversation going on then you wouldn't be so het up over the flat ware being still in attendance. <br /><br />Hey what do I know, I'm like you, half expecting everyone to know me and my culture...<br /><br />Having traveled extensively too I understand that in Spain for example, they never rush you and even when you ask for the check, they take an age.<br />Britain is completely different. You come in, eat and leave within about 30-40 minutes. And woah betide the waiters if they make you wait for a second. Its only at Macdonalds where the ettiquet slips....woops...!!<br /><br />Hope you got my other message.<br />Hugs and loads of love.<br /><br />P.W.Peaceful Warriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06609969596188204544noreply@blogger.com