Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with restaurant

If no one tells you that you're fired, are you really fired?

maxg94 — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:56:58 -0800

My teenage daughter has her first job, but has apparently been fired yet no one told her or warned her. What can be done? Unlike many kids these days, my high school aged daughter was successful in finding a part-time job. She is a hostess at a restaurant walking distance from our house (key since she can't drive yet). It does a lot more business in the summer as the majority of their seating is outside. So far she was getting 1, maybe 2 shifts a week. Last week she was not on their online scheduling calendar but did not think much of it because there are a lot of girls who are older that have been asking for more hours. Yesterday she logged on to check the new schedule and could not login.

She called and asked for a manager and got a server who is "sort of a manager". He told her she was blocked because she was fired for her "attitude" and "does not smile enough". No one called, emailed, or texted this firing. No one ever gave her any feedback that she was not smiling or meeting their expectations. This is her first ever job, and based on her age and application they are aware of this.

She immediately went to the restaurant to see a manager. They tried to pawn her off on the server/sort of a manager, but she insisted on a real manager (yeah for her). One of the owner/managers saw her, and he was not aware of the firing and asked when it happened. She told him just now. He asked her to call him back today. Our assumption is that he wants to talk to the managers to get their story behind this which is fine before discussing with her.

She is devastated because she thought she was doing well. Jobs for young people are hard to come by in the area, especially without transportation. And of course, it is mid-May and most things have already been hired. On top of that, college students are rolling back into town and looking for things as well.

Can they fire you and not tell you? Without warning or telling you that you are not doing something right? I get if she was stealing, drinking etc. but not smiling enough? What should she bring up in the conversation today? I also have a feeling that they may try the "we overhired for that position and you are the youngest (though not the last hired)" route. I know that the restaurant industry runs differently/has their own rules than others having worked in it myself but am trying to make sure she has her bases covered. FYI - she has handled all hiring and meetings on her own, I have never met any of these people.

Where to eat in Baltimore's Inner Harbor with a 10-month-old?

orange (sherbet) rabbit — Mon, 06 May 2013 05:13:10 -0800

I am going to a conference at an Inner Harbor hotel this week, and the whole family will be going. We are looking for places to get takeout, as well as places where a baby in a stroller would be welcome. Fun Facts:
--We'd rather not drive.
--For lunch, we're looking for places to get a sandwich to take back to the hotel, as well as ones that would be OK with my husband sitting for a while with the baby in the stroller. (It's bigger than an umbroller, but a little smaller than a jogging stroller.)
--Some possible dinner timelines: eating at 5:00 when the baby eats babyfood that we'll bring with us; feeing him elsewhere and eating around 5:30--6:00; getting food to go anywhere in there. We need to be back at our hotel by 7:00 because that's when bedtime starts.
--Outdoors would be OK unless it rains...
--We eat anything, pretty much.

Planning a Ruby Wedding anniversary

ellieBOA — Wed, 01 May 2013 07:49:12 -0800

Looking for recommendations for an upmarket hotel and a restaurant in Paris. Asking on behalf of my uncle, who is planning a weekend in Paris for his and my aunt's ruby wedding anniversary in July. He didn't specify a budget unfortunately, a French restaurant is preferred, maybe in the Marais?

Sorry this is all so vague!!

Graduation dinner in NYC

vrakatar — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:37:28 -0800

Old friend coming to the city in a few weeks sent me the following: "We are looking for a place for a graduation dinner. Likely about 11 people -- with a couple of kids. We want something good, but festive and fun. Any ideas?" I think it is Columbia, but not sure where that places the ceremony, or if they want something close. Maybe Calle Ocho? Is that place still there? I used to be a waiter and so hooked into the scene, but now I have no clue where to send these folks. Help me help them, hivemind!

did they think we were restaurant critics or something?

fromageball — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:00:21 -0800

I normally only get free stuff at restaurants when they've messed something up, so I am wondering why this restaurant was particularly hospitable to me and my date. I had dinner at a restaurant in nyc on a weeknight on a date(just the two of us) and we were seated right away, the food came pretty quickly, was good, there were no problems at all.

At the end we had dessert and they brought us a giant fruit platter "on the house" and then a couple of digestifs as well.

I'm not complaining, but the only time a restaurant has done something like that in the past is when they made some kind of blunder and that didn't happen here, to my knowledge anyway. The waitress just brought them to us.

Then when we walked out of the restaurant the hostess came up to me to invite me to their weekly brunch and gave me a brochure and a couple of other bartenders and servers were telling us to have a good night. We weren't the only ones in the restaurant at all and I had picked this place because it was popular on yelp and had great reviews, so I don't think they were desperate for people to like them.

So my date was joking that they thought we were from zagat...did they? Or were they just being nice? Why?

Places for a lunch meeting in Chicago (near the Hilton...)?

mariokrat — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:46:33 -0800

I had to do this last year for San Francisco. This year, it's in Chicago! I'm looking for a place that can comfortably seat a group of 7 for an informal lunch meeting. It has to be within a five-minute walk of the Chicago Hilton, reasonably priced, decent food, and have a semi-quiet environment. I see some possibilities on Yelp, but it's hard to judge from there whether they'd actually be suitable. Any kind of food is fine, but vegan/vegetarian recommendations are especially welcome. Thank you for your help!

Reykjavik restaurant suggestions for a Sunday night

msali — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:16:20 -0800

So I'm going to be in Reykjavik for my birthday this year! Where's a good place to get some drinks and have a nice dinner on a Sunday night? My cousin and I will be traveling through Iceland next weekend, and we'd like to go somewhere nice for my birthday dinner. I think we'd both like to try some good Nordic food, but neither of us is adventurous or interested in eating pickled shark or sheep innards. We're pretty open, and while price is not really that big of a factor, I'd like to not go crazy unless the restaurant is not to be missed.
Also if you have any good bar recommendations, that would be appreciated. I'd be looking for a quiet bar where we can find a table to sit and talk.
Thanks!

Where can I get a delicious dinner and/or cocktails in Portland, ME?

mlle valentine — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:37:51 -0800

I'm traveling to Portland, Maine, in late May and will have at least one free evening which I hope to spend eating and drinking something delicious. I haven't been to Portland in a few years so I'm looking for some restaurant/bar recommendations. I like fancy cocktails (as my posting history will indicate) and pretty much any type of food providing it's not super-duper expensive. Bonus points if you know of anything else fun going on in town as well!

Best restaurant inside McCarran International / Las Vegas airport?

ZakDaddy — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:50:57 -0800

For a boring list of logistical reasons, I'll be inside the Las Vegas airport today at dinner time, waiting for a late departing flight. I'll be hungry. Airport food is generally pretty vile. Can anyone tell me what doesn't actually suck? I'll take recommendations for any kind or style of food. I'm on an expense account, so my budget is pretty generous. Thanks! :)

Chicago Database of Bars seachable by beers

Uncle — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:52:22 -0800

My friend just told me of a website that had a listing of Chicago bars, restaurants, and liquor stores that you could search by beer brand. He can't remember the name or url. Can you?

Nice restaurants in or around Lafayette, CO

Blazecock Pileon — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:41:50 -0800

What are nice places to go out for dinner in or around Lafayette, Colorado? (Going as far as Boulder would be fine, too, if you have recommendations.) Looking to spend about $100 for a couple, maybe more if it is worth the added expense. No real limitations, diet-wise, but they like vegetarian or fish with good beer.

Effective way to get restaurant to change the name of a menu item.

fluffy battle kitten — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:30:17 -0800

What is the most effective way to get a new locally owned restaurant to change the name of an item on their menu? [item name possibly NSFW so will be inside] Description of item from menu -
"SWEET POONTANG BBQ: This is our mildest sauce. Sweet poontang has a smoky tangy flavor."

There are a couple other menu items that have suggestive names but nothing like that bbq sauce name. How do I go about getting the name of the item changed without coming off like an asshole (which I will do if it's necessary) and WITHOUT causing a ton of publicity on social media?

Dinner in Minneapolis

hoyland — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:09:50 -0800

Suppose you were taking 4-6 people for dinner in Minneapolis on a Friday night with a budget of $20/person (including tax and tip). Where would you go? It's that time of year when one takes prospective graduate students out to dinner. In the past, people have gone to Chino Latino (year after year after year), the Town Hall Brewery and the King and I. Chino Latino is a terrible choice, as it's way too loud and sort of obnoxious. Actually being able to talk to these people would be good. (Never mind the offensive advertising campaign and the fact I kind of hate Uptown.) I don't think there was anything wrong with Town Hall or the King and I, but it seems like one could find somewhere more interesting. Brasa has been suggested, but it seems like the risk of having to wait forever makes it a bad idea.

There needs to be a decent vegetarian option. We should have a car with a sufficient number of seats, so location is not such a big deal. Taking reservations is probably a plus, but not obligatory if they're not super crowded on Fridays.

Do dim sum waitstaff get paid on commission?

dontjumplarry — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 19:28:54 -0800

Do the waitstaff at traditional dim sum (yum cha) restaurants get paid a commission on what they sell from their trolley? Or do they need to sell a minimum amount? Why are some quite pushy and others don't seem to mind if you buy from them or not?

Lovely Asian soup in Montreal -- But what's it called?

supercoollady — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:57:56 -0800

Agh! I've just come back from Montreal and I've already forgotten the name of this Asian soup that is everywhere. It seems to be at Thai restaurants as well I think as (other) Asian places and I wanted to look it up and see what's in it because I didn't get a chance to try it. I remember it had "aise" as the last bit (I know that's not THAT helpful) and was, as I said, just everywhere, at least in the theatre district and Chinatown. I think it may be Tom Yum or something of that ilk. It looked somewhat related. I think it had noodles. Can someone help? I'm sure this is a very easy question if you're actually in Montreal. Thanks!

Restaurant recommendations near Dupont Circle (Washington DC)?

theatro — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 07:25:58 -0800

I moved to DC recently-ish, but haven't explored the restaurant scene very well. Now I have a friend coming to town next week, staying right near the Dupont Circle Metro station, and I could use some recommendations for places to eat. Can any locals help me out? We're both omnivores, and while I'd prefer economical options, I don't think we're averse to considering something pricier if it comes highly recommended.

There was a previous question about Dupont Circle-area eats from 2011, but since the top contender in those answers has apparently closed by now, I'd love to get some more recent input. Please help me be a good host!

Fast track me to townie status: Massachusetts North Shore Edition

amelioration — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:15:34 -0800

I am moving to Newburyport, MA in two weeks. Please help me land smoothly with recommendations for hairstylists, dog care, preferred ISPs, and anything else that pops to mind. After a long and arduous job hunt, I landed something great in the North Shore area outside of Boston. I've secured an adorable apartment in Newburyport, have movers booked, and am starting to think about all of the smaller details of living there. I've lived in the same town for the last 10 years, and one thing I've really loved is knowing who to go to for anything I needed. Please help me land on my feet by contributing your recommendations for:

- Hairstylists - I have very thick, cowlick-laden white girl hair; I like a hairstylist who really listens and has mad execution skills, because sometimes I like really precise, crazy cuts. I do not care one whit about their skill with color, because I don't ever color my hair.

- Dog care - vets, day care, grooming, and boarding places. My current spot is great, as it has almost all of those services in the same place. I've used a local non-profit for 95% of Poodle's vet care, as it's incredibly cheap for annual vaccinations - if something like that exists in the area, I'd love to know about it.

- ISPs - who's the favorite/best deal in the area? I've been with Comcast for years (due to lack of alternatives) and hate them with the fire of a million suns.

- Auto mechanics - I've got a Toyota. It's in good shape, but this is one of those things I like to be prepared for ahead of time.

- Specialty grocery stores - I like to cook and bake and can, where do I go for the best cheese, bread, and your less common spices? Where's the best farmers' market? International grocery store?

- Bars and restaurants - I went to Salt when I was interviewing, and it was exactly the kind of place I like. What other great cocktail bars are around? What's the best comfy dive bar to sit in and play Scrabble? Best place to get a burger?

- Anything else you think is worth recommending! Some stuff I'll be happy to go into Boston for (especially the hairstylist), other stuff I'm hoping to find within walking distance of home or work.

Looking for a restaurant recommendation in Tallahassee

Lokheed — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:45:03 -0800

On Sunday afternoon my wife and I are driving up to Tallahassee, FL in order to meet someone for lunch. None of us have ever been to Tallahassee before, and we would like to find a restaurant that will be open for lunch on Sunday, and is a comfortable place to sit and have a conversation (this is a person we have not seen in several years, so we would like to be able to sit and chat for a good long while). Our guest says she loves ethnic food, and is also interested in any local favorites. Any recommendations?

Planning a big dinner party in New Orleans

jbickers — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:52:09 -0800

Dinner party for 300. New Orleans. October. Have about $100/person to spend. Where should we go? It's a big group, obviously, which limits our choices. But we want it to be reasonably nice and in the spirit of New Orleans. Bonus points if it's in a setting where there's something fun to do after the meal (we're looking at the aquarium, for instance). The group will be meeting at the Loews on Poydras Street, so the closer to that, the better ... can any New Orleans MeFites offer a can't-miss suggestion?

Appropriate donation for a dinner in a restaurant in a new location?

palliser — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:06:42 -0800

We're going to a restaurant that is just moving to a new location. At their old location they charged $115 for the type of dinner we're having (chef's tasting with wine pairings) and were successful and well-reviewed. This is their pre-opening week, and they say they have a few wrinkles to iron out so are asking for donations at diners' discretion to help cover costs. What would be an appropriate amount -- or range, depending on how it goes? I'm going in a group of 4 that includes 2 people I don't know, so it has the potential to be an awkward situation, and I'd like to get a read on what seems appropriate, maybe especially from someone who's worked at a restaurant that's done this.

I'm very familiar with fine dining and do not balk at a $115 tasting; that's not the issue.

I've looked at this question, but that was for friends and family; this is for the general public. Plus this is an established restaurant that's changing to a new location, not an entirely unknown entity. Thanks.

Birthday Discounts in Calgary?

batikrose — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:26:15 -0800

We will be in Calgary this weekend for personal business, and I got to thinking, since it's also birthday of one of us, are there any restaurants, coffee shops, attractions that have birthday discounts? We will be staying in the SE, but anything is game. If it matters, older couple with mobility issues. Thanks!

Seattle restaurant for 20-30 fancy fellows?

Juicy Avenger — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:53:56 -0800

Calling all Seattle foodies. I am totally at a loss, as I've never been there. But I'm looking for a nice, classic restaurant that serves good seafood. I'm looking to book a place for our main dinner honoring the residents/post-doc fellow students who will present at a conference. Criteria are:

It should be near the downtown/bellhouse/pike place area.

It needs to be a place that would take a reservation for 20-30 people.

Seafood.

NICE. Money not much of an object. In fact, if it's too cheap, it will raise eyebrows.

Quiet venue for a Wednesday night date in Tempe?

emumimic — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:48:36 -0800

I asked out a cute person, and he said yes, but... where do I want to go tomorrow night? Looking for someplace quietish (not too crowded, quiet enough so we don't have to yell at each other, and could maybe play a game of Scrabble), pretty casual (not overly-romantic), and pretty cheap. Could just be a drink or coffee, doesn't have to be a restaurant.

Tip that!

Mach3avelli — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:20:37 -0800

I serve tables at a restaurant (California), and management (large corporate chain) insists we declare 18% tips on sales (whatever the outcome of the night) or face reprimand... The restaurant is apparently under close scrutiny by the IRS, and the response to take eyeballs off is to require employees to declare a minimum 18% tips every shift. Now, the law "requires" we declare 100% of our tips, but where it gets a little dicey arrives with tipping out. Bartenders, back waiters, and bussers. After I tip them out (fixed amount based on sales), I'll be lucky to retain a 15% take-home ratio (especially on crappy nights/weekends).

Management insists it's the law that ALL tips accrued (before tip out) is the amount I'm expected to declare. I mentioned I thought it was odd to be taxed on earnings I don't take home, and then to have that same cash doubly taxed when the next person down the line (busser, back waiter, etc.) has to declare tips themselves. I was told to look it up. I did, and the specifics don't seem to address this particular distinction (unless I missed it).

Anyway, "reprimand" includes getting written up and receiving limited sections and hours. I just care about making money, but I wanted to know what my specific rights are in this instance. I feel the employees are being "compelled" to declare more on most nights than we actually make, and I was curious about the legality of it all, specifically if what we're supposed to declare should reflect post or pre-tip out.

Small Deli wants to allow online ordering, needs advice

klinefelter — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:37:13 -0800

I'm helping a small local deli with a website redesign using Joomla, and they're really interested in online ordering. I'm familiar with setting up standard shopping carts, but this is a bit different. Does anyone have advice on what cart to use (one that's fairly customizable) and how to best receive and process orders? The owner wants orders to go directly to a printer creating a paper copy of the order, but I'd like to consider some sort of android tablet solution.

Anyway, this particular ecommerce solution seems like it would have it's own unique challenges, so hopefully someone with experience specifically in the restaurant-ordering-online area might chime in.