There are generally 3 categories of restaurants J.J. and I frequent.
We like family-style restaurants that have become community fixtures. They tend to be unique, personal and have characters. Especially if they can claim to be in business for 30 or more years, you know they serve great food. Some of these places have one special daily choice so when you are seated, you will be offered the day’s special.
The second category is chain restaurants such as Applebee’s, Olive Gardens and Chili's. At least we know the quality of food and service.
Occasionally, we like to try fine dining places. These unfortunately are hit and miss. Even when they have a dress code, we see people get seated in their t-shirts.
In the past, restaurants follow specific dining sequence starting with appetizer, main dish and dessert. Some would encourage their guest to take an aperitif, wine with the meal and an after dinner drink.
I eat 5 small meals a day. At Olive Garden, I ordered an appetizer of calamari as my main course and shared it with J.J. And I even had 1/2 leftover packed to take away. J.J. had chicken soup and a scampi pasta.
Tips were meant to express thanks for extraordinary service. Today tips are expected and the computer display at our table tells you what you are expected to give.
Somehow J.J. and I prefer the Old World restaurant etiquette where you pay for their gracious service and good food and feel happy to leave a generous tip because you want to and not what the computer prompts you to do.
Aloha -- Cathi