Hi there!
I believe that you were told that the tip was not included. I know I
was. It gets confusing and maybe things changed between your trip and mine or one of us was given the wrong information.
I do know that I was told, by a server at the Maya Grill, that they just got a set tip no matter what was ordered. When I first heard this I was a bit taken aback but after it was confirmed by several other folks during the trip I believed it to be true. It gets awfully confusing. Of course even if they are ONLY getting $5 a meal it can still add up to a healthy wage IMO.
At the Pepper Market you go and get your own food, and have to wait in line while it is being prepared and the waitstaff basically just brings you a drink.
No tip is asked at Wolfgang Puck's Express, where they also bring your dinner to you, you get your own silverware and drink. I always leave one though, seems only right.
Maybe someone else would care to join in and tell us their experience?
SG