Question about Le Cellier and ordering etiquette.

[jon18uk]

US is not like other countries. Law allows servers to be paid very very low, like $2.13 an hour in some states. They depend on tips to live.

Florida Law does have a minimum wage including tip though doesn't it? So a server will never get less than$7.93 even if they get no tips as the employer has to make it up. In that case a server is no worse off than a CM working at the turnstyles. I know US wages are weird but I also don't think there should be an expectation that you need to tip hugely because you are ordering a small amount of food.

I do think the OP should order a dish each, so if they are only going to try Poutine or soup, at least get one each. Sharing an appetiser between four people does look a little cheap, but ordering an app each and no mains would be OK. Then maybe tip a little higher than normal but don't go crazy.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Food & Wine has been going on for years so lots of folks understand problem and your strategy. I have myself cancelled many ADR's because I wanted to truly enjoy the variety of foods offered at the booths. In fact, I rarel make ADR's during F & W anymore. There are undoubtedly many people who do exactly what you are planning to do.... and I imagine that servers absolutely dread having you sit at their station this time of year.

I love Le Cellier... I love their poutine and cheddar cheese soup (available from the Canada booth). I would never take up an ADR for ordering that little without compensating the server on the tip. Never.

 

[DLgal]

Try the creme brulee at the France F&W kiosk. It is always amazing.

 

[Maxpowers]

Right or wrong, tips are a basic part of servers income

Tips are most of a servers income.

Florida Law does have a minimum wage including tip though doesn't it? So a server will never get less than$7.93 even if they get no tips as the employer has to make it up. In that case a server is no worse off than a CM working at the turnstyles. I know US wages are weird but I also don't think there should be an expectation that you need to tip hugely because you are ordering a small amount of food.

I do not know Florida law, but I think that would be based on all your tips for the service combined. That's how it has been in my experience. It would still hit the server's bottom line as tips from the other tables would hopefully bring them above that hourly wage. Being a server in a good upscale restaurant requires more experience/effort/skill/etc...than working the turnstyles does.

 

[tabrizia]

Florida Law does have a minimum wage including tip though doesn't it? So a server will never get less than$7.93 even if they get no tips as the employer has to make it up. In that case a server is no worse off than a CM working at the turnstyles. I know US wages are weird but I also don't think there should be an expectation that you need to tip hugely because you are ordering a small amount of food.

Legally yes. Realistically I have never known anyone who worked in food service as a waiter/waitress to have their employer actually follow this law, ever.

 

[Pumbaa_]

personal tipping habits is not a topic for discussion.

On the plus side, if you only order a couple things you will beout sooner and the table will turn over

this thread isnow closed
thank you!