Snapping, whistling, and clapping: Last time I checked, these were all methods of getting an animal’s attention. I have been snapped at countless times, and I must tell you that it angers me, and every other server out there. Sure, we’re there to provide you with a service, but we cannot be at everyone’s beck and call simultaneously. Most of us do the work because we enjoy it, not so we can be dominated. You wouldn’t snap to get your way at home or in the workplace, would you? Treating a server with disrespect will get you nowhere, except maybe the sidewalk. When you want to grab a server’s attention, simply making eye contact with them is sufficient. We always make our rounds in our respective stations and will get to you as soon as we can. Dining out means you are a guest of the restaurant, but you are not the only one. Please do not call your server over, ask for something, and then when they return, ask for something else. Plan ahead. A server is there to provide you with a service not to be your servant.—Gerardo Diaz
Gerardo Diaz is Toronto’s gayest server, or so he says. He has over a decade of experience working in some of the city’s busiest restaurants.
