Poll: Is it Rude to Question the Waiter When Out To Lunch Wi

JanieJack

I was reminded of this while reading another post, and would like to know what y'all think:

A couple years ago, I was out to lunch with coworkers and it was time to order. I asked how the chicken was cooked, to make sure it wasn't fried, and when it came time for the salad, asked the waiter what the dressings were. He listed them off, and I selected one. Then he asked about my sides, and I asked if the day's veggies were grilled. He told me, and I finished my order.

I was feeling really good about my healthy selection when a coworker leaned over and said, "Do you ALWAYS do that every time you eat out?" I looked at her (having no clue what she was talking about) and said, "Do what? What did I do?" She and the guys at the table fidgeted, and it wasn't until later that I realized, "Oh, she must mean my asking about the food options."

What do you think? Rude or Responsible?

lizard053

Responsible! You have the right to eat your food exactly as you want it. Even out at a restaurant.

rileysowner

You are the one ordering the food. It is their job to satisfy you. If simply asking questions is considered rude, then we have a problem in this world.

Noley80

Not rude at all...you were being accountable for your actions.

I have an allergy so I HAVE to ask questions like that. No, its not fun. But neither would the consequences.



Good for you. Don't let them make you feel awkward.

MountainMia

Responsible. Although, it's important to read the menu first to make sure you are not asking questions that are already answered. I used to be a server, it's their job to know how the food is prepared and get you what you want. I actually liked it when people had special requests because it usually meant a higher tip... opportunities to exceed expectations. Good job on the food choices.

Pandorian

I'm going to ask so I can be sure to get what I want, ie if I order a club sandwich and they insist on giving me mayo for it it better be on the side as I don't want it in the first place, if they can't do 'that' little thing then I don't need to eat there, ever.

Asking how a food is prepared so you can pick something else is totally reasonable... I do it at home if my gf is cooking... how you going to cook that, why would I not at a restaurant so I can "Watch" what I'm eating

wwk10

Even if not trying to eat healthy, I think asking about the menu is acceptable.
I do it my friends do it. I would not have known what your coworkers meant either.

I hang out with foodies and in some upscale restaurants its part of the experience.
"Do the braised short ribs come with the fois gras?"
"How did the chef prepare the butter for the steak?" (Putting butter on steak . . .wow)

bcattoes

Absolutely not rude if it was done politely. Stiffing the waiter/ess on the tip is rude. B*ing at the server, or shorting them on a tip, for something that happened in the kitchen is rude (mentioning it is not). Politely asking how food is prepared is not rude at all. It's very common.

livinginwoods

Not rude and I do it all the time!

loriamcq

Responsible. My boss does it so much the waiters and waitresses at our favorite restaurant remember her order and often remind her of what she likes/doesnt like.

JanieJack

I can understand being annoyed by someone who takes all day to ask the waiter when you are on a short timeline for lunch, but those were quick questions.

This happened about 7-8 years ago. I still ask such questions, lol. Just wondered what you all thought.

lizard053

Bump!

Curious for more opinions!

jennyjo79

I got flack for this from a friend years ago when I first started WW and we went out to lunch. I don't see anything else wrong with it; as long as one is polite when they ask (which I'm sure you were), then it's not rude at all! You pay for the restaurant to make your meal; you should get it the way you need/like. As my WW leader said, "They're there to please you."

Mishi1369

Maybe it is because my close friends are vegetarians and always have to ask to make sure the meal is "meat-free" but I don't see even how any one could think this was rude. You are simply checking to make sure this is what you want to eat. Even if they didn't know the calorie-checking goal behind it, I still don't see a problem with asking the waiter polite questions about how the meal is prepared for whatever reason you are asking it.

That person was jealous that you are taking care of yourself.

PepperGirl1

Being married to a chef, and being a former waitress myself, it is not rude to ask preparation questions of the waiter. And a good waiter knows the answers. Also, most restaurants can accomodate simple dietary needs when requested, such as dressing on the side, hold the mayo, toast bread with no butter on sandwiches, light on oil when grilling... remember not all requests can be met due to the fact that some items are preped ahead of time, but a good restaurant will do its best to accomodate a reasonable request.

Suziq2you

Definitely not rude. I do it all the time and no one even bats an eye.

Schraudt814

Responsible. Although, it's important to read the menu first to make sure you are not asking questions that are already answered. I used to be a server, it's their job to know how the food is prepared and get you what you want. I actually liked it when people had special requests because it usually meant a higher tip... opportunities to exceed expectations. Good job on the food choices.

^^This!^^ I'm saying this as a server myself...a good server knows how the items are prepared and should never give you a hard time when asking about how something is prepared. This is not just for nutritional concerns, but also those who have dietary needs...gluten allergies and the like. Many restaurants do not have all of their nutritional information readily available in the location so it's especially important for people to check. Your co-workers were a little rude for questioning it!

natalie412

Those are all very normal questions!! Some people are just afraid to question wait staff about anything.

Chagama

Not rude at all! You are paying for something, and it's reasonable to be sure you are getting what you want. Not to mention, there are many reasons for asking such questions. Some people have allergies, or other health related dietary restrictions - there is no reason why they should be taking any chances on what they are getting. We have some religious restrictions and are always asking questions related to how food is prepared, what side ingredients are used, etc. I have no intention of ordering something without know whether I can eat it when it shows up.

maryjay51

i do that all the time too.. i dont give a crap if anyone likes it or not ..im paying for what i want and there is nothing wrong with asking how they cook something.. most people who get offended is because they ordered something crappy and i probably made them feel guilty

Tropical_Turtle

Totally responsible!!! Might as well get something you want cooked the way you want it - afterall you are paying for it!