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Re: Check Please, Feb. 27
Servers are usually very nice young folks who seem to have good attitudes, but unfortunately they seem totally ignorant of what is expected by the diner when he/she plops down serious cash for a nice meal.
The response of “No problem” (or the dreaded “No problemo”), or “You got it,” to the diner’s “thank you” to the server, is presumably intended by the server to be gracious, but it is not appropriate.
“You’re welcome” or “My pleasure” would be appropriate and no harder to say. One does not have to be stuffy to be well mannered.
Another issue is removing the entree plate of one diner who has finished quickly while the others at the table are halfway though their meals. This is a no-no; not only will it embarrass any fast eater to have his speed pointed out by the server, but it is really galling when the paying diner is not the fast eater and the fast eater is the client of the paying diner. One does not need to to pay good money to have one’s client embarrassed by the server.
Had Beatty, Denver
Re: Check Please, Feb. 27
If you come in my restaurant and sit at my bar or one of my tables, put the cellphone down for 5 seconds so I can take your order. Talk all you want after that.
Also, if I say, “Hi, how are you today?” the proper response is not “water” or “I’ll take a Coke.”
Society has formulated common rules by which we should all abide. Pleasantries are part of these rules. I am not asking for your life story, just the common, socially accepted responses are fine.
Finally, if there are issues with your order, I will do my best to fix the problem quickly and efficiently. Do not act like a spoiled 12-year-old throwing a tantrum.
It is just food, and rest assured, you will get over it eventually. I promise you I will do my best to give you great service and return the favor if you practice common courtesy.
Dave Franco, “Lamescrnm” on .
Re: Small ranches can keep an eye on quality, Feb. 27
Cows are mature female cattle that have had a calf and are kept for breeding purposes, not for slaughter. Cows are sometimes slaughtered for hamburger only because cow meat is tough; cows are old.
“Cattle” is a proper generic term for all cattle. Cattle that are fed grain or grassed for beef are heifers (young female cattle that haven’t had a calf) or steers (young neutered male cattle). Bulls breed with cows and heifers to produce calves.
A cattleman would say that you should not refer to an animal as a “cow” unless you are specifically referring to an older female for breeding.
Richard Tegtmeier, Colorado Springs
