scam!

I don't know what it is lately, but I am just NOT having good luck with people! First my tips get stolen, now this...

Two guys came in and both ordered waters. I couldn't decide if they were gay or flirting, but either way, they were acting a little strange. When they finished their appetizer and meal they asked to see the dessert menu. We don't really have a "dessert" menu, we just offer cheesecake. I told them the different flavors we offered, and they said they'd think about it...a little strange. When they caught my attention again, they said they'd just share a slice. I ordered it and noticed one guy had gone to the bathroom. A few minutes later, the other guy got the attention of ANOTHER server and told her that they were "just going to the bathroom. Let our server know, because we don't want her to think we left." So, I delivered the cheesecake and thought nothing of it...until 15 minutes later when they STILL weren't back!

Totally planned. Looking back, everything seemed to fall into place. One guy got there before the other, so they arrived separately. They were super nice, even a little flirty. They told me they would "think about" the dessert and told a different server that they were going to the bathroom. AND, they left separately.

I just trust people way too easily--this is a problem I have in life too. I simply overestimate people's character, and unfortunately, I've learned it can end up hurting me in the long run.

Anyway, I guess I've learned my lesson. I REALLY need to keep tabs on my tables--even the sober ones!

-MJ

here comes the...ketchup?

I had never heard the term "marrying ketchup" until I started my work as a waitress. Little did I know, it's actually a universal term! This task is required for every server after every shift. If you've got two half full bottles of ketchup in your section, combine them into one aka marry them.

There is actually a tool called a "ketchup coupler." I refused to believe that it worked until, well, I tried it!

I should have gotten a "before" picture, but I didn't think of it in time. All I can tell you is that the ketchup bottle on top was a little less than half full. The ketchup was being stubborn, and I was tired of trying to shake it out--that's when I decided to give the ketchup coupler a try. And voila! My job made easy!

-MJ

babysitter? i think not.

Two things come to mind when I see a huge family walk in with a bunch of little kids:

1. Yes! They're not going to be here forever drinking because the kids gotta go to bed soon.

2. Get out the mop and the broom, it's going to be a big mess when they leave.

Well, last night wasn't any different. I like when families come in because they're usually friendly and relaxed and there's no hassle of separating checks at the end of the meal. But come on! The mess was RIDICULOUS last night. They had a little baby that ate a grilled cheese--actually, she didn't really eat it. I think she was intentionally throwing it on the ground. Needless to say, little pieces of grilled cheese everywhere. YUCK. And the older children thought it was funny to shred their napkins and get ranch dressing all over the table.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, be a little more aware when you're out to eat with children. I'm a messy eater too, and it's part of my job to wipe down tables after you leave. But if you've got a little one, maybe make sure he/she is actually eating the food. Just sayin'...

-MJ

noodles in a salad?

I just discovered my new favorite salad! the ID is kind of known for their salads, and I'm not a huge salad person but they are SO good here!

This salad is called the Mediterranean. It has romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, feta cheese, pine nuts, angel hair pasta and grilled chicken tossed with italian dressing. SO good. This picture doesn't really do it justice because I had already eaten half of it!

Come in and try it!!

-MJ