Table Talk

By Stan

May 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Co-op cooking sounds pretty intresting. Would probably have to be a less than fine dining resto though. Not so much for any discount but rather for the experience. Combine that with cooking class of some kind to kepp things light and fun.

Free dessert for kids under 12? NO. Unless it is Mcdonalds or something comparable. Parents of young kids need less encouragment to bring the kiddies with them to eat, not more.

Stan

By Chris

May 2, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

A great perk for is NO CHILDREN ALLOWED! That sounds great to me.

By Curt in Atlanta

May 2, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I think that perhaps opting to comp a glass of wine or a beer might be helpful. It’s not really cost prohibitive to the owner. However, the best remedy to keep a nice restaurant up and running is exceptional service. Nothing brings back a customer more than a fine dining experience, and that is centered around the personnel. Don’t take the customer for granted. Another idea would be to have certain night “specials”, where different items on the menu are offered for a discount. It’s possible for a restaurant to track some of their favorite meals, and offer them up at a 10% discount during the week, so as to attract their customers on nights that might be slower than others.

By Sheryl

May 2, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Happy hour? Is there a reason we don’t have happy hour in this state? I went to D.C. and happy hour included 1/2 price beer and 1/2 price appetizers. I’m sure it would encourage your average person to stop on their way home.

By MB

May 2, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I’ll settle for great food and great service at reasonable prices. Rare to find all three at one place.

By Critic

May 2, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

One thing that’s a big turnoff for me is this whole valet parking thing that has run amok. Valet parking at casual restaurants, when there’s ample parking that is easily accessible?, Come on! This is small scale extortion! I could understand valet service at the original Longhorn as that was a nightmare with the narrow one-lane driveway. I am an able bodied adult and I will not patronize any casual restautant that mandates this “service”. I event think valet service at Canoe is an insult to my mobility.

By lk

May 2, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

I’m not tempted to eat at a restaurant because I get a free dessert or am entered into a raffle. For special occasions I want a great experience - meaning food, atmosphere and service. For every day dining my expectations are not as high. I still want good food - and something I won’t cook at home, usually.

The thing that drives me away from a restaurant faster than anything (regardless of the food quality) is having to wait a long time to be seated (won’t even get the chance to try the food, ‘cause I’m outta there) and poor service. Poorly behaved children rank up there as well. I don’t mind children - but they should be respectful. If someone’s baby is screaming, the staff should say something. As a fellow diner, I probably won’t unless it’s really awful, but I also probably won’t come back if it’s a regular occurrence.

I guess, all that boils down to a pleasant dining experience is what I’m looking for. Not a sideshow of raffles or free desserts.

By Shirley

May 2, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

The best perk ever would be NO CELL PHONE USE in any eating establishment. To take a call while you are dining with someone is rude and no one is interested in your conversation especially when you insist upon everyone hearing it at decible levels. If you are an individual who must be on call then switch your phone to VIBRATE like the beepers were and then you may leave to make your call.

By Malone

May 2, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I agree with Shirley. Please, NO CELL PHONES in restaurants! For the life of me, I do not understand why others cannot see the insufferable rudeness of talking on a cell phone ANYWHERE but in the appropriate places like your car, your home, or in an area that does not intrude on everyone else’s personal space! Any time I hear someone on their cell phone in a restaurant, I calmly ask the manager to go over and put a stop to it — works every time, and the manager gets some secret pleasure out of passing along the message. PEOPLE, ENOUGH OF THE SELF-INDULGENT BEHAVIOR! STOP THE CELL PHONES IN RESTAURANTS!

By Joey

May 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

HERE HERE! Don’t like them damn phones ringing and don’t like the big mouth folkses talkin into em. Take your calls outside where nobody hears em and let us eat our meals in peace.

By RK

May 2, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Critic: you beat me to it. Let’s eliminate this “perk” of “complimentary” valet parking.

By Rachel

May 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I don’t drink alcohol, so I save that cost, but even a glass of coke or sweet tea is unreal. One of the best money savers for me is to drink water. Cokes cost around 10 cents to make but we are charged $2. If a restaurant wanted to comp the drinks the cost of the meal more than makes up for it. As for cooperative cooking, I don’t think so. The reason I am going out is to keep from cooking. Fianlly, no desserts for the kids. The last thing they need is more sugar, but I will take a free Tiramisu if they are giving them away!

By Chyp

May 2, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Hate them damn cell phones. get rid of the little turds and the people that use them.

By Rich

May 2, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

First of all is great service, not rushing you so they can turn over the table fast, valet parking is not important. The resturant could be a bit fancy, I have been to resturants in California and Europe whhere their is a plate of almonds on the table to snack on and at the end of the meal you are asked if you would like a complimentary glass of dessert wine, nice touch and the staff of waiters and waitresses were very professional. Of course if you need to speak on the phone have some courtesy for other patrons and take the call outside or away from other people out trying to enjoy a meal. We don’t care or want to hear your conversation. As for small children keep them under control no running around in the resturant or screaming. It is expensive enough to eat out and people want to enjoy their meals.

By Loosey

May 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Chyp no need to use potty talk, although I completely agree with you. Cell phones are sooooo annoying and everyone feels they need to share their conversation with you. If you want to talk, take it outside or back home. This ruins the entire dining experience, even more than kids running around.

By AJ

May 2, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

NO CELL PHONES NO CELL PHONES

By Malone

May 2, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Number one cause of indigestion is listening to a cell phone while trying to enjoy a meal.

STOP THE MADNESS

By Laura

May 2, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Restaurants should offer childfree seating areas.

By Malone

May 2, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Any wonder why my meatballs are angry? DAMN CELL PHONES - THAT’S WHY!

By RK

May 2, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Either I am in some loud restaurants or I’m just don’t care, but I never am bothered by others on cell phones…

By ellen

May 2, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Apparently, according to another AJC blog, a perk should be that all diners be handed a 9mm Glock when they are seated. Geez.

By reservoirDAWG

May 2, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Soft drinks are priced as they are because on occasion there is a customer that has 10 refills. As for those who want no children in restaurants, a child will act as a parent allows. Maybe some parents should be banned.

By TC

May 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

HAPPY HOUR!!! That says a lot. We do not have that here anymore and I dont know why? It surely will make a big boost in more customers. HAPPY HOUR!!! HAPPY HOUR!! 1/2 off on certain things. Thank you Sheryl

By Jim

May 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I understand they have to make money off the soft drinks, but, come on, at two bucks a glass, you’d have to drink forty glasses before you cut into the money on that one.

For me, the following would make me a regular customer.

1-good service. Nothing worse than a server who ignores your drink because you’ve got one more swallow left. Here’s a hint folks, most customers save that last gulp in case they need it, just because they aren’t sure when (or if) you’ll be back. But they’re noticing you haven’t been there. I appreciate someone who actually notices when I need something. Not only does this affect the tip I leave, it has a huge bearing on whether or not I return.

2-Drink prices. Sorry, at 2 bucks a glass, you’ve lost that part of my sale. I can go buy at LEAST 3 two liters at the store for that. I like a soft drink with my meal, and one of the restaurants I frequent has held that price at a buck a glass.

3-Consistency. I’ll take a good experience everytime over a place that offers a wonderful one one time followed by a nightmare the next.

4-Wait times. I have no problem waiting if the place is busy, but it’s a huge turnoff to be told there’s a 45 minute wait when half the tables are empty just because it’s understaffed.

Kids aren’t really something the restaurant can fix, and I have no problem with cellphone conversations provided they’re quiet ones.

By Bentley

May 2, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I would like a no kids section in every restaurant. Nothing ruins a meal faster than some little snot-nosed b******* with completely clueless, self-absorbed parents. People shouldn’t have to endure them anymore than cigar smoke.

By itsmorenamorena

May 2, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I’m all for happy hour!!

By Happy Hour?

May 2, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

If they give you happy hour, are you going to complain when you get busted for DUI after two hours of half price drinks and your “meal” of wings or potato skins.

By Critic

May 2, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

I think that happy hour was killed in Atlanta due to the liabilities that bars/restaurants take on when they serve alcohol at reduced prices. This is viewed as encouraging the customer to drink. Since we have no mass transportation to speak of (that’s really worth a damn), patrons get drunk and then get behind the wheel to go home with an increased chance for an accident.

By CL

May 2, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Critic: I think you’re right about the liability factor. I worked at Brandywine Downs in the early 80s and we had 4 for 1 on Fridays. I don’t know how those Ga Techies walked home!

By JA

May 2, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Restaurants and bars would LOVE happy hour. Talk to your State Representative to allow it. Happy Hours are illegal. Technically, when a restaurant offers 1/2 price wine on Mondays for example, that’s illegal too, just not enforced. I’m surprised the “restaurant lobby” isn’t trying to change that just like the “grocery lobby” is trying to allow Sunday sales. (Don’t get me started on Sunday sales; if it has nothing to do with religion (yeah right), let’s trade: allow Sunday sales, disallow Tuesday sales. I digress…) Any deal that offers a discount on alcohol is illegal. Pathetic I know - just reporting the facts :-)

By bob Ichter

May 2, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

my top 3 suggestions No kids No kids No kids….just the sight of of one in a restaurant sends my blood pressure soaring. They ALWAYS ruin the experience.

One of my favorite restaurants is Roy’s in Buckhead. They keep my business by doing several things. They always remember my name [ even the valet…I think the hostess must clue them in on who is arriving for reservations], they send out an unasked for tiny appetizer, and the food is always great. They go above and beyond to make one feel like a VIP

By Anna

May 2, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

What would draw me into a dinning establishment would be the abscence of a television. We are so over run with the need to be entertained by the boob tube. What happened to the days of going out to eat with your significant other or family and having a dinner conversation, relaxing, and enjoying the time out. If I wanted to watch TV while I ate my dinner, I would have stayed home to begin with.

By Bob

May 2, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

No Valet at Canoe? Have you been there at diner? those guys put cars everywhere. stack them up and put way more cars in there then if patrons were to park themselves. If they did not have valet parking, we would have to walk 1/2 mile down to the school.

By Noelle

May 2, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

The most important thing to me is good service. Restaurants need to do more to train their employees well, but turnover is really the biggest issue, so they also need to pay them better and treat them better so they’ll stick around longer. (Did you know some restaurants make the server pay the bill if a diner walks out without paying? How ridiculous is that?)

No kids sections would be great, especially in more upscale places, but only if those areas are completely separate, soundproof rooms. Otherwise it would be just as pointless as being seated in a “nonsmoking” section that’s right next to the smoking section.

I’d also like to see lower prices for soft drinks, or at least for tea, which is by far the largest profit margin for any restaurant. If nothing else, meals should come with a free or heavily discounted beverage.

I have NO interest in any kind of co-op cooking. If I wanted to cook, I’d stay home. (Exception for fondue.)

I have no idea where people are eating that cell phones are such a big issue — or why some people seem to have such an automatic prejudice against them, even when they aren’t actually disturbing anyone. I rarely see people using cell phones in restaurants, and those who do are almost never any louder than others who are talking and laughing around their tables. I sometimes talk on a cell phone when I’m dining alone, and it’s less noisy than if the other person were sitting across the table from me. If nothing else, you’re only hearing half the conversation!

By Kim

May 2, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

“Potty mouth?” Are you kidding me? Or are you 11? Per this: “I would like a no kids section in every restaurant.” Yes yes & yes. And the same thing on airplanes. Thank you.

By VoiceOfReason

May 2, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

CONCERNING HAPPY HOUR

Some states have banned happy hour due to the risks of overdrinking. Half off prices of course encourage people to drink more (don’t argue, this is the very point of happy hour) so this increases risks such as alcoholism and drunk driving. I lived in Rhode Island for awhile and that state also banned happy hour. HOWEVER, some places have happy hour with other specials, which brings me to my favorite place, McCormick & Schmicks. Their ‘happy hour’ features a special drink for $5, PLUS regular size meals starting at only $2!! Mon-Fri, 4pm-6:30, bar area only. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.

By Sherrybaby

May 2, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

$12.00 a glass house white wine?-Not Again. Out of control children of unconcerned parents.Servers who gather in site of customers and gab,laugh, talk on a cell phone,drink or chew. These are a few of my grips, I’m a server and part of a “dining club” who eats at a different “fine dinning” establishments atleast twice a month.

By VoiceOfReason

May 2, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Okay, I was going to complain that the people that have such “harsh” things to say about children probably aren’t that much of a joy to be around either. You don’t want children? Go eat at a BAR, they don’t allow children in there. Well, that WAS what I was going to say until some idiot (Kim) wrote that children shouldn’t be allowed on planes. Are you kidding me? So children shouldn’t travel? Nuts…..

By Critic

May 2, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

To Bob I have been to Canoe at dinner, although it was an early dinner. So I suppose in retrospect you’re right, it could be pure mayhem. Just at the time, when I pulled up, I thought it was a little extreme.

By Witchipoo

May 2, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Hansel & Gretel stampeding through restaurants should be cooked in the meals and served to their parents. Who, crocked on booze, won’t even notice that their nasty whelps are missing. But, seriously, fans … . oh, wait I am super-serious to begin with. Children should be banned from all restaurants except McDonald’s and Chick fil-a.

By reservoirDAWG

May 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Children should not be banned, but it should be ok for a manager to ask customers to control their children. As seen in a local pizza shop, “unattended children will be sold as slaves.”

By Mans Sun

May 2, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Why should I have to go eat at a “BAR” simply because I object to having my meal ruined by the tater-throwing caterwauling by a passel of ill-bred spawn of the devil? Even though I am the injured party, I should choose to segregate myself with a bunch of drunken harlots and belching berr bellies? Thank you, no. I’ll give you so-called parents dirty looks and complain to the management. If that doesn’t shut your retards up like a clam, then I won’t be back.

By Laura

May 2, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

To Witchipoo: I love it!

By Tommy

May 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

…funny, a restaurant or bar can’t serve 1/2 price drinks or 2-4-1, but they’ll serve you as many as you want at regular price….oh, and kids should no way in hell be allowed in a restaurant…

By Jon Swift

May 2, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Children should definitely be allowed on airplanes. But only if we can open the door and push them out. Bereft of parachutes, of course.

By uv

May 2, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

I would like to see a No Tipping rule for waiters and valet.

But with this, I would hope the restaurant would pay the waiters and valet more.

I know they would charge more for the meals, and I would be willing to pay more.

By Midtown

May 2, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

1 - Wine tastings. A lot of restaurants are holding weekly wine tastings and it’s a good excuse to get together a group of people after work and then try dinner afterwards.

2 - Coupons. I love the Savvy Shopper where they offer coupons at good restaurants like Harry & Sons and Agave. They are usually for 40% off food or buy one dinner get one free.

3 - Specials such as Baraonda’s Monday wine list. They have 15 bottles of wine that cost $15 each. That gets people in the door.

By O. Mike Odd

May 2, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Free desserts for kids under 12?????

No.

$50.00 desserts for kids under 12.

$50.00 high chair fee.

Liver and onion kids menu.

By Dale

May 2, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Happy Hours are illegal. That is to say, you cannot offer reduced drink prices for only a couple of hours a day, you cannot offer 3 for 1, 4 for 1 etc., drink specials. You can offer 1/2 off Wine Mondays (or any other day of the week), special drink prices ($1 draft beer Tuesday’s per se) and so forth. The key is you have to offer the special from open to close. You can’t do it just 5 to 7 for example. You also cannot give away alcohol. In fact, you cannpt sell alcohol for less than the wholesale price you paid to bring it in.

Sodas cost a bit more than 10 cents to make. The syrup only (for Coke at least) cost $57 a box but then there is the water and co2 mixed with the syrup, the glass we put it in, the ice in the glass, the water and chemicals used to clean the glass, the labor involved etc. Free refills are often offered and most people are refilled at least once. So if the cost is actuall closer to 30 cents, you refill once to bring the cost to 60 cents, then have the usual mark up, $1.25 is on the low side while $1.50 would be normal unless your intown where rent is $30 a square foot so you get all you can. If people are willing to pay $1.95, $2.50 for soda/tea, get it.

By Critic

May 5, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

To Tommy I promise you that a bartender or server will cut you off if they have even the slightest notion that you’ve had one too many, full priced drinks or not. They will question you after only one if they think you downed it too fast, and then keep an even closer eye on you after that.

By Lucia

May 5, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Please, no gimmicks, especially coupons and discount cards that will only end up being lost in the black hole that is my purse. Just good food and good service for a reasonable price. And, BTW, my children aren’t always angels in public, but I know when to exit stage right, unlike a few parents I could name.