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Dear Helena,
I went into an Italian restaurant with my boyfriend and ordered a plate of lobster ravioli. We weren’t superhungry, so we asked to split it. We didn’t order anything else but a glass of wine. The waiter became very chilly, like it was really tacky of us to take up a two-top if we were just going to order one entrée. Is it OK for a dining couple to order one dish and halve it? If so, can you ask them to divide it in the kitchen? I like to have my own plate. —Split Decision
Dear Split Decision,
Unless the menu lists a minimum charge per customer, you can share a salad, drink water, and skip dessert. You have as much right to go to a restaurant as someone who wants to pig out. Many restaurants are more interested in getting your repeat business than in how much you spend on any particular visit. “We have no issue with low tabs whatsoever,” says David Mantelmacher, owner of Plate in Ardmore, Pennsylvania (where guests often ask to split the hearty portions). But Ben Rose, manager of Joseph’s Table, an upscale restaurant in Taos, New Mexico, says: “If a couple just dawdles over a salad, it can be a little annoying if it’s Friday or Saturday and people are waiting for tables.” If a restaurant is crowded, do as Rose suggests and tell the maître d’, “We’d just like to order some appetizers and/or split an entrée.” That way, he has the option to seat you at the bar.
If you divide the dish yourselves at the table, it’s barely any bother for the server. “All we have to do is bring an extra plate,” says Louis Sheppard, a server at Nobu Dallas. But if you ask the kitchen to divide the dish, it can be extra hassle for the restaurant. “If we’re very busy, it can throw off the rhythm in the back of the house,” says Mantelmacher.
Sometimes splitting can also disrupt the aesthetics of a dish, and this reflects badly on the restaurant. Half a pork chop balanced on half a potato-gratin cylinder does not look elegant on the plate. Even if you don’t care, other diners may notice as the waiter carries the half portions out. Esteban Garibay, maître d’ at Manresa in Los Gatos, California, says: “We get asked to split a dish maybe once a month, but we don’t do it. The courses are too carefully composed.”
Some restaurants may add a little extra food to make the plate look better, and charge a “splitting fee.” At Plate, the charge is $2.50 for an appetizer and $5 for an entrée. The fee is for the extra food and is not intended as a disincentive to split. “Otherwise, we’d charge you even if you split the dish yourselves at the table,” Mantelmacher points out. If a place doesn’t charge a fee and it looks like the kitchen’s made a split dish a little bigger, you should reward the effort when you tip.
But even if a restaurant is happy to split your dish in the kitchen, if you’re on a date, you might want to reconsider. Sharing a plate of ravioli can be foreplay. If the kitchen plates your halves separately, it’s just a very small dinner.
Table Manners appears every Wednesday. Have a Table Manners question? Email Helena.
Warning, sexist comment to follow:
In my mind, men don't split an entree with their wives (or anyone, for that matter). It's super emasculating.
There, I said it.
I don't see anything unreasonable about two people sharing a dish, be it an entree, an appetizer, a dessert, or anything else (although I think soup might get a bit confuzing). But what's all this about asking the kitchen to split the dish? I mean, I agree that a restaurant should be willing to accomodate the customer within reason, but at the same time to ask for a single dish, which has a...+READ
I don't see anything unreasonable about two people sharing a dish, be it an entree, an appetizer, a dessert, or anything else (although I think soup might get a bit confuzing). But what's all this about asking the kitchen to split the dish? I mean, I agree that a restaurant should be willing to accomodate the customer within reason, but at the same time to ask for a single dish, which has a particular way of being prepared and presented, to be served on two separate plates seems pretty unreasonable. Is it really that hard for two people to get a second plate and divide it themselves?
As far as tipping goes, I think the idea of tipping extra based on the idea that the server would get less money, as some have suggested, is just silly. Sometimes people eat a lot of food, sometimes people eat a little, that's the way the restaurant business goes. You wouldn't feel bad for buying a less expensive car because the salesman would be making less money on commission, would you? I mean, I appreciate all of the work that goes into being a server, and I'm not saying you should be stingy, but really, you're never at fault for not spending money on something you don't want.-COLLAPSE
When I worked as a waiter I tipped out the kitchen %20 of my tips. As a result my dishes were always right, the non english speaking cooks suddenly were fluent in english, and if I brought something back, or refused to serve an improperly prepared dish they would jump to fix the problem.
Nick's Italian Restaurant in Lindale, Texas will prepare you an Italian dinner on one plate or split the dinner and serve one portion split and placed on separate plates. My husband and I enjoy going to Nick's when we are hungry or just looking for something to eat.
We are always greeted and treated as very special guests, as everyone who dines at Nick's is treated. We tip 25% and are always...+READ
Nick's Italian Restaurant in Lindale, Texas will prepare you an Italian dinner on one plate or split the dinner and serve one portion split and placed on separate plates. My husband and I enjoy going to Nick's when we are hungry or just looking for something to eat.
We are always greeted and treated as very special guests, as everyone who dines at Nick's is treated. We tip 25% and are always treated to something special such as a new wine, desert or specialty for us that evening.-COLLAPSE
I share meals for health reasons. II frequently share an entree as the portions are far too many calories in most restaurants. This allows me to consider a soup or an appetizer. I do not like to waste food, nor do I like to take food home because I find that I often don't get around to eating it before it starts to grow mold. I do not care to join the ranks of the obese. Although I enjoy myself,...+READ
I share meals for health reasons. II frequently share an entree as the portions are far too many calories in most restaurants. This allows me to consider a soup or an appetizer. I do not like to waste food, nor do I like to take food home because I find that I often don't get around to eating it before it starts to grow mold. I do not care to join the ranks of the obese. Although I enjoy myself, I am mindful of my caloric intake. That being said, in my favorite Korean haunt, I order both the Dol Sot Bi Bim and the Beef Bulgogi........but I feel like a glutton evertime I do this. I tip generously if the service is good.-COLLAPSE
On occasion, I do split entrees with my wife. Sometimes you're just not hungry. But I'd never do it during a busy night. However, if the restaurant is empty, you're not depriving anyone.
I also make sure to get other things: appetizers, dessert, wine. I also tip well when I do so. Your waitperson may say it's okay, but they're working and you should respect their labor. Otherwise, stay home.
...+READ
On occasion, I do split entrees with my wife. Sometimes you're just not hungry. But I'd never do it during a busy night. However, if the restaurant is empty, you're not depriving anyone.
I also make sure to get other things: appetizers, dessert, wine. I also tip well when I do so. Your waitperson may say it's okay, but they're working and you should respect their labor. Otherwise, stay home.
Finally, restaurants are meant to be used...respectfully. It's perfectly fine to come in for drinks and appetizers...and make a meal of it. But I'd do that early, on weekdays. And respect your waiters; they're working hard and, really, they're human beings.
I hate the diner who acts as if they are the lord of the manor.-COLLAPSE
It's not rude for two diners to split a meal. As far as expense goes, my husband and I can easily rack up a bigger bill if we have a leisurely meal with wine/booze, appetizers, deserts and just split an entree than we would if we came in and just had two entrees. Since the entrees are larger each and all at one time, we are less likely to order the other items and we are less likely to linger and...+READ
It's not rude for two diners to split a meal. As far as expense goes, my husband and I can easily rack up a bigger bill if we have a leisurely meal with wine/booze, appetizers, deserts and just split an entree than we would if we came in and just had two entrees. Since the entrees are larger each and all at one time, we are less likely to order the other items and we are less likely to linger and drink so the bill as a whole is often less. Tapas places figured this out ages ago.
Also, while I don't see any problem with sharing per se, coercing people to share with you is altogether another topic and obviously obnoxious.-COLLAPSE
Boy am I glad i glanced at this!!! As a former waitress, east coast, raised by cooks and passionate about eating in restaurants: I remember the first time I saw a 'plate sharing' charge (at a diner I no longer work at in NJ) and was appalled. If a customer requested to share a meal the following would happen: The owner, who ran FOH/register, would get pissed. Then I'd have to go back to the...+READ
Boy am I glad i glanced at this!!! As a former waitress, east coast, raised by cooks and passionate about eating in restaurants: I remember the first time I saw a 'plate sharing' charge (at a diner I no longer work at in NJ) and was appalled. If a customer requested to share a meal the following would happen: The owner, who ran FOH/register, would get pissed. Then I'd have to go back to the kitchen to either get the entree split, or to get an extra entree sized plate, and piss them off too. Then the customers would get pissed because they had to pay for an extra plate. And tip, like usual, around 10% if I were lucky. Situations like this, which are typical rather than unique, are why I'm no longer a waitress. Where is this wonderland where 15% is mediocre??? If this were standard, everyone would be a waitress!!! But, to quote Woody Allen, "every hooker I know says it sure beats waitressing. Waitressing has got to be the worst job in the world!" To more directly address the question though, I've found it really depends on the establishment you're in, and only when eating out in a party of two; in a large group, unless in a really informal place, sharing would just be bizarre.-COLLAPSE
My boyfriend and I are splitters, even if we both get separate entree's I want to try his, he wants to try mine. We've paid for the "splitting fee" before, but it wasn't optional if we still shared a plate. But I dont mind that either. Our favorite place has pretty decent sized portions, and their fee is $2.00. At nicer places, I do feel a little bad doing this if we dont order salads and...+READ
My boyfriend and I are splitters, even if we both get separate entree's I want to try his, he wants to try mine. We've paid for the "splitting fee" before, but it wasn't optional if we still shared a plate. But I dont mind that either. Our favorite place has pretty decent sized portions, and their fee is $2.00. At nicer places, I do feel a little bad doing this if we dont order salads and appetizers and/or alcohol.
I always make sure a friendly waiter/ess recieves a healthy tip & based on the price of 2 entrees. However if the temperture of the room drops everytime they are near, and they assume we are just being cheap, I have no problem dropping that tip down to 10% with a little note reminding them to be a little more friendly.-COLLAPSE
Not at all! Who's kidding? When I go out to eat with my parents (both when I was living with them and even after I moved out), my mom and I would usually split a dinner, if the portions there were big enough, and we weren't starving, or anything like that. She jokes that it's good for her diet, as that way, she doesn't eat too much, and I get plenty as well. I wouldn't have even dreamed of...+READ
Not at all! Who's kidding? When I go out to eat with my parents (both when I was living with them and even after I moved out), my mom and I would usually split a dinner, if the portions there were big enough, and we weren't starving, or anything like that. She jokes that it's good for her diet, as that way, she doesn't eat too much, and I get plenty as well. I wouldn't have even dreamed of thinking it was rude. I would think that leaving half of your entree would be more rude, as they might think you didn't like it, or something.-COLLAPSE
i work at a restaurant where they will split dinners. i dont think its rude on the strength that we provide more than enough food for two people to eat it. we all know left-over restaurant food is not too good, its the tip they leave that makes the whole situation rude
Last year I had the pleasure of running a train-the-trainer course for some individuals from Manila. We went out to eat dinner one night and they were astounded at the size of the portions they received. Each night thereafter, the three of them ordered individual appetizers and split an entree.
While I understand the question was related to etiquette of splitting a meal at the table, for my...+READ
Last year I had the pleasure of running a train-the-trainer course for some individuals from Manila. We went out to eat dinner one night and they were astounded at the size of the portions they received. Each night thereafter, the three of them ordered individual appetizers and split an entree.
While I understand the question was related to etiquette of splitting a meal at the table, for my overseas associates, it was related more to culture shock: even with the three of them splitting the entree, they still wound up--according to them--with more food than they were usually served in restaurants back home.-COLLAPSE
the waiter was a hater! split it - if you're not hungry, why should you waste and possibly leave some? split, save hunger for other stuff .. later .. food! I'm talking about food guys :)
Absolutely amazing discussion with so many different views. I do know that us Alaska folks are much more casual than the norm but there are those that share and those that don't. My husband and I frequently share because we want to enjoy the entire set of courses from apps thru salad, entree, dessert or we want to try a few different things in a restaurant we may not get back to soon (as when...+READ
Absolutely amazing discussion with so many different views. I do know that us Alaska folks are much more casual than the norm but there are those that share and those that don't. My husband and I frequently share because we want to enjoy the entire set of courses from apps thru salad, entree, dessert or we want to try a few different things in a restaurant we may not get back to soon (as when traveling) So we order the food, usually not a second plate and put it between us or rotate or whatever. One of my girlfriends recently moved and found that none of the girls she hangs with now will share like she and I did (again for the same reason) so was thrilled when I was visiting and we had brunch - you get the savory, I'll get the sweet and we'll have the perfect brunch. Its not cheap on the pocketbook - I'm a 20-25% tipper myself - but cheap on the waistline! Plus it allows more sampling of the great things places are serving. Where's the harm?-COLLAPSE
Dear Friends,
Have we lost sight of the question? Two people sharing one meal in a restaurant--not that annoying habit that people have of offering a bite of food from their plate. Just for the geographical reference, in Europe this is never done.
Okay, it's okay for people who know each other well to provide a taste or two of what is on their plate to their date or family member or close friend. Otherwise, let me weigh in to the contrary -- this sharing thing ... for crying out loud, order what you want and eat what is served to you and be done with it! Don't let dinner become a negotiation about who has the third scallop or the fifth...+READ
Okay, it's okay for people who know each other well to provide a taste or two of what is on their plate to their date or family member or close friend. Otherwise, let me weigh in to the contrary -- this sharing thing ... for crying out loud, order what you want and eat what is served to you and be done with it! Don't let dinner become a negotiation about who has the third scallop or the fifth shard of sashimi! What's next, four flights of wine for a table of six with straws for everyone? Have some dignity, please. Too much food? Please -- at today's prices, I don't want to hungrily eye a small dollop of food rolling around on a large plate and paying triple digits for the privilege. Too much food? order something else or stay home or, forbid the idea, leave a few bites on the plate and go home! This business of carting used food around in bags or plastic clamshells -- sheesh! Remember when they called them "doggie bags?" So now it's okay to race home with the dregs and risk a sick stomach the next day, or the day after that? No dignity.-COLLAPSE
To eastmontjv (August 21). Many people do not care to go out to dinner because they want to; they would rather skip it if it was up to them.
Note that I said "them". Those people are often part of large groups--and the individuals in those groups might be regarded as pariahs or even forced to leave the groups if they object. Other factors have to be considered.
What do I say about this one? Why go out for dinner if you are not hungry? However, I would feel comfortable to do this in one of my usual haunts and restaurants should accomodate.
There's nothing wrong with sharing. A friend & I quite often share. We each order a different appy & share. As for main course we rarely share. But we might sample each others main course. We have never had problems doing this. It also gives us the opportunity to try smaller portions of different foods especially in ethnic restaurants.
Nowadays too many restaurants are concerned with serving meals with outsized portions. Are the restaurant owners (or the restaurant chains) aware that many of the customers are trying to watch their weight? In many cases, splitting a meal is a good way to beat having to eat an out-sized meal or bring leftovers home in a doggy bag.
The restauranters who object to this practice should LISTEN to...+READ
Nowadays too many restaurants are concerned with serving meals with outsized portions. Are the restaurant owners (or the restaurant chains) aware that many of the customers are trying to watch their weight? In many cases, splitting a meal is a good way to beat having to eat an out-sized meal or bring leftovers home in a doggy bag.
The restauranters who object to this practice should LISTEN to their customers, not take them for granted. With the rise in obesity and related health problems such as cancer and heart disease, they eventually will lose customers. If the restaurants and chains want to stay in business, they'd better pay attention to their customers and their needs.-COLLAPSE
Some folks are more concerned with looking good to the servers than being supportive of your friend's desire to split a meal. That's fine, it's just a cultural difference I guess.
Hahaha Akitist- I wasn't trying to be rude just trying to be understanding. It seems people from the West Coast are always miffed where I am from about our etiquette rules (no flip flops at dinner restaurants, pantyhose in most work places, etc) so I was trying to be understanding that maybe as a East Coaster growing up with Southern parents and Southern etiquette rules that maybe I was being to...+READ
Hahaha Akitist- I wasn't trying to be rude just trying to be understanding. It seems people from the West Coast are always miffed where I am from about our etiquette rules (no flip flops at dinner restaurants, pantyhose in most work places, etc) so I was trying to be understanding that maybe as a East Coaster growing up with Southern parents and Southern etiquette rules that maybe I was being to harsh on a culture I don't know well and perhaps sees this subject different as they do dress codes. They just in general tend to be more casual, and perhaps this generalization is wrong, but I see it enough to think that perhaps it is just different culture with different views.-COLLAPSE
It took me a while to figure out ktmoomau's point (I think), that one person insists on sharing someone else's meal. That's plain rude, east, west, or gulf coast, or on the banks of the Mississippi or Lake Superior. Nothing to do with the kitchen or wait staff, though.
I fear they wouldn't try that more than once with me. "Excuse me; I ordered this and I'm going to eat it."
I do object to her...+READ
It took me a while to figure out ktmoomau's point (I think), that one person insists on sharing someone else's meal. That's plain rude, east, west, or gulf coast, or on the banks of the Mississippi or Lake Superior. Nothing to do with the kitchen or wait staff, though.
I fear they wouldn't try that more than once with me. "Excuse me; I ordered this and I'm going to eat it."
I do object to her typifying west coast etiquette as lax. Since when was making derogatory generalizations considered polite?-COLLAPSE
Since always. 15% is average - you won't be remembered as a fine tipper, nor will you be remembered as someone you want seated in another server's section.
I agree with bodie, except for one thing. Since when is a 15% tip mediocre ?
Nope you just don't get it, and if you don't understand it, I am afraid there is no way to explain it to you any better. But alas I will try...
Think of it this way I guess: What is your underlying reason for splitting a dish? Are you really not very hungry, and are their portions so large that this is a problem? If that is true split it. But not all restaurants can have portions this large.
...+READ
Nope you just don't get it, and if you don't understand it, I am afraid there is no way to explain it to you any better. But alas I will try...
Think of it this way I guess: What is your underlying reason for splitting a dish? Are you really not very hungry, and are their portions so large that this is a problem? If that is true split it. But not all restaurants can have portions this large.
But many times if it is habitual it becomes more about a dominative figure or being plain cheap. Did you really want to split that dish, was there nothing else that sounded better to you? Did you suggest splitting the dish? If so does the other person feel they have to when you ask? Are you that concerned about the prices of the food that you feel the need to split a dish? You may read this and brush it off as psychobabble, but if you really think about it for a minute you may get it.
With a group if you are splitting a dish, you look cheap you are saying to them that even though either you invited them out to celebrate or they invited you out to celebrate that it isn't a celebration of company because you are trying to be frugal. And if you do this often with a group I am sure someone has made a comment about your frugality. If you are concerned with the price of a meal perhaps you should go to somewhere you feel more comfortable with the prices and can focus your attention on the company.
If you are with a group and just aren't that hungry you can order a dish and take some of it home that way they don't feel that you are being cheap, or are not enjoying and celebrating their company. The only thing worse about group dinners is when the check comes and people are arguing over what they ate and how much they should pay... if you are not out to splurge and celebrate why are you out on a group dinner?
I don't think I can explain this any better. I kind of think if you get it you get it and if you don't perhaps you weren't raised that way. Or maybe you are from the west coast. I think all etiquette rules are lax compared to many other regions.-COLLAPSE
Why would you feel embarrassed about a friend sharing a main? The server is there to serve you and the cooks are there to cook for you. You ( or your friend) are the customer, not the other way around. I just really do not get your angst. The only exception is mentioned in the story, where the dish really doesnt work as a split.
Oh gosh I know people that always split dishes everywhere they go even when we are out to dinner with company and it drives me crazy. I mean normally they always orders an extra salad, or appetizer, but it really bugs me that they always do it. I understand if there are really large portions or one person just isn't that hungry, but when you always do it, I think you can leave a bad impression...+READ
Oh gosh I know people that always split dishes everywhere they go even when we are out to dinner with company and it drives me crazy. I mean normally they always orders an extra salad, or appetizer, but it really bugs me that they always do it. I understand if there are really large portions or one person just isn't that hungry, but when you always do it, I think you can leave a bad impression with other people. I don't think it is bad every once in a while, and maybe a restaurant needs to realize its portions are too big, but you can always take leftovers home for lunch the next day. Plus your server and chefs are working harder and those servers that accommodate you should deserve a good tip (and kitchen if they are allowed by the server who got the extra tip).
I would say do it now and then, if you are with your SO or your family, but don't make it a huge habit because you can embarrass other people and your family who are with you to whom you just look really cheap. Especially when out to dinner with a group of friends or company this can be really tacky, even if you have only the best intentions (of not eating too much) in mind. If you do split an entree order an extra salad, don't split everything to me that looks really bad. I can see sharing a dessert that is common after eating a nice dinner and just asking for two spoons or forks, but a salad really?-COLLAPSE
Spilt means split. But either meaning would be interesting.
I've never had the pleasure of visiting NY, but, yes your description is pretty accurate in what us "happy" people idealize the typical New Yorker. If I ever do visit, I will make it my upmost priority to dine at a restaurant that has an visible kitchen, make sure to ask that an item to be spilt, and if the server doesn't get a random vegetable thrown at them I will be highly dissapointed. Any...+READ
I've never had the pleasure of visiting NY, but, yes your description is pretty accurate in what us "happy" people idealize the typical New Yorker. If I ever do visit, I will make it my upmost priority to dine at a restaurant that has an visible kitchen, make sure to ask that an item to be spilt, and if the server doesn't get a random vegetable thrown at them I will be highly dissapointed. Any suggestions??-COLLAPSE
Well, it appears that the basis of our little argument is flawed. The law where you are allows for kitchen staff to be tipped. The law where I am doesn't. So in your system, tipping extra makes sense. In mine, it doesn't.
And it's great that you work in a balanced work environment, but unfortunately, not all of us are as lucky. But I guess that's the difference in the "east coast vs west coast"...+READ
Well, it appears that the basis of our little argument is flawed. The law where you are allows for kitchen staff to be tipped. The law where I am doesn't. So in your system, tipping extra makes sense. In mine, it doesn't.
And it's great that you work in a balanced work environment, but unfortunately, not all of us are as lucky. But I guess that's the difference in the "east coast vs west coast" mentality, no? NYC is seen as hurried, rude, and energy driven. CA cities/towns (... or any other city/town, in fact...) are more relaxed, easy going, happy (I can't imagine what that's like...). Maybe it's a general stereotype, but sure seems to fit in this discussion.-COLLAPSE
One, now it makes perfect sense: NYC. Two, here on the west coast it is perfectly legal to tip out the kitchen, and they do get dinged by the governement by their claimed tips (same as the front of house). Tipping policies differ for each restaurant, but it just so happens that both places (independantly owned, so really only one to two chefs per night) I work tip out the chefs. Like I said...+READ
One, now it makes perfect sense: NYC. Two, here on the west coast it is perfectly legal to tip out the kitchen, and they do get dinged by the governement by their claimed tips (same as the front of house). Tipping policies differ for each restaurant, but it just so happens that both places (independantly owned, so really only one to two chefs per night) I work tip out the chefs. Like I said earlier, it isn't much, but it does make a difference. Plus, after our shift, I will more than likely buy them a beer or shot.
I don't know what restaurant you worked at but it seems like no one really worked well together. I happen to have a great relationship with all the chefs I work with. I have worked BOH and FOH, I understand what they have to go through and don't ask for special favors often, only when it is necessary. I take care of those who take care of me, bottom line. It's not delegating, it's customer service. Isn't that what a restaurant is all about, or did I miss that memo??-COLLAPSE
Azizeh - Point taken about the tipping, but a server doesn't go through as much trouble as the kitchen does to split a dish. The most a server has to endure is some inane gibberish from the cooks (which they always hear anyway, no matter what) and carry an extra plate. And I don't know where you come from, but in NYC, the cooks do not get paid anything near what a server does (after tips), and a...+READ
Azizeh - Point taken about the tipping, but a server doesn't go through as much trouble as the kitchen does to split a dish. The most a server has to endure is some inane gibberish from the cooks (which they always hear anyway, no matter what) and carry an extra plate. And I don't know where you come from, but in NYC, the cooks do not get paid anything near what a server does (after tips), and a cook's work hour is nearly twice that of a server's. Show me a cook that takes home $1k a week; if you can, then his correct title is probably "chef". Unless you're in a union at a high end hotel, you have to pick every penny and nickel to survive as a kitchen worker.
Cocktailqueen - One, whatever the server "suggests" to the kitchen goes straight into the garbage (unless it's an allergy alert, which is serious.) I remember my former chefs throwing random vegetables at servers who took it upon themselves to delegate the portion of a dish. Two, it's illegal to include cooks in a tip pool (in NYC, anyway.) If you give them some cash on the side, that's great, but it's pretty much unheard of (unless it's a special event, i.e. a large private party on a holiday night... and if the FOH is a nice crew.)
Just to clarify and simplify things:
Splitting plates = more work for kitchen
Extra tips = servers' pockets
Kitchen = more work, no gratitude
*Go buy the kitchen some beer!*-COLLAPSE
To respond by a comment by bluishgnome, it is a nice gesture to tip the server more if the split plate looks more ample. One, the server probably suggested to the kitchen that they add a bit more of whatever. Even if there is no split charge that server (and management) wants repeat/satisfied business, so what is a couple extra potatoes or vegs to impress on the customer? Two, servers do tip the...+READ
To respond by a comment by bluishgnome, it is a nice gesture to tip the server more if the split plate looks more ample. One, the server probably suggested to the kitchen that they add a bit more of whatever. Even if there is no split charge that server (and management) wants repeat/satisfied business, so what is a couple extra potatoes or vegs to impress on the customer? Two, servers do tip the cooks. In both restaurants I work at I tip out the kitchen. It's not a lot, but it does make a difference to them. Granted, not all restaurants have this policy. It all comes down to customer service, and making that particular person as happy and content as possible.-COLLAPSE
Bluishgnome-- you just answered your own question. Tip the server extra because it IS annoying to them, and they are losing out on the tip from the extra entree. Also, keep in mind that the server probably did have to go out of their way to inform the kitchen to split the entree (and whatever hassle that may have ensued from the request.) Also, keep in mind that a chef/back of house staff receive...+READ
Bluishgnome-- you just answered your own question. Tip the server extra because it IS annoying to them, and they are losing out on the tip from the extra entree. Also, keep in mind that the server probably did have to go out of their way to inform the kitchen to split the entree (and whatever hassle that may have ensued from the request.) Also, keep in mind that a chef/back of house staff receive higher per hour wages and get raises. Servers do not.-COLLAPSE
I think splitting is fine, but it's rude (as in inconsiderate behaviour) to ask to have the kitchen split it. If you like to have your own plate ask the server to bring one.
To me, less money for the server is not the issue, it's asking for something above and beyond what is on offer and expecting it for free, kind of like atkins dieters asking for no starch and extra vegetables when...+READ
I think splitting is fine, but it's rude (as in inconsiderate behaviour) to ask to have the kitchen split it. If you like to have your own plate ask the server to bring one.
To me, less money for the server is not the issue, it's asking for something above and beyond what is on offer and expecting it for free, kind of like atkins dieters asking for no starch and extra vegetables when rice/potatos are cheap and vegetables are expensive. If it's slow, it's fine for good servers like cocktailqueen to split it at the table for them, but when it's busy, doing so will detract from the service given to other diners.-COLLAPSE
"If a place doesn’t charge a fee and it looks like the kitchen’s made a split dish a little bigger, you should reward the effort when you tip."
Why would you tip the front of the house extra for the kitchen's generosity? That makes no sense. The kitchen crew never sees any part of that tip pool... If you REALLY want to show your gratitude to the kitchen, save those extra bucks you'd give to the...+READ
"If a place doesn’t charge a fee and it looks like the kitchen’s made a split dish a little bigger, you should reward the effort when you tip."
Why would you tip the front of the house extra for the kitchen's generosity? That makes no sense. The kitchen crew never sees any part of that tip pool... If you REALLY want to show your gratitude to the kitchen, save those extra bucks you'd give to the servers and buy a 12pk of beer and swing by the back door and drop it off with the chef.
As for actually splitting a meal... it's annoying to the server, because return business or not, at the end of the night, they get less money. So I feel bad. But I still do it because I'm not wasting more money on food I won't eat so I can fork over even more money in tips. ... I probably sound like a very angry person right about now. ...
I love food.-COLLAPSE
My husband and I have split meals with no problem.
Once, on my birthday, we split a meal of soup, salad, appetizer and then had two mains.
The crux is, I had a gift certificate for a dinner for two for $50 from KCRW. I thought they would toss us out when we asked.
Instead, they welcomed us, and gave me a free (unrequested) mega slice of tiramisu.
We got outta there for $7.00. Of...+READ
My husband and I have split meals with no problem.
Once, on my birthday, we split a meal of soup, salad, appetizer and then had two mains.
The crux is, I had a gift certificate for a dinner for two for $50 from KCRW. I thought they would toss us out when we asked.
Instead, they welcomed us, and gave me a free (unrequested) mega slice of tiramisu.
We got outta there for $7.00. Of course, we tipped them based on what the bill would have been.-COLLAPSE
Since my husband and I have very diverse perferences on foods, splitting a meal is rarely an option. However, there are times when a full entree would be just too much for me. I have found that several restaurants in the Parker CO and Plano/Dallas TX areas are more then willing to provide half-servings of an entree. Carraba's Italian Grill, among others, does have certain menu items for which...+READ
Since my husband and I have very diverse perferences on foods, splitting a meal is rarely an option. However, there are times when a full entree would be just too much for me. I have found that several restaurants in the Parker CO and Plano/Dallas TX areas are more then willing to provide half-servings of an entree. Carraba's Italian Grill, among others, does have certain menu items for which this is not an option. And most likely, it is as was mentioned in the original article - it makes presentation of the item difficult, as in the case of a chicken breast or steak entree.
However, I have also been known to order a to-go box to be served with the entree, provided I have ordered something I know will reheat well and which I would be willing to have for lunch the following day. When the entree comes out, I divide the meal in half, set it in the to-go box, then set it aside for later enjoyment.
This serves two purposes, the first of which is I now have my half entree. The second of which is I am not tempted to eat more then I realistically am able to, which leaves room, usually, for dessert and coffee or after-dinner drinks.-COLLAPSE
An excellent explanation. My husband and I always split an appetizer, entree and dessert. Otherwise we eat too much. We eat at world class restaurants and have never been charged a splitting fee for having the dish split in the kitchen. However, we have been told that it would be inapproapriate to split the dish in the kitchen, from time to time. And, the more important the restaurant, the more...+READ
An excellent explanation. My husband and I always split an appetizer, entree and dessert. Otherwise we eat too much. We eat at world class restaurants and have never been charged a splitting fee for having the dish split in the kitchen. However, we have been told that it would be inapproapriate to split the dish in the kitchen, from time to time. And, the more important the restaurant, the more gracious the staff about splitting dishes.-COLLAPSE
Agreed, bodie! Portions are way too big. Props to (eek!) TGIFriday's for introducing that new smaller and cheaper menu. Even if I don't care for their food, I appreciate the idea.
I now understand splitting fees much better! Makes sense to charge for extra food on the plate, not just a penalty for the small of wallet or appetite.
I am big on sharing, splitting, plate rotation and what have you. Generally, I find that it depends on the restaurant and the serving staff.
There is a neighborhood restaurant in LA that my s.o. and I eat at regularly, the entrees are BIG and one night, after the doggie bags and pizza boxes were littering the table, I just asked the waitress about whether she hates it when tables split...+READ
I am big on sharing, splitting, plate rotation and what have you. Generally, I find that it depends on the restaurant and the serving staff.
There is a neighborhood restaurant in LA that my s.o. and I eat at regularly, the entrees are BIG and one night, after the doggie bags and pizza boxes were littering the table, I just asked the waitress about whether she hates it when tables split portions. She said no, it doesn't bother her at all - which was super-cool to hear.
At other places, I have sensed a palpable hostility to it, like we're cheaping out as opposed to controlling the portions.
The bottom line, for me, is that I am the paying customer and a damn fine tipper too boot. I don't want an obscene amount of food. If the waitstaff turns snotty, then they have the self-fulfilling prophecy of a mediocre (15%) tip.
Of course, the underlying issue, for me at least, is that portions are just too damn big most of the time.-COLLAPSE
My BF and I split everything from apps to entrees (usually multicoursed). But we always tell the server we would just like to "share" each course. We would rather not pay for the restaurant to split the course in two, plus we understand that it is a hassel for the kitchen. We really don't even need extra plates, just as long as we have silverware we are two fufilled people!!
I work in a...+READ
My BF and I split everything from apps to entrees (usually multicoursed). But we always tell the server we would just like to "share" each course. We would rather not pay for the restaurant to split the course in two, plus we understand that it is a hassel for the kitchen. We really don't even need extra plates, just as long as we have silverware we are two fufilled people!!
I work in a restaurant that will not split an item in the kitchen. But as a server I am more than happy to bring out two extra plates, plus serving utensils on the dish to make sharing it more accessible. If a customer requests that they really want their own plate of food, I will equally divide up that course at the table. So far everyone has been content with that type of service.-COLLAPSE