clipping

No matter how satisfying a midday meal can be at your
favorite restaurant, disputes over who pays for the tab
or confusion over how much to tip can give anyone
indigestion.

Lunchtime is thar magical,

much-needed break in the mid-

gry dle of the working day

when you can relax and

re-fuel yourself for the
afternoon ahead.

Ir's hard to relax
however, if you’re wor-
ried about committing
asocial blunder. Here’s

a quick overview of

restaurant com-
monsense that will see

you through your dining

experience with case:

If you are arranging to meet
someone for lunch, the easiest
rule to follow is: “Expect to go
Dutch’’. It’s no longer the case
thar men automatically pay for
women — usually people pay for
their own portion of the bill, so
they can tailor cheir menu
choices to their own budget.

If you would fike to invite
your companion to be your
guest, however, it is nice to
make that clear when you ask
them for lunch — this will help
you avoid arguments once the
hill has heen presented.

If you decide to ask for
separate cheques, be sure the tip
is still 15 per cent of the total

bill.

Speaking of tipping, whac
amount is appropriate? Fifteen
per cent af the rotal bill — in-
cluding che amount you may
have saved by using a two-for-
one or discount coupon — is the
standard rule, but char is flexi-
ble. If your waiter was especial-
ly attentive ro your special re-
quests or dietary necessities, a
larger tip may be in order. If, on
the other hand, you felr you
were treated rudely, your tip, if
you leave ane, should reflect
that. Remember, however, kit-
chen delays aren't the fault of
your server.

If you do have a special re-
quest, or aren't satisfied with the
quality of your meal, you should
feel comfortable expressing that
to your waiter. He or she may
nor he able to accommodate
you, but chere’s no harm, and
perhaps much to be gained, in
letting your feelings be known
— ina polite, reasonable man-
ner, of course.