ADVICE

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“Ask Ann” your deepest dining questions. Our critic is here for you.

QWHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU AND YOUR SERVER DON’T CLICK? I RECENTLY HAD A WAITER WHO WAS AN OVER-SHARER, MORE INTERESTED IN TELLING HIS STORIES THAN IN DOING HIS JOB. IT MADE WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PLEASANT EVENING A NIGHT TO FORGET.

AI was recently in just such a predicament at a high-end restaurant. The lead server’s sycophantic, over-the-top behavior made me feel like I was being mocked. I cringed every time he approached my table (a few times, he came creeping up to my chair and said, “May I stand this close to you?”). His peculiar conduct continued until plates, brought by a different – capable, friendly – server, began to fill our table. It appeared that the first server was there only to provide the menu spiel and take our order. Had server No. 1 continued, would it have been worth a trip to the manager to complain? Absolutely. But I think it’s tricky. You may not “like” things about your server – knowledge level, zeal for the job or even physical appearance. These may not affect the quality of your experience. If they do, detrimentally, look for someone in charge. A good manager will appreciate hearing from you.