Some reasons why American’s think French waiters are rude and why they are wrong
Q: My waiter wouldn’t help me understand the menu
A: Today in larger cities in France, more and more menus are
offered in English. Why a waiter might not help you is not a matter of
rudeness. It may be because he simply doesn’t know the technical words in
English to describe a dish. Or as in the countryside, they may not even speak English.
Q: my waiter never cracked a smile the entire time was
there.
A: Waiters in France are viewed as professionals. Unlike
here in the USA where it’s a temp job until their real job comes along. One
reason you might not get a smile is your waiter here is paid a fixed wage and
they don’t reply on tips to live. They are NOT personal servants, but more as
food servers with panache.
American’s are used to making demands and asking for
substitutes on the menu to have their food prepared in a way to meet their
standards. WELL, not in France, so when trying to order off the menu, forget it
and take it for what it is and embrace it.
Q: My waiter never came back after bringing us our food.
A: It may seem like your waiter is ignoring you after he
puts down your plates, but he is actually showing you respect by giving you
your space. Once the food has been delivered to the table, the meal becomes
about eating and enjoying your company. Waiters want you to enjoy your meal,
relax with friends and family and linger over good wine and food. They unlike
American waiters leave you alone and they will not fawn over you (thank
goodness)
Q: My waiter never brought me the check
A: Just as your waiters leave you alone during your meal, they
don’t want to rush you by putting the check on the table. (something that
American waiters and restaurants do). French waiters expect that you’ll ask for
the check when you’re ready to leave. In France, it isn’t the waiters goal to turn
over as many tables as he can, like in America.
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