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Will Byrnes's Reviews > Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip-Confessions of a Cynical Waiter
Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip-Confessions of a Cynical Waiter
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Hi, I'm Will. I'll be your reviewer today.
Maybe to start I can point you to the author. Yes, the book is written anonymously. The author had for four years written a blog about his experience as a waiter in a New York restaurant and needed to preserve his anonymity in order to prevent mayhem at his workplace. But you may notice that there is an actual name displayed up at the top of thismenu page, so I guess he moved on in the years since his book came out.
The author revealed
Steve Dublanica's is a tale of having wandered a bit, never really catching hold of a career, until at age 31, he found himself in a situation with which I am far too familiar, unemployment and desperation, and made some meringue out of the lemons life had served him. I found this to be (occasionally) a laugh-out-loud funny read, with much information to impart about what life is like in the restaurant business. We learn of the difference between the waiting and cooking staff. The latter work 13-14 hour days for less money than the waiters, for one. He tells of miserable customers, unpleasant restaurant owners who think nothing of regularly insulting their employees, stealing from them, and treating them terribly in a wide range of ways. How they are not shot dead more often is one of the mysteries of science. It was entertaining and informative, raising one’s appreciation for this work, and encouraging us all to leave better tips.
I'll get that check for you now. Thanks for reading, have a great day and come back soon.
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to the author’s , and pages
March 1, 2016 - Boston Globe - - by Kara Baskin
August 7, 2017 - Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema spends some time in the shoes of restaurant dishwashers - - a wonderful article
Maybe to start I can point you to the author. Yes, the book is written anonymously. The author had for four years written a blog about his experience as a waiter in a New York restaurant and needed to preserve his anonymity in order to prevent mayhem at his workplace. But you may notice that there is an actual name displayed up at the top of this
The author revealed
Steve Dublanica's is a tale of having wandered a bit, never really catching hold of a career, until at age 31, he found himself in a situation with which I am far too familiar, unemployment and desperation, and made some meringue out of the lemons life had served him. I found this to be (occasionally) a laugh-out-loud funny read, with much information to impart about what life is like in the restaurant business. We learn of the difference between the waiting and cooking staff. The latter work 13-14 hour days for less money than the waiters, for one. He tells of miserable customers, unpleasant restaurant owners who think nothing of regularly insulting their employees, stealing from them, and treating them terribly in a wide range of ways. How they are not shot dead more often is one of the mysteries of science. It was entertaining and informative, raising one’s appreciation for this work, and encouraging us all to leave better tips.
I'll get that check for you now. Thanks for reading, have a great day and come back soon.
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to the author’s , and pages
March 1, 2016 - Boston Globe - - by Kara Baskin
August 7, 2017 - Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema spends some time in the shoes of restaurant dishwashers - - a wonderful article
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Waiter Rant.
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Reading Progress
Finished Reading
September 15, 2008
– Shelved
September 28, 2008
– Shelved as:
nonfiction
November 2, 2012
– Shelved as:
brain-candy
Comments Showing 1-19 of 19 (19 new)
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Jeff
(last edited Nov 21, 2013 10:51AM)
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Nov 21, 2013 10:51AM
I waited on tables for a few years and still have nightmares about it.
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First I have to say *off topic* that they 'really' need to move the "flag" button far away from the "like" and "more" buttons because this review almost got flagged by me from them being so close together. It happens all the time and wondering if I'm the only one. Anywho, on topic......totally relatable. Worked from 1991 to 1997 as a games dealer in Atlantic city. We had our little tricks of "revenge" also ;) three stars so I'll have to ponder this one as a read or not. Thanks Will :)
Every time I go into a restaurant I say to myself, "I could never do what these people do. Panhandling would be a better option."Will, here's your tip for your good work on this review.
I was nudged into the direction of reading this so I've added it to my shelf :) Thanks for the review and the rec to read it. It may be awhile be for I get tto it, however I will asap.
Hi Will: I was raised in a restaurant from age 11 until I left home and did everything that was to be done. It shaped who I am.It was a drive-in restaurant and although it was on a main thoroughfare, we had very few tourists and SA is a tourist mecca. If one (making it sound like they're not people!) walked through the door, everyone there knew it and there were no "hey, howya doing?" and in fact the entire place went quiet. Funny now when I think about it.
It was a unique way to be brought it, not your normal (whatever that is) family life, sitting down at dinner every night.
But work? OMG, people think 'that would be cool owning a restaurant' but it is hard, hard work, from the cooks to the dishwashers, to the wait staff. Hard, hard work and not enough pay. And the customers, sometimes the waitresses would want to kill them they were so rude (usually the tourists, of course.)
I can commensurate with the fast food workers who have been striking...they work hard for their minimum wage salary.
Look at me, I can go on and on about this industry. Looking back, I wouldn't change my upbringing but surely see how waiters and waitresses would hate it and like Gary said, "have nightmares." And those of us who were (or are) there, do seem to overtip because we know just how miserable it can be.
Enjoyed your review and should have said that at the outset. But as you can see (or read) it brought back some vivid memories. And thanks for bringing this one to my attention; I'll have to read it because sometimes I just need a laugh. :D
I've always said (and still do)... Every person should wait tables for at least a year. No other profession tests your patience, forces you to think on your feet, and develop grace under pressure/coping skills like waiting tables. It is challenging, exhilarating, frustrating, and fun all at once, and some of the best money you can make (in the right place) without an advanced degree. The 10-20% of your customers who "get it" will make it all worthwhile. 'Waiter Rant' is a great book for anyone who has ever worked in this crazy business. Anyone who hasn't just won't get it or appreciate it.
Wonderful review, Will :) I also waited tables and can relate. I could write a book as well- you see so much when waiting tables- the good and the bad. One thing I remember, was once I lost my tips ( I had them folded and clipped in my pocket and somehow they fell out) and all the other waiters and waitresses took up a collection that night and replaced what I lost, which was so touching that they would do that! So, sometimes you see a lot of good as well. I will have to check out this book...
Francis wrote: "Wonderful review, Will :) I also waited tables and can relate. I could write a book as well- you see so much when waiting tables- the good and the bad. One thing I remember, was once I lost my tips..."Thanks, Francis. It is a fun and illuminating read.
A funny - and witty - review, Will! Well done! :)
j e w e l s wrote: "Great Review Will! Love it!"Thanks, Jewels
Jaline wrote: "A funny - and witty - review, Will! Well done! :)"Thanks, Jaline. We aim to serve.
“If people could handle their self loathing, customer service would be smoother. � -Joe Goldberg in You by Caroline Kepnes
As would everything else.
Hi WillPlease do
Pretty Please;-)
:-)
Terrific review, Will, having briefly worked as a waitress, I can only say that I would rather not ever have to do that again.
Thanks, Cheri. I managed to skip that job. Would have been awful at it. Probably get fired and/or arrested for beating on rude customers.
Thanks, Glenda. The book is a fun read.
