DEAR ABBY: I just finished listening to a waitress on a local radio talk show. The topic was the rudeness of some guests, and how some "cheapskates" leave horrible tips.
Well, Miss Abby, I am a chef in one of the top restaurants in Los Angeles. I have to deal with servers coming into my kitchen and at times berating my staff: "Can't you even cook a steak right?" "Can't you read?" etc. The difference here is that my staff do not receive tips. They earn from $7 to $10 an hour. On a long night, they'll be on their feet nine to 10 hours. They do not receive overtime.
So, to restaurant guests: The next time you receive terrible service in a restaurant and the food is good, call the manager over and tell the person that the food was great -- and give him a tip for the KITCHEN. Even a couple of dollars would mean all the world to us. -- HEAD CHEF IN L.A.
DEAR HEAD CHEF: After your staff works all night in a hot kitchen, I suspect some cold cash would be refreshing. I'm sure many readers have offered their compliments to the chef -- and crew -- but far fewer have shown their appreciation with a tip. Thank you for mentioning it.