[rubicon]

Its a prank. I had some guy I worked with years ago tell a story about one of our bosses. This boss was truly very frugal. He takes one of his employees out for dinner following business and tells the employee he will order surf and turf for them both. When the employee returns the bass says OK what do you want the surf or the turf?

I didn't bite on that one and I'll not get hooked on this story either

[BostonCelt]

Originally Posted by pivo

who are so rude and cheap read these comments--Maybe after
reading these comments they will think twice next time they are
out in public---

Maybe, but I doubt it. Everybody's different. Different level of generosity, different levels of cheap. Some people are clue free, some people don't even suspect anything, some people wouldn't pay a nickel to see The Last Supper with the original cast.....

[ariel]

Hmmm...I go to a restaurant, order a meal and leave a 20% or better tip and it is "cheap" to use a packet of something to flavor my water because I don't do well with caffeine and would like a flavored, sugarless drink?

[ssmith]

OOOps, sure hope you don't think my response was directed at you....it was a general response. Don't think we've met so Hi to you!!!! also so glad you leave a good tip...You see this subject has come up before and it is amazing how....careful some people are with every cent but others no big deal....just sayin.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by angiefox10

Interesting, I'm pretty sure no one has ever called me cheap when it comes to going out to eat. But I have in my life brought packets of green tea with me to put in my Jwater for a meal.

At regular restaurants that I frequent they have given me appetizers and desserts free and I will make up the price of the free item by adding it on to the tip that I would give them.

I have on occasion brought my own salad dressing or even my own sweetener because they didn't have what I liked but I wanted to eat st the restaurant.

I think if they are doing other things like stealing food to save money I would understand. But just because they brought something to supliment their meal??

If the water is free, what I add to it is my business.

We have friends who share a meal, just because that's all they can eat. They have run into restaurants that have charged them extra for it. Who's being cheap. Personally, I think it's the restaurant.

Well....

Let the flogging begin...,

Not a flogging by any means but a couple of comments:

1. Yes, by all means, tip on the value of free appetizer or dessert.

2. No, what you add to the water is not your business. By taking something free and adding Crystal Light or something to it makes it of value that the restaurant can charge money for. It is a cheap thing to do.

3. Splitting meals (with extra plates and silverware, I presume you mean) outside of The Villages is usually about a $5 extra charge. Extra plates, silverware, and glassware are extra things for the kitchen help to clean and for the server to bring. I imagine your friends do not eat off the same plate sharing the same fork and spoon.

4. Bringing your own salad dressing is strange but no problem as is sweetner. Restaurants do not charge for salad dressing or sweetner. They do charge for soft drinks or alcoholic drinks.

5. As for your green tea, why not tell the server you would like green tea? If they do not have it, tell the server you would like hot water and you will pay the going rate at that restaurant for hot tea?

[ariel]

No, not at all ssmith. Hi to you too! My comment was general as well. I don't post too often; love the site and have learned a lot, but as a "lurker" have noted over time a quickness by some who post here to lump people into groups and pass judgement. Just couldn't seem to keep myself from posting this time.

[angiefox10]

...

[NotGolfer]

Have seen folks at Panera with their water glass (emphasis on water glass) go up and get soda from the machine. This to me is stealing....if they steal here, makes one wonder what they do with the rest of their life?

[Posh 08]

Buggy
If I break a window when golfing I'd contact the owner. When dining, I would never squabble over the 75 cents if I made my own beverage.

Since you will be looking for new golfing and dining partners I hope to be available soon. BTW, I need a stroke a hole.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by ariel

No, not at all ssmith. Hi to you too! My comment was general as well. I don't post too often; love the site and have learned a lot, but as a "lurker" have noted over time a quickness by some who post here to lump people into groups and pass judgement. Just couldn't seem to keep myself from posting this time.

Hi there Ariel.

I don't think lumping or judging is goin' on here in THIS thread...so far. I think it is a matter of perception...and how we are raised and the difference of values in small things and they differ from person to person. I was taught not to pick my teeth in public...but I see people who ask for toothpicks and use them after meals in a public places all of the time. Ditto..I have seen people blow their noses on cloth napkins in restaurants. My mom would have skinned me for that.

Living here challenges many of the preconceptions we have had in our "past" lives;...people bring different ways to act to this very wonderful place.

We cringe on some things...because like Pavlov's dog, we are conditioned to think some things aren't nice or not.

We are all learning new things all of the time.

This forum is a good way to do it.

None of these things discussed on this thread are serious issues like cancer or harming anyone...

Hugs,

Gracie

[angiefox10]

....

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by angiefox10

I wouldn't squabble over the .75 cents. I most likely wouldn't tip and I certainly wouldn't go back.

For many years I had a very nice expense account where I took clients out to dinner at very nice restaurants. I don't think a better restaurant would squabble over what you put in your water. I certainly wasn't embarrassed when one of them brought their own additive for their water. To be honest it did happen once. They werent paying for the meal do they certainly weren't being cheap.

You'll give me a stroke a hole?

[redwitch]

I'm a Cokehead. I hate the taste of Pepsi and I rarely drink anything but Coca-Cola. I nearly always have Coke on me. If I go to a restaurant and they serve Pepsi, I explain I have my own drink but will happily pay a charge for a glass of ice or even the full price of the beverage, provided I can drink what I want. I've been doing this for years. Occasionally, it has been issue and have been told I have to drink what is on the menu. I thank the server or manager and leave.

When you turn a glass of water into something else such as lemonade or iced tea, yes, you are cheating the restaurant. You're getting a beverage free. I've seen people add lemon and sugar to a glass of water. They really don't see that they are taking something they shouldn't since the water, lemon and sweetener are all on the table to be used. But they're not drinking water, they're drinking lemonade (which the restaurant usually serves). Adding your own Crystal Light just takes it up another level. Be honest and advise the server you are adding to the water. Most of the time, it will be a non-issue or a minimal charge.

As to sharing a meal and not expecting to be charged extra -- no comment.

[Posh 08]

The cost of lemons at times are really high, plus the labor. Most times I think the wait staff are the ones to prep lemons as side work. Personally I never ever want a lemon or lime in my beverage. I just don't like the way some of those things are handled and stored for service.

[Francie]

Why do you think prices go up and up and up? It is to offset the selfishness of people who cheat restaurants out of revenue generating products that help them make a profit. Without a profit, businesses fail period. If you can't afford to buy a drink at a restaurant with your meal, go to a less expensive restaurant where you can or stay home. It is inconsiderate and rude to bring your own items to a restaurant that otherwise would be sold by the establishment and it is rediculous to ask for extra food beyond what was provided by the restaurant to take home. Unbelievable.