large booking at restaurant- how to split the bill?

missbiggles1

PasturesNew wrote: »

If you're splitting the bill, then those who ate the most and got the most service won't be tipping anything. They'll be getting discounted food and no tip.

The tip comes from the poor sucker who ate the least/cheapest and didn't have coffee/brandy and what not ....

I don't think it works like that. However you split the bill I'd expect to pay a tip (if appropriate) on top.

(Unless you're talking about a service charge?)

Person_one

missbiggles1 wrote: »

I'm just puzzled about how all these people who purport to be skint can order a la carte - I can count the occasions when I've done this on one hand because it' such an expensive way to order.

You probably go to more expensive places.

springdreams

missbiggles1 wrote: »

I think that those who choose to eat only half the meal shouldn't be so stingy - it's bad enough sitting there po faced with an empty plate while others are enjoying themselves.

Very presumptuous of you, especially since you don't even know me ...

I only eat one course because that is all I can manage to eat, and actually usually leave a good part of the meal on my plate. I don't have a large appetite (more of a nibbler) and don't see why I should eat more than I am comfortable with just because others want to order two or more courses. It has nothing to do with cost, as I can well afford a full three course meal and do on occasion dine in 5 star establishments (where the portions are generally small!). I am simply not a big eater, and certainly don't have a po face if I have eaten my fill but others are still eating, and I also only have one alcoholic drink (not wine as I can't stand the stuff) as I tend to drive after the meal.

My friends and family and I tend to go out for the company rather than the food. A restaurant just happens to be a convenient venue to do this, and people need to eat. We also don't tend to hog a table in a restaurant for hours. A restaurant is a business, and needs people to be considerate of other people who may be waiting for the table.

moneyistooshorttomention

onlyroz wrote: »

But you're also saying that people should eat and drink more than they want to otherwise they're some sort of Scrooge or party-pooper. It's not just about money - but even if it was, what's so terrible about somebody saying "I'd love to come but money's a bit tight so I'll just have the soup. However it'll be great to see you all".

Absolutely:T

As far as I am concerned - a group meal out is "about the Occasion" and meant to be one way of sharing company with person/people one wishes to be with. It's not about the food - that's incidental basically. Someone just having one course (for whatever reason) is still getting the "company" and being part of the occasion.

If an individual person has the money to be able to afford to also make it "about the food" (ie they want to try out something exotic and expensive on the menu) then that is entirely up to them - as long as THEY are the ones paying for that. I certainly wouldnt sit there begrudging them their lobster - whilst I ate lasagne for instance (provided the money for that lobster had come out of their pockets).

Imp

duchy wrote: »

It's clear that to some people on this thread they have a very strong emotional connection related to food and see other people's lack of investment in that connection as some kind of social rejection of themselves. It's really fascinating..

Sharing of food with friends is fascinating and pervasive across all human cultures. If your interest is tickled, maybe you should read a book or two on anthropology.

FBaby

Well went out last night for a meal for 4 and found the perfect solution:
the doggy bag!

Went our last night and ordered a 3 course meal which was on offer, and a good offer it was as it was cheaper than if we'd ordered a starter and main, let alone added a dessert. However, as expected, OH and I were totally full after the main and there was no way we would have been able to have anything else, so as the other couple ordered, and OH and I said 'no thank you', the waitress asked since it was part of the deal whether we wanted to take it home. She asked us what we wanted and put it in a box. We came home and my kids were delighted with the treat.

What was enlightening was that it was actually the restaurant which offered. The waitress said that she much rather see people taking the food home then seeing it going to waste, but said that few people actually suggest it and they have to be careful bringing it up themselves as some people still consider it an insult.

It seems to becoming more the norm in the UK though as it is in the USA.

burnoutbabe

I can't imagine suggesting going somewhere to a friend, and them saying "sounds good, but i can only afford the soup" and then STILL GOING.

That would be just so rude to not suggest somewhere much cheaper. And attend the other place another time with another friend (unless you are happy to pay for them).

Georgiegirl256

FBaby wrote: »

Well went out last night for a meal for 4 and found the perfect solution:
the doggy bag!

Went our last night and ordered a 3 course meal which was on offer, and a good offer it was as it was cheaper than if we'd ordered a starter and main, let alone added a dessert. However, as expected, OH and I were totally full after the main and there was no way we would have been able to have anything else, so as the other couple ordered, and OH and I said 'no thank you', the waitress asked since it was part of the deal whether we wanted to take it home. She asked us what we wanted and put it in a box. We came home and my kids were delighted with the treat.

What was enlightening was that it was actually the restaurant which offered. The waitress said that she much rather see people taking the food home then seeing it going to waste, but said that few people actually suggest it and they have to be careful bringing it up themselves as some people still consider it an insult.

It seems to becoming more the norm in the UK though as it is in the USA.

Yes, when we were in the US, it was common place over there, and we took advantage of it a few times. The portions are huge over there, so quite often we'd take a doggy bag back to the hotel with us.

I've encountered it in the UK a few times too, nice to see it's becoming more of the norm over here too.

Pollycat

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

look... you go out to eat, so you eat. That's the purpose of going.

You are so very, very wrong (imho, of course). :rotfl:.

If I want to eat, I'll eat at home.

Do you not think that going out for a meal with family or friends is a social occasion?

Georgiegirl256

Pollycat wrote: »

You are so very, very wrong (imho, of course). :rotfl:.

If I want to eat, I'll eat at home.

Do you not think that going out for a meal with family or friends is a social occasion?

I totally agree with you.

Take my Mam for example. Ever since my Dad died, she has become incredibly lonely, and her weekly meet ups which hers friends for lunch have become even more important to her now.

They enjoy the food of course they do, or else they wouldn't go to that particular restaurant, but they enjoy the "crack" even more (and boy can they talk when they get going lol!) so.

If any of them just wanted to go out to eat and just experience the food, then they would do so alone, but they don't. Not that there's anything wrong with that of course, but what I'm saying is is that eating out at a restaurant is usually a social experience, so far from being just about "going out to eat".