100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do Unless They Are In China

One of the things that irks me about China is the service (or lack of it) at some restaurants. The New York Times has just posted a two parter called 100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do Part 1 and Part 2. They hit the nail right on the head with some of my favourite China dining experiences. For example:

1. Tables should be level without anyone asking. Fix it before guests are seated.

2. Do not touch the rim of a water glass. Or any other glass.

3. Do not take an empty plate from one guest while others are still eating the same course. Wait, wait, wait.

4. Never stack the plates on the table. They make a racket. Shhhhhh.

5. Do not reach across one guest to serve another.

6. Do not ask if someone is finished when others are still eating that course.

7. Do not ask if a guest is finished the very second the guest is finished. Let guests digest, savor, reflect.