It's a job I've never held.

Yet, there is something I appreciate about people who work in the food service industry. Waiters and waitresses, are special people.

Not everyone is born with the kind of patience they must possess.

I cringe when I see someone treat them poorly.
Imagine what they likely put up with on a daily basis.

Are YOU interested in removing someone's dirty dishes when they're done?

The truth is, sometimes your food WILL be cold, or they'll forget to fill your tea. It's still not a reason to treat them less than human.

I've seen it happen at other tables. And yes, sometimes at mine.
Sadly, I never feel the same way about a dinner guest once they treat a waiter bad.

All of this is leading to the service a special gentleman and I received at a northside establishment a few nights ago.

It was EXCEPTIONAL. Plain and simple.

Eating out as much as I do, I know bad service when I get it.

What a joy to encounter a waiter who was friendly, prompt, and efficient!
Our food was served with pleasure.

The service was so good in fact, I asked to see the manager. I can count on one hand the times I've done this.

Somehow it wasn't enough for my guest and I to discuss how impressive he was amongst ourselves. We did, but, I had to let someone know.

Maybe our waiter happens to be "THE guy" who's next in line for a raise, or a better shift.

I hope my words give him the edge.

I mainly did it because there's something about the times we're living in. I see waiters and waitresses dealing with more.

I hear people being rude. I've seen finger pointing. Here I go again with my "blame it on the economy" theory.

Are people taking their frustrations out on people they don't know?

"Frustrated" because they had to leave the comfort of home in search of a meal because a long day at work has left them without the desire to cook?

"Frustrated" perhaps, because eating out mandates they spend money they don't have?

Hence, a waiter gets snapped at because you're having less than a banner day.

Next time you eat out, put yourself in your waiter's shoes.

Think they really feel like standing there while you decide between grillled or baked?

Think they really want to spend 15 minutes at the register splitting your bill 6 ways?

Lastly, To the waiter who provided such an enjoyable dining experience for me the other night...thanks Kevin.

Here's hoping my companion left you a really good tip.