Special Occasions, Do You let the Server Know

[Jules]

If you go out to celebrate a special occasion, do you let the server know? It seems the norm for them to ask if you’re there for any special reason tonight. Or maybe you even let the restaurant know ahead of time.

Unless I know there’s a discount, I say nothing. Free cheesecake might make me say something. Someone singing to me definitely isn’t a reason.

 

[againstthegrain]

I usually do contact the restaurant because I want the best experience for the wife, family, or business associates. Sometimes it helps, sometimes not.

 

[jujube]

I can do without the singing. I won't turn down a free dessert, though.

 

[LoveTulips]

Frankly, I don't like a fuss so for myself. I prefer that no one on the restaurant staff knows it's my birthday. And my family feels the same way regarding their birthdays.

 

[TeePee]

I like to keep a low profile. I would be humiliated if the staff sang "Happy Birthday" to me in front of their other patrons. It doesn't bother me if they do it to other patrons, it's just not to my liking. Also...it might make a difference if I was a child, but I'm not.

 

[Bella]

If you go out to celebrate a special occasion, do you let the server know? Or maybe you even let the restaurant know ahead of time.

Normally, no. However, on one occasion while on vacation in the Dominican Republic, we requested a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate our anniversary. So we asked Raoul, the bartender, if he could get us a bottle. He said he'd try to find it and then asked what we wanted for supper. We mentioned crab.

Well, what happened the next evening was completely unexpected. That night, they had set up a table in a gazebo on the beach for us. Raoul couldn't get the Dom, but he did get a bottle of champagne. After a lovely supper, he and our server, Ricardo, brought a cake they had baked for us to the table and sang Bésame Mucho. It was such a sweet gesture; I was touched. Even my husband was dabbing his eyes.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Generally, no.

It depends on the type of restaurant, who I’m with, etc…

 

[911]

No

 

[MACKTEXAS]

We used to have a restaurant in Dallas, "Steak and Ale." I think they're all closed now. They were big on the staff coming to the table and singing to guests celebrating a special occasion. On our anniversary one year, I mentioned it to the waiter - then suddenly realized my mistake and told him we wanted no public attention. He was very nice about it and nothing happened.

But - when he brought our check at the end, he had a small box he handed us, and told us to take it home and enjoy it later. It was a small chocolate cake just for two. Neither of us ever forgot that occasion.

 

[TeePee]

We used to have a restaurant in Dallas, "Steak and Ale." I think they're all closed now. They were big on the staff coming to the table and singing to guests celebrating a special occasion. On our anniversary one year, I mentioned it to the waiter - then suddenly realized my mistake and told him we wanted no public attention. He was very nice about it and nothing happened.

But - when he brought our check at the end, he had a small box he handed us, and told us to take it home and enjoy it later. It was a small chocolate cake just for two. Neither of us ever forgot that occasion.

I loved Steak and Ale! I heard they were making a come back. We'll wait and see.

 

[Oldeagle66]

No, just play it by ear.