While there are many differences between European culture and American, one of the key differences I have noticed is with the restaurant industry and culture. In America, the wait staff is constantly by you and asking questions and once you are done you are rushed out the door. In Italy and France, once your orders are taken, you are basically left alone. You can also take pretty much as much time as you can at these establishments. For example, one of our nights in Lyon, we spent two hours at a restaurant, well after we were done eating. There is more emphasis put on the experience. They don’t want to bother you and leave you to enjoy your company. While in America, the waitstaff is working for tips so they are constantly by you and trying to get a higher turn around. They are different but equally delightful experiences.
-Morgan
The leave the table alone attitude is definitely different than the US stereotype of a waiter/waitress asking how your food is as soon as customers have their mouth full with the first bite. While it is nice to not to have to flag down a waiter, I think I prefer the European approach. It seems a lot more relaxed for both the wait staff and the guests, so I would argue it makes a better experience.
ReplyDeleteIt was very different experience then in America. Especially with them leaving us for long amounts of time and us eating outdoors. We would be seated outdoors and they would check on us, completely trusting us not to dine and dash and allowing us to just sit there and enjoy our meals privately. Only really coming around to clear our plates or see if we want more to drink or eat. It was defiantly a really different experience and quite enjoyable.
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