Separate Checks – When it’s OK. When it’s Not.

Just to touch on this topic since there seems to be a lot of confusion about it.

Most restaurants are equipped to easily calculate and print separate checks. Much of the time separate checks are a breeze and pose no problems. However, there are a few situations when it is better or proper for one or two people to pick up the whole check.

Parties constitute a situation where separate checks are improper. There are many reasons for this like etiquette – the person who invites is the host and the host should foot the bill, however the changing climate of the modern dinner scene has watched a lot of 20^th Century etiquette fall by the wayside. The chief reason for one or two people picking up the bill is to make sure the people who have just provided your party with food and drink get paid. More times than not someone in a large party will not only leave without tipping but without paying at all.

Think of all the times you have been part of a large group at a restaurant. This should shock you – half the time a member of your party has skipped out without paying anything. They are not just stealing from the restaurant but also from the server who often has to pay for the meal out of their tips and they steal from the other people in their party as well. If I intend for this $10 of my hard earned money to go to the person who gave me service but you use it to cover your bill then you have stolen my $10. Skip outs are the main reason restaurants have to put gratuities on large parties – to assure that there is enough money to cover the total bill once the dust settles. One check solves this.

The other reason large parties should never ask for separate checks is because it becomes inconvenient for everyone. One person cannot check out 30 people at the same time, that is why WalMart has more than one cash register. And it never fails, someone will always be in a hurry which starts a snowball effect, suddenly everyone is in a hurry.

Which brings us to the other situation where it is not a good idea to ask for separate checks – whenever you, the customer are in a hurry. If you are truly crunched for time then you will pick up the check. Cashing out a check is a one to five minute process – when you go separate checks for three people you have tripled the cash out time, up to 15 minutes. It is not the restaurant’s fault nor is it the server’s because when push comes to shove you getting somewhere on time is not as important as them getting their money.  So decide what is more important to you, the money or the time. As much as the server wants to provide you with both it simply is not possible all the time.  The choice is totally yours, as are the consequences.

Dear Food Network . . .

Orginally published by Edible TV (edibletv.net) on May 28, 2008

Last Thanksgiving, the Food Network answered a lot of prayers (and even more e-mails) for those overwhelmed by the annual autumnal feast. On Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving, stars Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence, Robert Irvine, and Paula Deen answered viewers questions, gave tips to help avoid problems, and ideas for managing time. Some folks actually got their e-mail answered in person by their favorite celebrity chef. That is one cool holiday treat.

Well they are back for another season, the Holiday Season to be exact. Have you burned down a building “frying” a turkey? Ever rendered someone unconscious while opening a champagne bottle? Do you wonder just what a traditional Kwanzaa meal is like? DFN has got you covered. Once again your favorite celebs are ready to help you through your holiday quandaries.

In a May 27th press release, Food Network announced they are “casting for the popular Dear Food Network specials set to air this holiday season. Four all new, one-hour programs will feature Food Network fans as they get the chance to have their cooking questions answered face-to-face by their star of choice.  To be considered for Dear Food Network, viewers must upload a unique and entertaining three-minute video to http://www.foodnetwork.com by Monday, July 14th, sharing their story and explaining why they want a chance to have their cooking problems solved by their favorite Food Network star. Entrants must include their age, location and a humorous testimonial by a family member or friend. The best videos and questions will be considered for inclusion on the show. For additional information, please e-mail foodnetworkseries@gmail.com.”

“From turkey day dilemmas to troubles with leftovers, this interactive cooking show will offer valuable suggestions for holiday dinner parties, “wowing” the relatives, and livening up a simple side dish. Last holiday season, Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving featured Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence, and Guy Fieri who all came to the aid of viewers in need of culinary expertise during the holidays.”

Make your video and send it in, who knows, maybe all 37 Neely’s will knock on your door. Imagine the envy when you show up at the Winter Solstice celebration with Karine Bakhoum? So whether your latkes are flat or your brisket is tough, Giada, Morimoto, and Sunny are there to help you out.