Asian's raising hands in restaurant

[Rocketo]

So I went to the Empire 50% off dinner last night...and half the people there were asian which made me wonder how many people from RFD went..lol

now i always wondered...why do asian folks raise their hands to get service? is it because they think they will get the service faster? why not just yell out hey you come here...my question to you guys is do you think it's a rude gesture for people to raise their hands in a ***non Asian***restaurant?

[ah_long]

So I went to the Empire 50% off dinner last night...and half the people there were asian which made me wonder how many people from RFD went..lol

now i always wondered...why do asian folks raise their hands to get service? is it because they think they will get the service faster? why not just yell out hey you come here...my question to you guys is do you think it's a rude gesture for people to raise their hands in a restaurant?

and you think that yelling out 'hey you come here' is more polite?

the server is not going to come without you signaling them or anything..
and i don't see how this is purely associated with asians

[coriolis]

Well, Eye contact can only work so well, so next best things would be body language or oral language.

[felixdd]

So I went to the Empire 50% off dinner last night...and half the people there were asian which made me wonder how many people from RFD went..lol

now i always wondered...why do asian folks raise their hands to get service? is it because they think they will get the service faster? why not just yell out hey you come here...my question to you guys is do you think it's a rude gesture for people to raise their hands in a restaurant?

Because that's how it works in Asian restaurants. The server doesnt' check up on you regularly. Nor is there an "assigned" server to a table. Instead, you flag someone (anyone) down when you need service, and they come. Now I'm not familiar with the genre of the "Empire" restaurant you speak of, but maybe the Asians you saw were taking their "Asian restaurant" system and applying it to there.

It's a different system. IMHO I prefer it this way -- I hate it when servers come and interrupt you mid-conversation with a "how's everything going so far?" If it's going bad, I'll let you know :razz:

[Rocketo]

and you think that yelling out 'hey you come here' is more polite?

the server is not going to come without you signaling them or anything..
and i don't see how this is purely associated with asians

dude don't be upset...and when i said hey you come here..i was using that in a literal term..i actually never do that...

i can tell it hit a nerve with you..it IS associated with asians...

[Rocketo]

Because that's how it works in Asian restaurants. The server doesnt' check up on you regularly. Nor is there an "assigned" server to a table. Instead, you flag someone (anyone) down when you need service, and they come. Now I'm not familiar with the genre of the "Empire" restaurant you speak of, but maybe the Asians you saw were taking their "Asian restaurant" system and applying it to there.

It's a different system. IMHO I prefer it this way -- I hate it when servers come and interrupt you mid-conversation with a "how's everything going so far?" If it's going bad, I'll let you know :razz:

yes i understand it's the system they use...my question is do you guys think it's rude in NON asian restaurants?

[branat]

We just smash glasses and yell Oopa at the Greek restaurants.

[Talamasca]

I don't think it's rude at all. I don't think it's restricted to Asians either. Weren't we all taught in school to raise our hand if we wanted to say something?

How else are you supposed to get someone's attention who's out of speaking range in a busy restaurant anyway? Send telepathic messages?

[BananaWeed]

yes i understand it's the system they use...my question is do you guys think it's rude in NON asian restaurants?

No. It shouldn't get to the point where you have to flag down service.

[mic2074]

dude don't be upset...and when i said hey you come here..i was using that in a literal term..i actually never do that...

i can tell it hit a nerve with you..it IS associated with asians...

it's not just with Asians... I've seen lots of non-asians use hand gestures to get the servers attention... and I don't think it's rude at all. Some restaurants have great service and the servers check on you or walk by very often - but even then, when they are really busy, you have to get their attention some how.

[Hairball]

So I went to the Empire 50% off dinner last night...and half the people there were asian which made me wonder how many people from RFD went..lol

Not that I know what this place is, but I saw a friend's facebook pictures posted today and the menu had entrees regularly priced at around $25. Must explain why.



But on the topic, I don't think there's anything wrong with giving a signal if the server isn't responding to you. What are you supposed to do, keep waiting forever?

[ah_long]

unless there's a bell like some korean restaurants, i will continue raising my hands to flag someone..

i would not snap my fingers @ a server though..

[Rocketo]

No. It shouldn't get to the point where you have to flag down service.

totally agree with this statement..if you are being served well the waiter will check up on you every few minutes or they could be watching your table to make sure you are ok.

[ferkel]

whats Empire? Is it a Chinese Restaurant?

[Rocketo]

I don't think it's rude at all. I don't think it's restricted to Asians either. Weren't we all taught in school to raise our hand if we wanted to say something?

How else are you supposed to get someone's attention who's out of speaking range in a busy restaurant anyway? Send telepathic messages?

school and restaurants are totally different things..usually if it's THAT busy i just wait for them to walk by and then i just say excuse me...and say what i have to say..if it's a non urgent issue of why i am requesting service then i'll just wait till they come ...if they don't...i just don't tip well...

[Rocketo]

whats Empire? Is it a Chinese Restaurant?

no it's not...but yesterday they had a special that was 50 percent off their menu..food was decent..so you pretty much can get an entree for like 12-18 dollars..when they are priced way higher...

[TheFuteballer]

I agree with you and although I think people should try and avoid waving waiters down in non-asian restaurants, it is not THAT bad of a thing - it's a cultural thing and we live in a place where cultural habits are all mixed up anyways. Although yes in a classy place I would never do that.

[mjl_toronto]

Are you talking about raising hands above your shoulder/head? If so, then yeah, I think that's tasteless in a fancy restaurant.

If however you mean a small gesture with your hand/fingers to stop a waiter, then no, I think it's fine. As long as it doesn't draw unwanted attention for you or the waiter I don't see what's wrong with it.

I also think you're wrong in thinking this is an 'Asian' thing as I've seen plenty of times in fancy restaurants non-asian folks raising a finger to stop or talk to a waiter. I don't see them raising their hands over their shoulder/head though.

[Rocketo]

Are you talking about raising hands above your shoulder/head? If so, then yeah, I think that's tasteless in a fancy restaurant.

If however you mean a small gesture with your hand/fingers to stop a waiter, then no, I think it's fine. As long as it doesn't draw unwanted attention for you or the waiter I don't see what's wrong with it.

I also think you're wrong in thinking this is an 'Asian' thing as I've seen plenty of times in fancy restaurants non-asian folks raising a finger to stop or talk to a waiter. I don't see them raising their hands over their shoulder/head though.

i meant over your head..

[Pete Jones]

How about this:

Pay attention to the wait person's name when they first come to your table.

Call them by name when you need service. It makes a world of difference.

You'd be amazed at how much of an improvement in service you can get when you treat the wait staff like human beings. :idea:

(I was at one restaurant once where not only did a customer snap their fingers, but actually used the word "boy" to refer to the waiter. I know enough wait staff to know how that person was treated. :twisted: )

--Pete

[Sprite_TM]

umm..if you dont raise your hand, what do you do? stare at your waiter (sometimes they ignore it when you look at them, they pretend they dont see you) use your psychic powers? slam the table? yell? break something (yah that sure will get some attention)? or play the waiting game where you wait for your waiter to come check on you?

i really dont see a problem with raising your hand unless theres a little bell at the restaurant

[red120]

Wait, raising your hand is an asian thing?

How the heck do white people get service, wait until the waiter comes by for one of the 2-3 times in the entire meal?

[Rocketo]

How about this:

Pay attention to the wait person's name when they first come to your table.

Call them by name when you need service. It makes a world of difference.

You'd be amazed at how much of an improvement in service you can get when you treat the wait staff like human beings. :idea:

(I was at one restaurant once where not only did a customer snap their fingers, but actually used the word "boy" to refer to the waiter. I know enough wait staff to know how that person was treated. :twisted: )

--Pete

amen to that...no need to raise hands...

[Rocketo]

Wait, raising your hand is an asian thing?

How the heck do white people get service, wait until the waiter comes by for one of the 2-3 times in the entire meal?

most times i'm in a fancy restaurant..it's the ASIANS that raise their hands...white people i've seen say excuse me or do use the person's name as Pete mentioned above...

how many times do you want the waiter to come to your table? 10 times? typically waiters will come to your table after each course..and if they see that your beverage has been consumed and you might want another one...maybe in chinese restaurants where they don't come to you unless u raise your hand..but im sure they would appreciate you even saying excuse me or calling them by their name if they had a name tag

[red120]

most times i'm in a fancy restaurant..it's the ASIANS that raise their hands...white people i've seen say excuse me or do use the person's name as Pete mentioned above...

how many times do you want the waiter to come to your table? 10 times? typically waiters will come to your table after each course..and if they see that your beverage has been consumed and you might want another one...maybe in chinese restaurants where they don't come to you unless u raise your hand..but im sure they would appreciate you even saying excuse me or calling them by their name if they had a name tag
Ugh, I don't want them coming to my table randomly at all. I hate getting interrupted in the middle of a conversation.

The number of times I want them to come to my table corresponds directly to the number of times I wave my hand at them..

[teknoluv]

Keyword: tolerance. Come ON, they are only raising their hands (okay, above their heads), NOT yelling out loud. If you can't take even that (which is basically a polite but just different act), you WILL have a hard time living in a multicultural place like Toronto.

Weren't we all taught in school to raise our hand if we wanted to say something?
As a matter of fact, no.

[UrbanPoet]

I like this system more then western style resturants...
In western style resturants they do this in the following order...

-would you like a drink or anything to start?
-Would you like to order or need a few more minutes?
-What would you like to order?
-they say this in the middle of your meal "How is your meal, anything else i can help you with?". They always seem to do this when you have a mouth full of food, or an engaging conversation with your group.
-You call for the bill.... And sometimes you really gotta fight for it!

Whenever you need service you gotta get their attention. You also have to get the attention of the right server, if its another server they'll just say "Oh, Your server is jimmy... I'll let him know".
Then that takes another 5-10 minutes just to get a refill of water :evil:

But i notice that in the Chinese restaurants you wave someone down... ANYONE, and they will assist you.

[yuri_c]

its not an asian thing to raise your hand inside a restaurant, and it's not rude. how else are you supposed to get the waiter's attention?

it's more rude to snap your fingers. i'd probably say "excuse me" as the waiter walks by. but i won't deny i raise my hands almost all the time.

i've been to chinese and non-chinese restaurants in San Fran, Las Vegas, NYC, Mexico, etc... and it's not uncommon to raise your hand at all.

[Menace]

then where the heck is Empire?

no it's not...but yesterday they had a special that was 50 percent off their menu..food was decent..so you pretty much can get an entree for like 12-18 dollars..when they are priced way higher...

[Rocketo]

then where the heck is Empire?

it's on cumberland between yonge and bay

[Logos88]

How is raising the hand possibly be ruder than calling the waiter verbally? Isn't saying anything out loud more disruptive to other diners? I can visually focus on the food or the people I'm with, but I can't turn off my ears.

[George W. Bush]

In school people raise an arm - this is what was and is taught in Communist countries. I have lived in China when I was small until the age of 10, and I too raise my arm at meetings, or even in restaurants - a nice, polite gesture that you need attention when possible.

Canadians and American kids are spoiled brat kids who yell, swear, throw stuff around, and have grown and continue to grow in a "me, me, me" society which soon will die off and a new mentality will set in.

Trust me. I look for the day when my comrades will join me and change the mentality for the better!

[George W. Bush]

amen to that...no need to raise hands...

How about: raise and arm to indicate you need assistance, then use the waiters name in the discussion? Is that possible, or no...?

[Rocketo]

How is raising the hand possibly be ruder than calling the waiter verbally? Isn't saying anything out loud more disruptive to other diners? I can visually focus on the food or the people I'm with, but I can't turn off my ears.

actually it's not...if you call the waiter by their name you are showing them way more respect then raising a hand...

[Rocketo]

How about: raise and arm to indicate you need assistance, then use the waiters name in the discussion? Is that possible, or no...?

it is...but why would you when you can just say their name..."Excuse me...John...may i please have another martini?"

i don't think that's so hard to do..but then again i guess i was taught when you go to a non chinese restaurant to do this...i don't want to single people out but that's how i see it...and i'm asian myself

[artsreview]

I like this system more then western style resturants...
In western style resturants they do this in the following order...

-would you like a drink or anything to start?
-Would you like to order or need a few more minutes?
-What would you like to order?
-they say this in the middle of your meal "How is your meal, anything else i can help you with?". They always seem to do this when you have a mouth full of food, or an engaging conversation with your group.
-You call for the bill.... And sometimes you really gotta fight for it!

Whenever you need service you gotta get their attention. You also have to get the attention of the right server, if its another server they'll just say "Oh, Your server is jimmy... I'll let him know".
Then that takes another 5-10 minutes just to get a refill of water :evil:

But i notice that in the Chinese restaurants you wave someone down... ANYONE, and they will assist you.

Yeah, this whole assigned waiter thing can take way too long. Besides, isn't it in the restaurant's interest to get the customer served as soon as possible? Leaving aside customer satisfaction, the faster someone gets his order fulfilled, eats and leaves, the more turnover the restaurant gets.

[Logos88]

actually it's not...if you call the waiter by their name you are showing them way more respect then raising a hand...

OK. I was thinking of respect for other patrons in the restaurant...

And saying it out loud wouldn't work if the waiter is far away. If the waiter is walking by I doubt anyone, Asian or not, would raise their hand above their head. It's all about getting attention in short range or long range.

[laptop-tech]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/dconran/asians.jpg

[FearSonic]

I just wait for the server to look at me and I'll raise my hand slightly. I've been doing this for as long as I know, and no one has complained about it. But then I usually refer to them by name as well.

[Rocketo]

Yeah, this whole assigned waiter thing can take way too long. Besides, isn't it in the restaurant's interest to get the customer served as soon as possible? Leaving aside customer satisfaction, the faster someone gets his order fulfilled, eats and leaves, the more turnover the restaurant gets.

asian restaurants are completely different in terms of what their selling points are..you know you'll get cheap, tasty food...but in terms of cleanliness, personable wait staff they are lacking...some people actually like making conversation at dinner instead of just stuffing their faces so fast so the next person can eat...sometimes you have to sacrifice time for quality...and hopefully you come in between for something great...

i have to tell you though because of the full house at Empire yesterday the management did not plan properly in terms of wait staff and orders were mixed up for a lot of tables...

but im going off topic..

[S14_Raven]

OMG.... an Asian thing? Really?

The more I read in this thread, the more I wonder, was I not there when they were handing out the telepathic powers?

As a former waiter, a word of advice, don't EVER snap, whistle or say 'hey/boy/yo..." to your waiter/waitress. Not only is it rude to them, it's rude to the other patrons. Just cause you're paying, doesn't make it your right to act like an ass.

[Stunt_101]

Because that's how it works in Asian restaurants. The server doesnt' check up on you regularly. Nor is there an "assigned" server to a table. Instead, you flag someone (anyone) down when you need service, and they come. Now I'm not familiar with the genre of the "Empire" restaurant you speak of, but maybe the Asians you saw were taking their "Asian restaurant" system and applying it to there.

It's a different system. IMHO I prefer it this way -- I hate it when servers come and interrupt you mid-conversation with a "how's everything going so far?" If it's going bad, I'll let you know :razz:

well said, it is our culture. I hate it when waiters/waitresses come ask you "is everything ok so far?" when you're in the middle of your meal and in the middle of a conversation.

Is it rude? To some yes, to some not. To me, not at all.

[Talamasca]

As a matter of fact, no.

I gotta ask for curiosity's sake: what they did teach you in school to do then when you wanted the teacher's attention?

[mself084]

I gotta ask for curiosity's sake: what they did teach you in school to do then when you wanted the teacher's attention?

bold text.

How do you guys get the cheque when you're done eating? I see alot of people do the hand-writing gesture (one hand out, the other pretend-writing on it)

[red120]

bold text.

How do you guys get the cheque when you're done eating? I see alot of people do the hand-writing gesture (one hand out, the other pretend-writing on it)
Handwriting gesture with one hand.

[TheFuteballer]

OMG.... an Asian thing? Really?

The more I read in this thread, the more I wonder, was I not there when they were handing out the telepathic powers?

As a former waiter, a word of advice, don't EVER snap, whistle or say 'hey/boy/yo..." to your waiter/waitress. Not only is it rude to them, it's rude to the other patrons. Just cause you're paying, doesn't make it your right to act like an ass.

That's not what we're talking about. Usually waiters are constantly walking around on the floor (they don't sit and have a smoke behind the bar until they see a hand). As they're passing by you just say "excuse me (insert name or not), could I get another cup of water? thanks"


As for them checking up on you, I find it shows much better service when they do that. They want to make sure everything is okay with your dining and if there's anything else that you need now that you have your food.

[ricoboxing]

How do you guys get the cheque when you're done eating? I see alot of people do the hand-writing gesture (one hand out, the other pretend-writing on it)


i yell out "yo waiter, gimme my bill" cause thats way more polite than raising my hand.

[teknoluv]

I gotta ask for curiosity's sake: what they did teach you in school to do then when you wanted the teacher's attention?
They didn't ("teach" that), but most would call out the teacher's name (as in "Borther Henry", or "Sir" along the British tradition). What would you do to draw your parents' attention? You simply called "Dad" or "Mom", did you?

[teknoluv]

blah blah blah
Handwriting gesture with one hand.
You don't really need to reply to a troller's remark, you know, or at least not that seriously as you would normally to other posts.

[kits55]

Because that's how it works in Asian restaurants. The server doesnt' check up on you regularly. Nor is there an "assigned" server to a table. Instead, you flag someone (anyone) down when you need service, and they come. Now I'm not familiar with the genre of the "Empire" restaurant you speak of, but maybe the Asians you saw were taking their "Asian restaurant" system and applying it to there.

It's a different system. IMHO I prefer it this way -- I hate it when servers come and interrupt you mid-conversation with a "how's everything going so far?" If it's going bad, I'll let you know :razz:

dude don't be upset...and when i said hey you come here..i was using that in a literal term..i actually never do that...

i can tell it hit a nerve with you..it IS associated with asians...

yes i understand it's the system they use...my question is do you guys think it's rude in NON asian restaurants?

I live in the US, not Canada but I've been to Korea for a 5 week stay a few years ago. I also prefer the way that waiters and waitresses don't bother you to check in on how things are going. I realize that it's better customer service to check in but I prefer to do my own flagging. I use my hand usually to flag a server if they're out of hearing distance. My parents (totally white and American) raise one finger and say "excuse me" which i think it about the same as just raising a hand in the air. I think it's more rude to raise your voice to be heard to get the waiter to stop at your table.

[setell]

I gotta ask for curiosity's sake: what they did teach you in school to do then when you wanted the teacher's attention?

I was taught to raise my hand at school if I wanted the teacher's attention. None of this Ms/Mr. x or Sir/Miss since it's disruptive to the other students. If you were writing an exam you don't speak out to get your prof/teacher's attention, instead you raise your hand which is less disruptive to others.

I also use hand gesters to get a waiter/waitress's attention. What I find amazing is how you guys remember the waiter/waitress's name as most don't even wear a name tag. I honestly can't remember their names so I just usually say "excuse me can I get a refill" or something along that line when I get their attention. What I hate is waiter/waitresses that come around and ask you how you're doing once and than expect a huge tip when you had to flag somebody down to get your water refilled. If I have to flag somebody down for a service and it's a higher end place I deduct it from their tip:cheesygri

[J W]

it is...but why would you when you can just say their name..."Excuse me...John...may i please have another martini?"

i don't think that's so hard to do..but then again i guess i was taught when you go to a non chinese restaurant to do this...i don't want to single people out but that's how i see it...and i'm asian myself

ok so how the hell do you get the server's attention if they don't walk by? wait 10 minutes? wait 20 minutes? i generally find in western restaurants, it takes servers forever to check back on your table. maybe it's because i only eat out on weekends so it's generally busy, but still, why wait that long for something simple like say, a water refill?

[Logos88]

I love how some restaurants in Japan do it. They have a button on the table (or on some LCD touchscreen gadget) for you to push if you want service. No more getting disturbed by waiters, or not being able to flag down one when you need one.

[Rocketo]

ok so how the hell do you get the server's attention if they don't walk by? wait 10 minutes? wait 20 minutes? i generally find in western restaurants, it takes servers forever to check back on your table. maybe it's because i only eat out on weekends so it's generally busy, but still, why wait that long for something simple like say, a water refill?

ok so you are telling me..you are in a restaurant setting and NOT one waiter will pass you by..if you don't see your waiter you can easily say to a waiter passing by excuse me...can i get a glass of water...im sure they will say i'll get your waiter..or they will help u ...alteast u are letting them know you are requesting service...

just because it's accepted in asian restaurants doesn't mean it should be done in non asian restaurants...

and to those that say well i don't want to shout across the room for my waiter...i don't think anyone ever does...like i said it's a restaurant ...waiters are busy and so are other wait staff it's not like they sit around..as soon as u see one pass u by just politely say excuse me and then say what you have to say

[Rocketo]

I live in the US, not Canada but I've been to Korea for a 5 week stay a few years ago. I also prefer the way that waiters and waitresses don't bother you to check in on how things are going. I realize that it's better customer service to check in but I prefer to do my own flagging. I use my hand usually to flag a server if they're out of hearing distance. My parents (totally white and American) raise one finger and say "excuse me" which i think it about the same as just raising a hand in the air. I think it's more rude to raise your voice to be heard to get the waiter to stop at your table.

there is a reason why they typically interrupt your meal to see if everything is fine...a lot of people don't really say much when food isn't good..so in a way they are trying to get feedback if whether everything is fine so they can improve on it..i don't see any issue on that...chances are they don't bother you that much to make a difference that it's annoying...unlike asian restaurants who don't care about service...i love my asian foods but i know i'm not going to the restaurant for service...when you enter a classy restaurant you should respect that it is classy ...you don't go to a formal wearing jogging pants and runners...

[setell]

ok so you are telling me..you are in a restaurant setting and NOT one waiter will pass you by..if you don't see your waiter you can easily say to a waiter passing by excuse me...can i get a glass of water...im sure they will say i'll get your waiter..or they will help u ...alteast u are letting them know you are requesting service...

just because it's accepted in asian restaurants doesn't mean it should be done in non asian restaurants...

and to those that say well i don't want to shout across the room for my waiter...i don't think anyone ever does...like i said it's a restaurant ...waiters are busy and so are other wait staff it's not like they sit around..as soon as u see one pass u by just politely say excuse me and then say what you have to say

I have been to places where there litterly was ZERO other waiter/waitresses walking by you as the table segregation is really intense. These waiters/waitresses all get their corner or section and don't need to walk to other sections. In those cases how would you get the waiter's attention?

[Madchester]

On Sesame Street the blue guy always raised his hand to get the attention of Grover (the waiter) at Charlie's restauraunt. So they're basically teaching kids to raise their hands to get waiter service from a young age :cheesygri

I'm pretty sure that "hand-raising" is not isolated to one culture's dining etiquette.

[TechRock]

i didnt know it was an asian thing

[elton5354]

i didnt know it was an asian thing

It isn't. :lol:

[branat]

there is a reason why they typically interrupt your meal to see if everything is fine...a lot of people don't really say much when food isn't good..so in a way they are trying to get feedback if whether everything is fine so they can improve on it..i don't see any issue on that...chances are they don't bother you that much to make a difference that it's annoying...unlike asian restaurants who don't care about service...i love my asian foods but i know i'm not going to the restaurant for service...when you enter a classy restaurant you should respect that it is classy ...you don't go to a formal wearing jogging pants and runners...

Just for fun, next time I will complain about the food when they interupted my meal. :D Because every restaurant is doing it, it almost like hearing "thank you for choosing, insert name" when you call up a large company.

Want to know what I think of your service/food? Take a look at the tips I leave at the end.

[Rocketo]

I have been to places where there litterly was ZERO other waiter/waitresses walking by you as the table segregation is really intense. These waiters/waitresses all get their corner or section and don't need to walk to other sections. In those cases how would you get the waiter's attention?

by leaving if i haven't ordered ..if i was eating and they don't come that's fine i just won't tip them...and never come back...

[Rocketo]

Just for fun, next time I will complain about the food when they interupted my meal. :D Because every restaurant is doing it, it almost like hearing "thank you for choosing, insert name" when you call up a large company.

Want to know what I think of your service/food? Take a look at the tips I leave at the end.

but how does that tell them what they can improve on .i mean sure if you don't tip well...they will think i guess he's either cheap or something..unless u really tell them what the issue is how will they know how to fix it..

when you are at work and do something wrong do you expect your boss to tell you..? if you are living in the real world you would hope he/she did...otherwise if you keep doing it wrong u r going to get fired

[Rocketo]

It isn't. :lol:

majority of the time it is

[Logos88]

there is a reason why they typically interrupt your meal to see if everything is fine...a lot of people don't really say much when food isn't good..so in a way they are trying to get feedback if whether everything is fine so they can improve on it..
Unless it's the restaurant owner who's asking. I doubt the waiters give a damn about improving the food. They pretend to care so that they'll get more tips. Nothing wrong with that, they're making a living. I just wouldn't insert any noble reasons behind it.

People at Empire raised their hands above their head even when their waiters walked by their table? Seriously? I still maintain that it's a matter of practicality of getting the waiter's attention while minimizing disruption to other patrons, all depending on how far the waiter is.

Any (ex-)waiter on RFD who can shed a light on whether they'd actually be offended either way?

[champlinD]

So I went to the Empire 50% off dinner last night...and half the people there were asian which made me wonder how many people from RFD went..lol

now i always wondered...why do asian folks raise their hands to get service? is it because they think they will get the service faster? why not just yell out hey you come here...my question to you guys is do you think it's a rude gesture for people to raise their hands in a restaurant?

So you will act like this?

O'Reilly asserted: "There wasn't one person in Sylvia's who was screaming, 'M-Fer, I want more iced tea.'

Are you saying you are black or you just saw old episodes of BillOw(FOX) or Seinfeld ?
Or You just Michelle Malkin Fan?

Man you need to grow up and understand the other races/cultures.

[Rocketo]

So you will act like this?

O'Reilly asserted: "There wasn't one person in Sylvia's who was screaming, 'M-Fer, I want more iced tea.'

Are you saying you are black or you just saw old episodes of BillOw(FOX) or Seinfeld ?
Or You just Michelle Malkin Fan?

Man you need to grow up and understand the other races/cultures.

hmmm i did mention that i am ASIAN in a previous post but i guess you weren't paying attention..in fact i'm viet and proud of it

you must be ignorant to all of a sudden claim i am black or even ask that..so u must BE ASIAN to judge me by those comments

seriously though if you weren't asian you wouldn't be taking this to heart...you need to grow up and realize that it's not an attack..if you read the original question i just asked what do you guys think is it rude or not..

don't go analyzing whether im asian or not...just cuz im on one side of the fence..you don't see my writing back to everyone who thinks raising a hand is fine ..."u must be asian figures"

[Takada]

Haha, this isn't an Asian thing. I see this all the time by all sorts of people. OP needs to get out more. :lol:

[J W]

ok so you are telling me..you are in a restaurant setting and NOT one waiter will pass you by..if you don't see your waiter you can easily say to a waiter passing by excuse me...can i get a glass of water...im sure they will say i'll get your waiter..or they will help u ...alteast u are letting them know you are requesting service...

just because it's accepted in asian restaurants doesn't mean it should be done in non asian restaurants...


well in western restaurants if it's not your server they often give you the "let me get your server" or "i'm not your server" excuse which is totally stupid if you ask me. and then you still wait. and yes, on wkends, your server often never passes by for more than 10mins...which is way too long if you ask me, and happens too many times.

honestly, what defines accepted or not accepted? what the hell are you honestly talking about lol? am i not supposed to indicate to a server through say waving, that i need something? and just wait till they walk by, which could be, 10/15mins? aren't servers supposed to serve you when you need something, and not when they feel like walking by?

[GateGuardian]

It's not rude unless you're snaping your fingers

[tet8suo]

Ugh, I don't want them coming to my table randomly at all. I hate getting interrupted in the middle of a conversation.

The number of times I want them to come to my table corresponds directly to the number of times I wave my hand at them..
exactly what I'm going to say :cheesygri

[Madchester]

well in western restaurants if it's not your server they often give you the "let me get your server" or "i'm not your server" excuse which is totally stupid if you ask me. and then you still wait. and yes, on wkends, your server often never passes by for more than 10mins...which is way too long if you ask me, and happens too many times.


That's my biggest Western restaurant peeve - over-specialization of the staff. To get through one meal at Moxie's last Friday, there was a hostess to seat you at your table, a waiter to take your order, some guy who only pours water in your glass, some other guy who only brings food out of the kitchen and to your table.... etc. You ask the hostess for more water, and she acts as if its beneath her to fulfill that request... :lol:

[Bskll]

I snap finger in busier restaurants. get better service that way.

[M-e-X-x]

i do the hand-raising more and more now, but that's because calgary restaurants have poor service...

[Piccolo]

Haha, this isn't an Asian thing. I see this all the time by all sorts of people. OP needs to get out more. :lol:

I see people raise their hand in a jester to get the attention of the waiter in all types of restaurants. I don't see it as rude (unless they snap their fingers).

At the Manderine I cant take a drink of water without someone filling my glass, if I put done my chop sticks, they get taken, when I get up there are at least 5 people greeting me every courner I turn! The service is over whelming and suffocating.

[molala]

yes i understand it's the system they use...my question is do you guys think it's rude in NON asian restaurants?

totally agree with this statement..if you are being served well the waiter will check up on you every few minutes or they could be watching your table to make sure you are ok.

How often you've been to a restaurant that whe server check up on you every few minutes? Besides...if they really do...people wouldn't have to flag

I've been to restaurants before where I have to hunt down the server for the bill...

[Matrixvibe]

totally agree with this statement..if you are being served well the waiter will check up on you every few minutes or they could be watching your table to make sure you are ok.

In regular/average chinese resturants it is not a custom for them to come and check up on your table, as stated by another poster, they are not assigned to a table, and therefore helping multiple tables and the only way to catch their attention is raising ur hand. So i think its not rude.

[anycee]

It makes sense now. I always wondered why I get such poor service in chineses restaurants - I need to wave my hand more.

The number of times I want them to come to my table corresponds directly to the number of times I wave my hand at them..
Quoted for awesomeness.

[abc123]

asian restaurants are completely different in terms of what their selling points are..you know you'll get cheap, tasty food...but in terms of cleanliness, personable wait staff they are lacking...some people actually like making conversation at dinner instead of just stuffing their faces so fast so the next person can eat...sometimes you have to sacrifice time for quality...and hopefully you come in between for something great...

i have to tell you though because of the full house at Empire yesterday the management did not plan properly in terms of wait staff and orders were mixed up for a lot of tables...

but im going off topic..

That's a pretty big generalization you have there :/, and I really disagree with that. Of course there are those who choose to spend their entire dinner simply eating, but there are also those who spend their dinner making conversation and eating. This doesn't apply only to asians eating at asian restaurants, but also in other cultures and other restaurants.

I love how some restaurants in Japan do it. They have a button on the table (or on some LCD touchscreen gadget) for you to push if you want service. No more getting disturbed by waiters, or not being able to flag down one when you need one.

I've been to several Korean restaurants in Toronto (the ones run by Koreans and not Chinese) and they also have the button on the table. I find that it's really great, except that it sounds like a really loud door chime :cheesygri

[darkprince]

Meh... it either raising our hands or we just get up and leave if they choose to ignore us.

[Siefer999]

How often you've been to a restaurant that whe server check up on you every few minutes? Besides...if they really do...people wouldn't have to flag

I've been to restaurants before where I have to hunt down the server for the bill...

i find that annoying. if something is wrong, or the server forgot something, or i need something, i will tell him/her. i'm not going to wait 5 mins for my checkup. im not going to shout the persons name. im not going to give the person the eye and the nod. im going to signal with my hand.

[purple_rabbit]

The fact that the OP's statement is racially motivated is somewhat ignorant. Using hand language is perfectly socially acceptable at any restaurant you go to ESPECIALLY when asking for the check. When you gotta go, you gotta go. Obviously the OP has never been to New York.

Now if you receive good service, you wouldn't need to do that whether it is a chinese, greek, italian or indian restaurant.

[jeffyjaixx]

No, I don't think it's rude. If I put myself into their shoes, I wouldn't mind anyone waving me over to serve them.

[molala]

i find that annoying. if something is wrong, or the server forgot something, or i need something, i will tell him/her. i'm not going to wait 5 mins for my checkup. im not going to shout the persons name. im not going to give the person the eye and the nod. im going to signal with my hand.

I agree it's annoying. I rmb eating at a restaurant in China where there's one server for every table (wages are cheap) and the server would change my plate with shrimp shell and bones every minute...I got so annoyed and I asked her to just chill out, then she told me how she would get in trouble if her supervisor walks by and see plates with shell, bones, etc. maybe they consider that as customer service? >:( i'd rather have to wave

[ShadowVlican]

I've been to several Korean restaurants in Toronto (the ones run by Koreans and not Chinese) and they also have the button on the table. I find that it's really great, except that it sounds like a really loud door chime :cheesygri
+1 this is a great idea

OP: guess it's a cultural barrier as i find it perfectly normal and polite to raise my hand for service

[asot24]

This may be a stereotype but Asians have terrible manners in general.
Eating soup without a spoon? Really?

Having been to Asia (all parts of it) many times, it's just as bad there. Get with the times.

[molala]

This may be a stereotype but Asians have terrible manners in general.
Eating soup without a spoon? Really?

Having been to Asia (all parts of it) many times, it's just as bad there. Get with the times.

ever heard of cultural difference? some japanese considered people having a spoon with a spoon is rude. but they won't make stereotype comments like you do

[champlinD]

hmmm i did mention that i am ASIAN in a previous post but i guess you weren't paying attention..in fact i'm viet and proud of it

you must be ignorant to all of a sudden claim i am black or even ask that..so u must BE ASIAN to judge me by those comments

seriously though if you weren't asian you wouldn't be taking this to heart...you need to grow up and realize that it's not an attack..if you read the original question i just asked what do you guys think is it rude or not..

don't go analyzing whether im asian or not...just cuz im on one side of the fence..you don't see my writing back to everyone who thinks raising a hand is fine ..."u must be asian figures"

And you say you didn't understand why I said Michelle Malkin. Go figure.
You are Asian as Tiger wood is Black. If you were Asian you would have understood theses things. Its not rocket science.

[manho]

This may be a stereotype but Asians have terrible manners in general.


you kidding, right?
asian kids are taught manners from day one. some parents beat the crap out of their kids for just even crawling on the floor. please recall russell peters. "someone's gonna get hurt rrrrreal bad"

if anything, this waving thing is just a cultural clash. asians are just used to it.

and no, it's not rude, if it was done properly. ie. just a small little hand wave as the waiter/waitress pass by to get their attention, and not holding up your hand like in kindergarten.

[Keigotw]

So I went to the Empire 50% off dinner last night...and half the people there were asian which made me wonder how many people from RFD went..lol

now i always wondered...why do asian folks raise their hands to get service? is it because they think they will get the service faster? why not just yell out hey you come here...my question to you guys is do you think it's a rude gesture for people to raise their hands in a restaurant?

I don't think is rude.
is a quiet way of doing it.
do you think yelling will be faster?? if there was many people yelling at the same time, the waiter won't know who is who.
and I do not think they want to you yell at the restaurant.? yelling would be rude as it would annoy other customers.

What if you want to take a taxi, are you going to just stand there waiting?

[darkprince]

Personal Experiences:

I was at Salad King (Gould and Yonge street) across from Ryerson University.

My friend and i got seated and wait for 10mins for our server. So i decided to raise my hand and ask for some assistance then this Punk-A$$ Waiter with bunch of tattoo and piercing name Sam tells me "don't wave your hand at me! your server will be with you soon!" I am like WTF! I got up and threw the menu on the table and just walk out of that place.

God i hope that a$$hole is fired or gets a infection and loses a ear or a nose from all those stupid piercings!

[Siefer999]

you kidding, right?
asian kids are taught manners from day one. some parents beat the crap out of their kids for just even crawling on the floor. please recall russell peters. "someone's gonna get hurt rrrrreal bad"

the adults dont have manners themselves so how do you expect them to teach their kids. they dont get taught sh/t and even if they did they don't get taught ones that matter in canadian society like "please" and "thank you," or holding the door for the next person. how about saying thank you to the person who held the door for you. please, you cant tell me you dont see this stuff

[UrbanPoet]

This may be a stereotype but Asians have terrible manners in general.
Eating soup without a spoon? Really?

Having been to Asia (all parts of it) many times, it's just as bad there. Get with the times.

YEh... those damn chinese dont even stick out their pinky when drinking tea!

[manho]

the adults dont have manners themselves so how do you expect them to teach their kids. they dont get taught sh/t and even if they did they don't get taught ones that matter in canadian society like "please" and "thank you," or holding the door for the next person. how about saying thank you to the person who held the door for you. please, you cant tell me you dont see this stuff

i see this stuff. but just the entire new generation in general, and not only asian kids.

especially in TTC, nevermind kids, everyone just shoves each other out of their way

[majesus]

In school people raise an arm - this is what was and is taught in Communist countries. I have lived in China when I was small until the age of 10, and I too raise my arm at meetings, or even in restaurants - a nice, polite gesture that you need attention when possible.
!


WTF are you talking about, when I was in elementry school in CANADA I was taught to raise my hand to ask a question or to get attention from the teacher. Heck tonight at BCIT, I raised my hand to ask something and it is a room full of grown-ups.



Trust me. I look for the day when my comrades will join me and change the mentality for the better
Yeah that's what we need. More people like you. http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/images/icons/icon13.gif

[coolspot]

yes i understand it's the system they use...my question is do you guys think it's rude in NON asian restaurants?

Nope, it's quite a common gesture. You obviously don't wave your hand wildly...

[majesus]

I don't think it's rude at all. I don't think it's restricted to Asians either. Weren't we all taught in school to raise our hand if we wanted to say something?

How else are you supposed to get someone's attention who's out of speaking range in a busy restaurant anyway? Send telepathic messages?

Depends on customs...


The first time I was exposed to it (In an Asian restaurent) I was like what the hell are you doing?!?!? (That's rude!) But now that I know that is how it is done in asian restaurents, I have no problems with it. I wouldn't do it in an Western Restaurent especially a classy restuarent unless I was pissed off with the waitering service.

That's what I have oberserved between cultures: TYPICALLY In a chinese restaurent, you flag the server to get something. In a Western Restaurent, you let them check on you from time to time.


Another one for instance (Lots of people know this already) is when you teapot is empty, you flip or slant the lid, indicated you want it refilled.

In a western restaurent, you would (generally) ask.
http://lh6.google.ca/ben.and.suanne/R4vZSERWWUI/AAAAAAAAAI8/WvuPr1N7zvI/s800/IMG_2966.jpg

[chrza]

IMHO I prefer it this way -- I hate it when servers come and interrupt you mid-conversation with a "how's everything going so far?" If it's going bad, I'll let you know :razz:

Damn those rude servers for checking up on you!

[teknoluv]

Meh... it either raising our hands or we just get up and leave if they choose to ignore us.
LOL! True. I remember when I was in Hong Kong during those good old PROSPEROUS days when restaurants (ANY restaurant) were always full and busy. It's not uncommon to take more than 15 minutes just to pay your bill, i.e. from getting the attention of a waiter to finally getting your change or credit card back. My friends and I used to joke about just getting up and go so they would make us pay right there and then.

Having been to Asia (all parts of it) many times
ALL parts of Asia? WHICH parts? Mind elaborating a bit? Perhaps some place name will help.

[Rocketo]

And you say you didn't understand why I said Michelle Malkin. Go figure.
You are Asian as Tiger wood is Black. If you were Asian you would have understood theses things. Its not rocket science.

sorry i don't know who michelle malkin is so go figure...im sure there are people you know i don't and vice versa..

so what makes me asian..the fact that i have to wave my hand..what are the prerequisites? last time i checked in the mirror people still considered me asian...especially when i went to the middle east...

look just cause i don't agree with the whole hand waving doesn't mean i understand it...it's to grab attention..i just think it can be avoided..but when 99% of RFD is asian...and they get so easily offended at this post..it makes me wonder why you guys always point out stereotypes about other cultures

but i guess it is rocket science to me to be able to not comprehend your attacks about me being black again...

[Rocketo]

Nope, it's quite a common gesture. You obviously don't wave your hand wildly...

it's a common gesture...in non asian restaurants? hmm i guess i've been going to the wrong ones

[Rocketo]

The fact that the OP's statement is racially motivated is somewhat ignorant. Using hand language is perfectly socially acceptable at any restaurant you go to ESPECIALLY when asking for the check. When you gotta go, you gotta go. Obviously the OP has never been to New York.

Now if you receive good service, you wouldn't need to do that whether it is a chinese, greek, italian or indian restaurant.

My question did say ASIAN's raising hands..so yes it can be racially motivated..since i am targetting a specific set of people...but how is that ignorant...you can easily say why do black folks run fast?which you being asian you probably said that to yourself already..but is that a fact that all the top runners in the world are black? yes...is it a fact that the majority of asians raise their hands in restaurants to get service? YES

sure there are other cultures that raise their hand to get service...and there are also other cultures that run fast..but i didn't say people raising hands...i said asian

last time i checked with people who typically dined at classy restaurants they poke fun at people who raise their hands...and when we look to see who it is...it's asian folks...i used to wave my arm when i was younger until i was told it's rude by MY PARENTS...and i could see why it is...

actually i have been to NY...but OBVIOUSLY you don't know me..so you need to stop being ignorant yourself

[TheFuteballer]

I find it really strange how a lot of you are getting upset that we are not understanding of YOUR cultural doings however as you maybe notice we live in CANADA not in China/Hong Kong/ w/e so generally (as the point of this conversation) when you go into a NON-ASIAN restaurant, you should in respect to Canadian culture not wave your hand above your head because here, it is not seen as a common or accepted way of getting a servers attention!

Although at times I do find myself giving a little hand gesture when I make eye contact with my server if it's really busy, I don't and usually very rarely see people putting their hand over their head at western restaurants.

[Rocketo]

I find it really strange how a lot of you are getting upset that we are not understanding of YOUR cultural doings however as you maybe notice we live in CANADA not in China/Hong Kong/ w/e so generally (as the point of this conversation) when you go into a NON-ASIAN restaurant, you should in respect to Canadian culture not wave your hand above your head because here, it is not seen as a common or accepted way of getting a servers attention!

Although at times I do find myself giving a little hand gesture when I make eye contact with my server if it's really busy, I don't and usually very rarely see people putting their hand over their head at western restaurants.

i guess ur part of the 1% non asian RFD members ..:lol:

[Alcetic]

I just read the first page...but what the fu*k does this have to do with being asians haha. I've seen tons of non-asians raise their hands to call for service. Unlike the OP, rfd'ers don't go to fancy restaurants everyday =)

[mgronqui]

I raise my hand :lol: . It's more polite then, hey ***** get over here.

[Rocketo]

I just read the first page...but what the fu*k does this have to do with being asians haha. I've seen tons of non-asians raise their hands to call for service. Unlike the OP, rfd'ers don't go to fancy restaurants everyday =)

and how do you know people on rfd don't go to fancy restaurants? i'm sure quite a few of rfd folks tend to...

[champlinD]

...
...

sure there are other cultures that raise their hand to get service...and there are also other cultures that run fast..but i didn't say people raising hands...i said asian

last time i checked with people who typically dined at classy restaurants they poke fun at people who raise their hands...and when we look to see who it is...it's asian folks...i used to wave my arm when i was younger until i was told it's rude by MY PARENTS...and i could see why it is...

...
...


Your problem actually is what you did before and now, if its right or wrong.
Your Parents taught you to be Europeans or British.
You said Asian Folks do this But also Say you are Asian.
May be you are trying to find yourself in North American culture. How to fit in.
I don't think this is what Asian folk do but about you upbringing and place to fit. Or making a point to world, hey I am not Asian as I have European Manners. I just happen to look like one.

Trust me when the waiters are Busy or ignore you, you WILL waive or Raise your hand.

[Rocketo]

Your problem actually is what you did before and now, if its right or wrong.
Your Parents taught you to be Europeans or British.
You said Asian Folks do this But also Say you are Asian.
May be you are trying to find yourself in North American culture. How to fit in.
I don't think this is what Asian folk do but about you upbringing and place to fit. Or making a point to world, hey I am not Asian as I have European Manners. I just happen to look like one.

Trust me when the waiters are Busy or ignore you, you WILL waive or Raise your hand.

my parents taught me to be european or british? man ur just generalizing people...i didn't know european or british people acted this way...first you call me black now you say my parents are teaching me to be british or european..has it ever occurred to you that maybe they taught me manners? and maybe that flew by your head while you were growing up?
yes i said asian folks do this and i am asian ...im not trying to fit in ..i know where i belong..i guess you are confused yourself...

so what makes you more asian than me? the fact that you raise your arms up to get a waiters attention? you are making all these assumptions about me you don't even know..now u just look pathetic trying to attack me personally and calling me out to say i'm not ASIAN enough...


just cause your asian pride can't take the fact that in this north american culture it is considered rude to wave your arms around when trying to get someone's attention don't try to attack me and say well it's cuz im black that i don't agree..i think you've pretty much offended some people with that

i guess you ran out of things to insult me about but seriously if you want to insult me..you have to try harder...

TRUST ME when i see that they are busy i try to flag someone down by saying "EXCUSE ME"

[FazerRider]

OP's question is dumb

[manyapples]

1/5 tops

[surrealillusion]

So, I just read through all 8 pages of this and I am in the same boat as the OP. I notice myself when I'm out at an asian restaurant I will have a habit of flagging someone down, but when I'm at any other type of restaurant I will be more likely to either make eye contact or say excuse me as a server walks by.

Manners that my parents taught me? Quite possibly given the fact we're taught to be polite to people.

Does this mean only one type of people do it? No, but more often than not it can be observed in asian restaurants as opposed to any other establishment and this may be very well related to the "style" of service that is offered to it's patrons. Instead of having your dedicated wait staff who will keep an eye on your table, you have a team of people looking after everything, hence why the need to raise your hand to get service is there.

I hardly think anyone can stereotype it to a group of people who go to eat, but more of the situation that one is in. I've observed other people who aren't asian simply make a slight wave of their hand close by their head to signal the waiter to bring the cheque.

In the end, what may be polite and customary in one situation may not be in another. Use your discretion and remember your manners is pretty much what it comes down to.

[Madchester]

just cause your asian pride can't take the fact that in this north american culture it is considered rude to wave your arms around when trying to get someone's attention don't try to attack me and say well it's cuz im black that i don't agree..i think you've pretty much offended some people with that



Since you're making the claim that it's inappropriate to "raise your hand in a North American restauraunt" you have the burden of proof to show that this is actually the case. Seriously, dig up some evidence from North American etiquette or restauraunt experts - otherwise it's simply your opinion that it's offensive.

It's one thing to nitpick over personal peeves, but something else altogether when making an unfounded generalization and stating it as fact.

[icebar]

Raising hand is not rude. It's much more a polite way than yelling someone's name, or knocking the table, or snapping your finger to call the waiter.

[Rocketo]

Since you're making the claim that it's inappropriate to "raise your hand in a North American restauraunt" you have the burden of proof to show that this is actually the case. Seriously, dig up some evidence from North American etiquette or restauraunt experts - otherwise it's simply your opinion that it's offensive.

It's one thing to nitpick over personal peeves, but something else altogether when making an unfounded generalization and stating it as fact.

man it's called etiquette..just like when you are invited to someone's house for dinner...are you going to show up empty handed? there is no written rule on manners on what you should or should not do...is there a rule that says yelling "HEY WAITER" is rude? where is that written? when you drop a fork at a restaurant..do you let it sit there until someone else does or do you actually pick it up and ask for another one? and yes it is my opinion and i have asked for everyone's opinion on the matter...

i have not once in this whole topic tried to attack the person who doesn't have the same belief as me saying that they don't have manners or they are ignorant unless i was provoked...i've replied to many responses with suggestions on how to get attention from the waiter...it's not a personal peeve at all...a personal peeve is when people don't refill the printer with paper after they are the last one that used it in the office..

[Rocketo]

Since you're making the claim that it's inappropriate to "raise your hand in a North American restauraunt" you have the burden of proof to show that this is actually the case. Seriously, dig up some evidence from North American etiquette or restauraunt experts - otherwise it's simply your opinion that it's offensive.

It's one thing to nitpick over personal peeves, but something else altogether when making an unfounded generalization and stating it as fact.

just so you know i did find something that speaks on this

http://www.helium.com/items/75202-dining-out-etiquette-how-to-behave-stylishly-at-restaurants



Second:
The single most courteous way to get the attention of a server or bartender is nothing more than simple eye-contact. Once you've made eye-contact you may clinch the attention by use of a smile and a nod of the head and in some cases the *slight* raise of a finger or hand to a level no higher than your shoulders. Raising glasses into the air, waving aggressively, or yelling 'hey' across the restaurant is considered rude and will not garauntee immediate or good service and will certainly assure an unfriendly attitude from the person serving you. Under no circumstances should you ever whistle at, snap your fingers at, or approach your server while he or she is at another table. Though the consequences may be minimal, it is simply not nice and never called for, and if you're afraid of your food being contaminated, you'd do well to abide by these rules! Though I must say in my professional career, were I ever to observe someone messing with food or drink in any way, shape, or form, other than appropriate, they would be dismissed on the spot. But, of course, I cannot govern the actions of the entire industry.


I bet you all are going to say yeah well that's one person's opinion

[JAGpilot]

Asian etiquette is not up to standard with that of the western world. In Asia, it is acceptable to put your hands in the food, burp, throw chicken bones on the table, slurp, etc.

[Rocketo]

Here is another article

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/08/etiquette.in.restaurant.dining.html

In calling for a waiter, do not call them with "Pssst" or "Boy." It's very tacky. Always establish eye contact and raise your hand halfway to call his or her attention. In deluxe fine dining, eye contact is enough. In regular dining, you need a body gesture to get a waiter's attention. Talk to them in their first name, which is found on the nameplate. It is polite and the waiter will appreciate it.

Raise hand halfway means not pass shoulder height not waving it above your head

[Rocketo]

Asian etiquette is not up to standard with that of the western world. In Asia, it is acceptable to put your hands in the food, burp, throw chicken bones on the table, slurp, etc.

ahahha chicken bones on the table..i've seen that one too many times...same thing i see with some of my relatives when they are in a restaurant setting touch one item with their OWN chopsticks and then pick something else..really disgusts me...i can't tell them cuz they are elders but i sure tell everyone my age...lol

[champlinD]

...
...

yes i said asian folks do this and i am asian ...im not trying to fit in ..i know where i belong..i guess you are confused yourself...
...


The more you write the more you reveal.
Why are you so upset that I asked you if you Black?
You think Blacks are below you? You don't even know if I am Black or ASIAN or whatever.

Looks like you feel ashamed that your fellow Asians are doing that and you believe its disgusting. Looks like your parents taught you that and not manners. You and politeness are nowhere near.

There are people who spend lot of money in restaurant. If they don't get service quick they don't mind raising their hand.
Mind you in Toronto about 50% people are born outside.

Don't feel shamed of what you are. That's what your parents did not teach.
Don't feel other Asians are inferior because they raise their hands.
I think its about you and what you feel about Your Fellow Asians and/or countrymen.

[Madchester]

:lol:
Don't feel shamed of what you are. That's what your parents did not teach.
Don't feel other Asians are inferior because they raise their hands.
I think its about you and what you feel about Your Fellow Asians and/or countrymen.

+1

I don't get the OP's insecurity with this issue.

If you look at his original post:


now i always wondered...why do asian folks raise their hands to get service? is it because they think they will get the service faster? why not just yell out hey you come here...my question to you guys is do you think it's a rude gesture for people to raise their hands in a ***non Asian***restaurant?

He originally argues that it's inappropriate to raise your hand in a Western restaurant. But instead of finding evidence supporting that specific claim, he only finds expert advice that it's inappropriate to raise your hand above your head/shoulder or wave it aggressively. None of the experts above chastised restauraunt hand-raising in general.

This whole mess of a thread could have been avoided if the OP had conceded that his original claim was incorrect. It's embarassing (though entertaining) to watch him change his claims with each new post. :lol:

[Rocketo]

:lol:

+1

I don't get the OP's insecurity with this issue.

If you look at his original post:



He originally argues that it's inappropriate to raise your hand in a Western restaurant. But instead of finding evidence supporting that specific claim, he only finds expert advice that it's inappropriate to raise your hand above your head/shoulder or wave it aggressively. None of the experts above chastised restauraunt hand-raising in general.

This whole mess of a thread could have been avoided if the OP had conceded that his original claim was incorrect. It's embarassing (though entertaining) to watch him change his claims with each new post. :lol:

funny i still stand on my point how has it changed...u both can argue all day with me...but u asked for proof on proper etiquette and i gave it to you..the first article did say you should not wave your arms around but i guess that part you didn't read...man u keep talking how my stance has changed..when it has not..don't feel bad that i gave some evidence that waving ur arms around is bad etiquette in a non asian restaurant...

[Rocketo]

The more you write the more you reveal.
Why are you so upset that I asked you if you Black?
You think Blacks are below you? You don't even know if I am Black or ASIAN or whatever.

Looks like you feel ashamed that your fellow Asians are doing that and you believe its disgusting. Looks like your parents taught you that and not manners. You and politeness are nowhere near.

There are people who spend lot of money in restaurant. If they don't get service quick they don't mind raising their hand.
Mind you in Toronto about 50% people are born outside.

Don't feel shamed of what you are. That's what your parents did not teach.
Don't feel other Asians are inferior because they raise their hands.
I think its about you and what you feel about Your Fellow Asians and/or countrymen.

hmmm the more i reveal? that's a pretty broad statement...when did i say black are below me..u obviously think blacks are below u by ur original statement to say u must be black to be making those comments..
it's funny how u read so much into it to think im ashamed by my fellow asians just cuz they raise their arms over their heads in non asian restaurants...shiet i guess from your statements you obviously think black people are scum by claimin they make statements you find ignorant

once again you don't know me or my parents..they have a lot of pride being viet..but i guess by attacking me about my "asian" pride is really making u feel good about urself..so does it? i mean insulting me ...

like i said..try harder

[mgronqui]

The covert racism that has been brewing around here lately is downright disgusting. :(

[Siefer999]

how is someone supposed to flag down a waiter if the dont raise their flag (hand)?

[red120]

Heh. "Proof" of proper etiquette is a link to a website.

Not sure it's sad or amusing how ashamed some people are of their own race.

[Rocketo]

i meant over your head..

:lol:

+1

I don't get the OP's insecurity with this issue.

If you look at his original post:



He originally argues that it's inappropriate to raise your hand in a Western restaurant. But instead of finding evidence supporting that specific claim, he only finds expert advice that it's inappropriate to raise your hand above your head/shoulder or wave it aggressively. None of the experts above chastised restauraunt hand-raising in general.

This whole mess of a thread could have been avoided if the OP had conceded that his original claim was incorrect. It's embarassing (though entertaining) to watch him change his claims with each new post. :lol:

sorry guess u didn't read this on page 2...

Quote:
Originally Posted by mjl_toronto View Post
Are you talking about raising hands above your shoulder/head? If so, then yeah, I think that's tasteless in a fancy restaurant.

If however you mean a small gesture with your hand/fingers to stop a waiter, then no, I think it's fine. As long as it doesn't draw unwanted attention for you or the waiter I don't see what's wrong with it.

I also think you're wrong in thinking this is an 'Asian' thing as I've seen plenty of times in fancy restaurants non-asian folks raising a finger to stop or talk to a waiter. I don't see them raising their hands over their shoulder/head though.

Rocketo responds:
i meant over your head..

[Rocketo]

Heh. "Proof" of proper etiquette is a link to a website.

Not sure it's sad or amusing how ashamed some people are of their own race.

the man asked for what some expert had to say..i gave it...

ashamed? cuz i think raising hands in a restaurant is rude?

ashamed of my race is saying...man i hate to be viet...which is not the case...

[pookie9]

OP seems to be trying very hard to express something, but is instead baiting out trolls.

Generally, when I go fine dining, I don't raise my arms. I just wait to be serviced. But in all seriousness, I wouldn't really care if the people beside my table flagged their waiters down. Seriously, who cares? They look bad; their problem.

[Rocketo]

OP seems to be trying very hard to express something, but is instead baiting out trolls.

Generally, when I go fine dining, I don't raise my arms. I just wait to be serviced. But in all seriousness, I wouldn't really care if the people beside my table flagged their waiters down. Seriously, who cares? They look bad; their problem.

:lol:

[Evil Techie]

if the restaurant does not teach its waiters and waitresses to recognize eye contacts or just pay more attention to customers and come to tables every once in a while

then there is nothing wrong with raising hand to get the attention of the staff since the restaurant isnt anything high class

[Keigotw]

man it's called etiquette..just like when you are invited to someone's house for dinner...are you going to show up empty handed? there is no written rule on manners on what you should or should not do...is there a rule that says yelling "HEY WAITER" is rude? where is that written? when you drop a fork at a restaurant..do you let it sit there until someone else does or do you actually pick it up and ask for another one? and yes it is my opinion and i have asked for everyone's opinion on the matter...

i have not once in this whole topic tried to attack the person who doesn't have the same belief as me saying that they don't have manners or they are ignorant unless i was provoked...i've replied to many responses with suggestions on how to get attention from the waiter...it's not a personal peeve at all...a personal peeve is when people don't refill the printer with paper after they are the last one that used it in the office..

just so you know i did find something that speaks on this

http://www.helium.com/items/75202-dining-out-etiquette-how-to-behave-stylishly-at-restaurants



Second:
The single most courteous way to get the attention of a server or bartender is nothing more than simple eye-contact. Once you've made eye-contact you may clinch the attention by use of a smile and a nod of the head and in some cases the *slight* raise of a finger or hand to a level no higher than your shoulders. Raising glasses into the air, waving aggressively, or yelling 'hey' across the restaurant is considered rude and will not garauntee immediate or good service and will certainly assure an unfriendly attitude from the person serving you. Under no circumstances should you ever whistle at, snap your fingers at, or approach your server while he or she is at another table. Though the consequences may be minimal, it is simply not nice and never called for, and if you're afraid of your food being contaminated, you'd do well to abide by these rules! Though I must say in my professional career, were I ever to observe someone messing with food or drink in any way, shape, or form, other than appropriate, they would be dismissed on the spot. But, of course, I cannot govern the actions of the entire industry.


I bet you all are going to say yeah well that's one person's opinion

:arrowu:

[LeeBoA]

this is actually the dumbest thread