I notice that whether you're at a nicer restaurant or a basic sit down place, the wait-staff always sets the table with one napkin. I always thought I was supposed to put that napkin on my lap, (or tuck it in above my bowtie and let it hang over my shirt), but that doesn't make sense. Am I supposed to wipe my hand on the top side of the same napkin that's already on my lap? That doesn't make sense either and it may lead to getting my clothes dirty by contact or soak-through. This is ironic since the reason the napkin is there in the first place is to keep my clothes clean. (Perhaps this is grounds for a lawsuit). And nobody likes to have dirty hands even when using silverware. I don't have want to have to wait for the waitress or waiter to come back so that I can ask for more napkins. There is a local Quizno's with a "Napkin Nazi" who only gives two napkins out and hides the dispensers. It's impossible to eat those sandwiches without getting your hands messy. And the store policy is to make the customer feel guilty for asking for more napkins. And it works. But I'm not going to give up the fight. To the restaurants of the world, I'm telling you that this practice is just not good enough. Whether they are paper or cloth, at least two napkins are needed, (and probably more).
+ Atul
There are still occasional restaurants that give diners both a bib and a napkin, usually for something like lobster.
Our local Quizno is generous enough with the napkins, but I started noticing that no matter what kind of sandwich I ordered the taste and texture there was essentially identical.
Of course, at least Jared doesn't hang out there.
Posted by: chancelucky | September 29, 2006 at 05:48 PM
We have a two napkin rule at our house. My boys clothng needs all the protection it can get during meal times. We require one paper napkin tucked in the collar and one tucked in at the waist. We save a lot on laundry and prevent a lot of stains.
Posted by: Travis Jenkins | October 04, 2006 at 12:29 PM
Travis,
I like your family two napkin rule. You are wise to do this.
Just today, I was eating lunch and had to ask for an extra napkin, and then I saw a woman also ask for napkins. How simple would it be for restaurants to substantially improve customer service just by setting the table with two napkins? How simple is that?
Posted by: Atul | October 04, 2006 at 10:35 PM
Atul
Your comments which I agree with for the most part are designed for people like you and me. However, as someone who has worked in a restaurant, not everyone is as concerned about their cleanliness and manners. I've seen a number of people(men) use their shirt sleeves as a napkin. Also, while I agree that providing the napkins is a nice service touch, the cost of automatically giving 2 napkins would show up as costly. How much business gained/lost versus the cost of providing the extra napkins would be an interesting study. You forgot to recommend using recycled paper for those extra napkins rather than chopping down more trees as a result of excess consumption. The environmentalists are going to be banging down your door!!
Posted by: Dave P | October 05, 2006 at 10:12 AM