New Year Resolution

Note to self: be considerate of others, particularly wait staff, when dining out.
I was reminded recently of a Maclean’s magazine article about restaurant patrons who are noted for bad behavior.A waiter’s hit list includes those who routinely send back wine, pinch the pepper grinder, or constantly complain, among other unacceptable behaviors.
This came to mind while awaiting a table on New Year’s Eve at The Chaise Lounge. Two couples were still dawdling over their desserts, aware that their two-hour sitting had passed and that other diners were waiting to be seated as the early show had ended. The sittings had been clearly indicated and exceptionally good local jazz musicians had ended their set.
Could it be this sneaky foursome realized their error in booking too early for theIr favourite entertainment?
But staff was ahead of them and quietly asked the featured duo, Don Buchanan and Diana Campbell, to take a break as “they won’t leave while you are still playing.”
Some curt comments such as “wouldn’t have ordered a bottle of wine had we known” were easily heard by many and it soon became obvious that these uncouth people were determined to make the servers uncomfortable by voicing their discontent, while an offer of another table was scorned.
The men in the party were somewhat less churlish – one offered his seat and assured me their party would be leaving as soon as the bill was paid. The women, however, patently ignored everyone, even when addressed directly.
As they pored over the bill continuing to complain of being rushed out “at these prices,” I was sorely tempted to remind them that high maintenance diners often get poor service. But no, I waited until they had noisily left, determined not to sink to their uncivilized level.
I am sure the restaurateurs and staff keep track of undesirable patrons, as it appears others do, and there will be no tables available when a party of rude, inconsiderate people call again for a reservation.