Have you ever had such a great experience that you want to tell other people about it? What was it that made it so special -- was it the actions of the people involved? The words? The over-all feeling you had when you walked away?
Over the weekend my husband and I had dinner at a small restaurant. The atmosphere was rustic, the food delicious, and the service ... oh, the service! I've been struggling to find the words as to why it had such an impact -- "attentive", "service-oriented", "experience" and just plain "
good" come to mind.
- Genuine friendliness with appropriate professionalism and restraint.
The server was friendly and greeted us promptly but didn't ask us for extensive details of our day, kneel down, or sit at the table to chat.
He was able to explain in detail how dishes were prepared and was very helpful in his description of wines, allowing us to make knowledgeable choices, not guesses as to "that sounds good".
- Offered suggestions and "up-sold" menu items
This was done out of genuine interest in our experience, not to increase the amount of our check -- and his tip. I found myself saying yes to a suggestion and thoroughly enjoying something I had not intended to order just because he asked the question.
- He made the offer and took no for an answer.
He brought us the dessert menu and although we (laughingly) demurred, he told us there was no harm in "a little light reading". Upon returning to our table and hearing our "No, thank you", he said nothing further about what we were missing. Our check was presented, we were graciously thanked for the opportunity to be of service, and our experience was at an end.
And it was an experience.
