my mom would have smacked my butt if i went around rearranging centerpieces or moving them for that matter!!! time to get out the wooden spoon I think

Shouldn't he be charged for the case? He broke the damn thing after all, and not in a regular wear and tear way.
If he'd gone to someone's house and broken their vase because he didn't like it, he'd be responsible for replacing it. The only way he wouldn't have to pay is if it was an accident that resulted from normal behavior - the vase was unsteady so when he bumped the table, the vase tipped over.

Please tell me you put the cost of the vase on his bill!

You could have suggested, ever so sweetly, that he find another dining establishment whose decorating scheme was more towards his liking. I'm sure the local fast food place was open.

Ooh - and you said a couple of them were under the table the first time. Was he moving them off of other tables, too?!

Great idea - I'm going to start to bring my own centerpieces to restaurants. I'll set that out, then hand the waiter the recipie I want the chef to cook.

That's OK, right? :)

OMG Swankette, you're killing me!
Reminds of a time that I was at OCB (Old Country Buffet) w/my friend and her ankle-biters. A family of 8 rolled in, the mother carrying an armful of stuff. While the brood bellied up to the buffet she proceeded to set the table. She had brought cloth tablecloth and napkins, and a centerpiece w/flowers. Each family member came back with a plate piled high of one item, and they sat down, prayed and started passing the mile high plates. At Old Country Buffet.
Anytime I see the word or hear it (centerpiece) I think of that whacky lunch.

Oh, and FW, Sheboygan isn't too far from me. Nice town, ugly name though. So, in college I decided to pronounce it like I was French: Shaw-bah-gehn. Accent on the 'shaw'. Be fearful though, it's colder than a witch's tata in a brass bra in the winter, that Lake Michigan wind is vicious.

You sound like you're near that point, the well-done-get-that-fork-out-of-me-it's-been-there-too long-I'm-over-done point. It's an evil business, it'll turn you into a bitter old drunk before you know it. Either get out now and save yourself, or parlay your knowledge in other areas like writing, or tv. Be the female Anthony Bourdain and I'll be your obsessed fan forever. And you'll be happier and richer.

I like it when a restaurant has little vases and seasonal decorations! It reminds me that i'm NOT at Red Robin but someplace where me and my kids and (ahem) husband need to mind our manners! That and it's purty! Dude was a twat and his wife should have told him to behave!

Is every restaurant this much of a freak show, or are you some kind of shit magnet? These stories are unbelievable, hilarious and maddening all at once. Thank you for sharing them!

You have reminded me why I am NO longer in the business, lol. But thank you for lettin gme relive it through your eyes. And, Elle, yes, every place is like that. Different stories - same level. :)

Didn't his sister come in last night and demand margarine? Y'know...I think she did.

Who raises these people?

Sorry FW...I sense your frustration...hugs!

Careful on the type of 2nd business you open. Malt shops have their own type of crazies... yep, been there, done that. Since there on no center pieces, they don't get moved or broken... But the patrons make up their own type of "malt" wanted and the lower end will smear S&*^% on the bathroom walls and then leave without buying anything... (Just ask my hubby who got stuck cleaning THAT mess up!)
Love your stories... keep 'em coming!

a) you are wasting your time- the world does not need saving, the non-idiots are the ones that need saving.
b) I only move stuff that my *anklebiters* will get into. and that is to KEEP it from being broken. or them from eating the sugar. or oversalting things. or over-ketchuping. sigh. you should get a food network show. don't get me wrong, I LOVE Rachael Ray, but we could probably do with your sense of humour as well. :)

OMG...I had to laugh at your desire, laughable that it was, to move to Sheboygan. That's where I grew up although I no longer live there. And Lunatic was right...winters aren't too kind there, if for no other reason than they start at the beginning of November and last until at least mid-May, or so it seems.

To all those people out there who think long winters suck....I hail from the northern parts of Canada, and let me tell ya.....there is only ONE THING a couple can do to make the winter pass by that's fun.....I think we all know what this is!

Don't knock it till you try it! :)

Thank you for what? Weirdos!

LOL Carmen.
Thank you for an empty space so we can put our stupid spam links in?

Man, I would have thrown a fit if someone did that at my restaurant.

Also, I wanted to drop you a line and let you know that at my friends' dinner party tonight, I convinced her to make Lemon Drops. We're drinking them right now, and let me tell you, they are a big hit. Thank you!

I swear I thought your first paragraph ended with "complete with fancy cape and lightning bolt THONGS".

as someone who lives in sheboygan, (yes, it's true!) we're more than happy to have you here. we need a few more nice places to hang out! come on over!