Ya know, when I'm rootin around in the trough, I'm not really thinkin about tipping, where the food comes from or who may have to clean up anything that should slip past my jowls.

I think that may be a character flaw for me.
(I never got to use the drool smilie in a post before)

 

In the Provence of Québec waiting staff pay taxes on 15% of the bill. So on top of their wages they pay taxes on 15% of your bill. The restaurant has to provide info to the tax people on the total of each employees bills. I find it deplorable that we now have to tip someone, peer pressure, just because they expect it. I do the cooking at home so when I eat out I like it to be presented to me as well as I do to my family. If you screw it up I will be the first to tell you. Politely but in a manner that will convey my displeasure. If the cook screwed it up I do not shoot the messenger. I f I do not like the attitude I may even get the manager involved. After all it is my night off. I am after all paying for a service and I expect it. The degree of service excellence varies with the establishment. The more I pay the more I expect, don’t you? I do not leave a 30¢ tip for a $2.00 breakfast. I feel that $3.00 is the minimum for putting up with my demands and hauling the food to my table. I do not pay tips at fast food establishments. Even if they have a jar on the counter. I do not tip it I have to be involved in any way in the transporting of food to my table. I can stay home and do that for free. Tipping is subjective. Pay what you want when you want....

JMC

 

Amen!

 

Another tip guide I read said that you should tip on the amount of the bill BEFORE TAX, though most probably don't realize this and tip on the whole amount...