With reference to your remark "Sally Will, you need to understand American's have a different view about service than we do,and nominal wages in the restaurant trade form part of that view"
Oh i understand alright and as others posting here seem to agree, our service in Australia is far superior and NOT only in the restaurant trade!
Tipping as expected in America is plainly ridiculous at 15-18%?? one needs exceptional service to warrant paying that kind of gratuity. The staff swarm all over you when you arrive, even wanting to open the door to welcome you in and once the bill is paid, they leave you for dead.
I have had dealings with American business for many years and can tell you that attention to detail and follow up is always sadly lacking. Australian's from my experience are are far more professional. Because many American's in business believe they are the world and so lead the world, they continue to live and work in the past and need to see beyond USA to see how others can do it much better. They are not the worlds smartest race as they will have you believe.
