I had been to LSF before but, I don't know why, I thought they didn't have a free-refill policy. I basically chugged my first Diet Coke down and ordered a second one thinking it would be the last one if I had to pay for it. Lo and behold, the waitress returned with three sodas and places them all on my table: "I'm sure you'll end up drinking them" and walked away.
I couldn't help but laugh. Since it was around threeish the place was more or less empty and I got a chance to make some small talk with my waitress. The service was so good I ended up speaking to the manager about it and leaving a pretty good tip.
Every once in a while I'm surprised by this country, we have so much to learn from the States. The idea that people deserved to be greeted with good manners, a smile and good service when they pay good money to eat out is unknown in Spain. The equivalent of my fantastic lunch back home would have meant not getting a table in at least thirty minutes, not because the place was full but because no one would be at the entrance to assign tables, let alone greet anyone, followed by another significant wait at the table before being served by a rude person who wouldn't stop scratching their head or would have the four first buttons of his shirt undone. Of course, you would be able to order as many sodas as you wanted, paying $5 for every one, that is. While here good manners are a given, because even if you think about it from the most materialistic, greedy, money-making, point of view, good service keeps customers happy and giving better tips, we don't see that in Spain.
There is a completely different philosophy in the workplace in this country and it is truly admirable... unfortunately, back home we much rather treat people impolitely as if we were doing them a favor by taking their money. Sin comentarios...
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