Monika Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 I have just bought a book "Tune up your French" with lots of good, everyday advice. However it surprised me how you call a waiter to your table. What would you say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrianpmills Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 Hissing is acceptable in many latin countries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 Not "Hey garcon" whatever you do, they get quite huffy! How about "Monsieur svp".......................John not Jackie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 polite to say pardon monsieur/madamoiselle and your request Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anton Redman Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 If the place is any good you do not need to. Close the menus and wait, failing that stand up and walk out, nothing would make me want to eat in a Restaurant where I was not welcome. If the place is very busy and full of workers eating before they can get back on shift then I would expect to be behind the regulars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceni Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 "Oy, Gunga" seems common in many eating establishments - particularly after closing time in the pub next door.Johnnot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 Make eye contact, lift eybrows with half-smile. When asking for the bill make scribbling motions with hand... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirpy Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 use your mobile.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted February 5, 2006 Share Posted February 5, 2006 Is that what's happening in Greek restaurants when people throw plates on the floor? Just trying to get a waiter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jc Posted February 5, 2006 Share Posted February 5, 2006 If the restaurant is any good(and I'm not talking price),just a look in his direction should bring him to your table.How is it that on the continent,crowded restaurants can give excellent service with one or two staff but in the UK you can have more waitresses than customers and still get no service?-"not my table,luv". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted February 5, 2006 Author Share Posted February 5, 2006 John and Don you go to the top of your class!! Ouch, I thought it was "garçon" and I think I have used it on Brittany Ferries in the Dining room!!!! (and they are pretty posh waiters). Another question, what do you call a police officer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miki Posted February 5, 2006 Share Posted February 5, 2006 [quote user="Monika"]John and Don you go to the top of your class!!Ouch, I thought it was "garçon" and I think I have used iton Brittany Ferries in the Dining room!!!! (and they are pretty poshwaiters).[/quote]Cripes !! Monika, no one has called waiters garçon, since the dayswhen De Gaulle said "Non" to us rosbifs ! As for eating on BFthese days, what do they call the chefs ???? Another question, what do you call a police officer? Freddie le flic ! well if his name is Fredeic that is [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjsneaker Posted February 5, 2006 Share Posted February 5, 2006 "hello,waiter",and put up left hand, it is ok?I just do once, but attract some many customer,because I put up a hand!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opalienne Posted February 5, 2006 Share Posted February 5, 2006 For a waiter I say "Monsieur, s'il vous plait". A police officer you say "Monsieur l'agent". "Garcon" is very rude these days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Binky Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 i would call a policeman anything he wanted me to, because he has a gun !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ysatis Posted February 25, 2006 Share Posted February 25, 2006 Would it be 'le gendarme' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonzjob Posted February 25, 2006 Share Posted February 25, 2006 [quote user="Opalienne"]For a waiter I say "Monsieur, s'il vous plait". A police officer you say "Monsieur l'agent". "Garcon" is very rude these days![/quote]Calling by saying Garçon is literally saying 'hey boy'. Garçon being boy!John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderhorse Posted March 6, 2006 Share Posted March 6, 2006 Any doubts, I always use Monsieur/Madame/Mademoiselle. And then at the first opportunity, ask how they prefer to be addressed. C'est facile! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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