Varnes, I follow that philosophy too (The secret to tips and service is to tip the waitress well the first time you're served, even if the service was just OK, if you plan to be back. Word will get around, and when you do come back, you'll get great service, because they know you tip well.) Yes, it does work. On those rare occasions when we get mediocre service at a place we're regulars, it's because we have a new server and the servers who know us weren't there to brief them. And yes, we have had servers tell the host/hostess they wanted us in their section. We tend to make friends with the staff wherever we are regulars. You know you're a regular when the servers call you by first name and know your drink orders without asking (but ask anyway just to confirm it).
Quite honestly, I think the expression on Janis's face in the third frame is because she's been thinking that she's somehow missed tipping the busboys all this time. Arlo is just reassuring her that the servers already take care of them. How is it that the Troll always manages to twist things in this strip, anyway??
starshine2, in my experience that ones who loudly proclaim their moral superiority are always the ones with 3 mistresses and a teenaged boy on the side.
