The Server The Expert?

Recently visited McCormick & Schmick (downtown) and I was kinda in the mood for soup and salad. Now, if you know me and have gone out to eat with me you would know I always, always ask the server their thoughts on the items I'm choosing (irritating to some of friends but this is what I was taught in culinary school "ask the server".) I mean they are the experts right? Right?

A good server will be able to tell you right away if your choice is a good one or a bad one or they may even recommend their personal favorite. A bad server hasn't a clue about the menu and can't seem to offer you any suggestions other than "do you want soup or salad" with your entree. Don't be fooled my friends - the server should know and have tasted EVERYTHING on the menu.

Anyway, for some reason I decided to go against the servers recommendation on vegetable clam chowder and go with the lobster bisque (which, by the way is made differently everywhere I go - I can't even remember the last time I had gooooooood lobster bisque - I mean, can I get some lobster in the bisque??? I'm just saying) big, HUGE, mistake. Not what I thought it was going to be. Nevertheless I ate it. I later told the server that I should have taken her suggestion and as the perfectly well trained server she offered to give me a cup of the chowder at no additional cost. Can you believe it! A free cup! I didn't take her up on her offer but I was impressed with her offering.

Hey critiquers....let me know if you've had good or bad experiences by taking the servers suggestions on your entree, drink, or dessert. If you've had none I challenge you the next time you are out ask the expert for recommendations...they should know more than the specials!

As for McCormick & Schmick - kudos on the customer service. Really good eatin' in my book (especially the stuffed shrimp scampi)...not in my fav five and probably wouldn't make the T List (my personal grading system)...but really good eatin'.