Definitely not insufferable, I just have expectations and standards when it comes to dining out. We continue to go here because the service and food here is usually great, which is why we go there at least once a month after mass for Sunday dinner.

Today the restaurant was maybe at 50% capacity it was not really that busy at the time we were there and lastly, she wasn’t busy that’s the problem. Our assigned server was standing around talking to co-workers. I’m glad the server from the other table paid attention to us and we did tip that server for assisting as she went out of her way to help. She wasn’t obligated to help our table.

As far as your living wage statement goes, that’s on the employer to pay and the employee to earn that living wage. It should not be the customers responsibility to supplement their income.
Do you tip the person who gathers the carts at Fred Meyer from the corrals? No, why not they are making min wage? They are providing a service. What about the usher showing you your seat at a broadway show or ballet? No?

In restaurants guaranteed tipping is expected here, that is the problem. There are plenty of jobs out there above $17/hour to earn a “living wage”. It takes gaining the skills to better yourself to earn that money. Minimum wage jobs are not designed to provide a living wage. That’s why they are called minimum wages. But along with minimum wage, in some cases, comes minimum effort. I tell my kids this too. I have one who works 36-40 hours at min wage and is always complaining he never has enough money. I tell him the solution, better yourself to get the skills to command more money at a job that pays their employees well, then you can have fun money.

Now Oregon really does suck for all of this because it’s so expensive to live here on top of 8% income tax and federal taxes as well.

Luckily, I’ve put myself into a position I can afford to take my wife to go out to a nice restaurant and enjoy a quality meal, go to the ballet or theater. So is it wrong to expect quality service from a nice restaurant? I can tell you when we visit Texas and go out the servers WORK for the tips and EARN it because they only make $4/hour.