How much do you tip and when? How to tip intelligently

This question always comes up and there are always questions so as to avoid over tipping or under tipping. There are many resources on the web that discuss that so I will not go into it any further than pointing you to a few resources. What I will do is give you some tipping strategies that will make your life on the road more pleasant.

Everyone knows to tip the server in a restaurant the standard 10-20 % depending on the service. Now I am suggesting something different. If you have a favorite restaurant where you go often and require certain special service with your food, such as seasoning it a certain way, no salt, large quantity, substitutions etc. then also tip the cook a couple of extra dollars. There is a Mexican restaurant where I eat every week and I am a big eater. As I am walking out after paying I try to catch the cooks attention (Now, he is looking when I come in) and I give him 2-3 dollars. Now when I sit down, it is amazing. An order of complimentary Guacamole or Chili con Queso will show up on my table. My main course is also much larger that that brought to other tables. Read more

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