[thechat] Presentation of food

[Paul Cowan]

Madhu wrote:
> In Oz and Singapore, tipping is not required.

I'd dispute that.

In Oz, tipping is becoming more and more mandatory as time goes on.
I don't know why that is, and I don't like it, but even compared to
3 or 4 years ago tipping is much more commonplace, and expected (at
around 10%ish).

Generally (at least in Melbourne -- this may be subject to regional
variations), it's considered in most vaguely classy (in fact, most
non-slummy) restaurants that the decision NOT to tip is a conscious
decision due to poor service, rather than a few years ago when the
decision to tip at all was due to exceptional (or at least better-
than-average) service.

Still not ubiquitous, but it does seem to be moving that way.

Paul.