An American resident of Luxembourg has given a nearly 25-percent tip for a simple lunch, prompting fears that the practice could spread.
The incident occurred at a brasserie in Luxembourg City on Tuesday when Rachel White received a bill of €19.65 yet paid 25 euros.
White explained that her meal, which consisted of a bottle of water and beef stroganoff – which other customers described as mediocre – was delicious and that the server was friendly.
“So I left him five euros,” she said. “Wait, is that not enough here? I’d better go back. I might have some change in my purse.”
The server, Fred Guarnieri, says that although he was delighted with the tip, as per ancient regional practice he showed no emotion, only saying “merci madame” with a nearly imperceptible tonal shift.
Véronique Pollard, president of the Greater Region’s Committee for the Preservation of Our Most Cherished Cultural Practices, says that tipping more than a single coin or two in restaurants must be prevented at all costs.
“If you’re happy with the meal, you leave no tip,” she said. “If the food and service were so good that you’re ecstatic and writhing on the floor like a worm having an orgasm, then you may leave a coin as if you were a medieval lord and the server were a peasant begging your lordship for a morsel of bread.”
Although some might see White’s huge tip as an isolated incident, experts suggest that the expectation and consequently the practice of generous tipping could infect the entire service sector in Luxembourg City and spread to the rest of the country.
“By as early as next summer, we’re going to see overbearingly friendly waiters who suddenly lose their smiles and growl when they see you’ve only tipped ten euros on a bill of a hundred,” said one expert. “Horrifyingly scary, but true.”
“Mommy,” he added.
Guarnieri has confirmed that the five-euro tip did immediately influence his behavior as a waiter.
“When I greeted my next table, five serious professionals in suits, I felt compelled to give them extra cheer and personalized service,” he said. “I’m ashamed to admit it, but I actually introduced myself as Fred, informed them that I would be their server, and asked how they were doing.”
According to one witness, a member of the party responded with, “We don’t care about your name. It’s rather obvious that you’ll be our server. As for how we’re doing today, mind your own business.”
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Originally published by RTL Today
