But on many occasions I m not, especially in large, busy restaurants staffed by younger servers who may not be regular newspaper readers. I doubt it. Another dining columnist addressed this issue in a column a few months ago. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to change the menu or ambience or service at the last minute. I agree with him on menu and ambience, which provide material for the major portion of most restaurant reviews.
Service is more of a gray area.
There s also a fine line between a server who s attentive and one who hovers. And there are ways to spot such an attempt like watching other tables and comparing notes later with others who have dined at the same restaurant. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. Mail Tribune, Inc.