Waiter!: The Humor and Pathos Beyond the Plate

by Matthew K. Foster

ýHi, my name is Matt, and I'll be your waiter tonight.ý Since becoming a waiter, Matthew Foster has uttered these words 67,892 times, he has cried on the job 11 times, has had two nervous breakdowns, and has committed 27 acts of anonymous revenge on rude restaurant patrons. Now this comic essayist brings you his take on the modern American dining experience.In the comic spirit of Dave Barry and Drew Carey comes a humorous look into the trenches of Americaýs true favorite dining out. From tales of waiting on the Reverend Jimmy Swaggart to a commentary on the nature of germs in the bathrooms of fast food restaurants, Matthew Foster strips away the garnishes and leaves us with the the humor and pathos beyond the call for the ýWaiter!ý

Genres: Nonfiction

134 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2002

Reviews

[Rachel Scoglietti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir-- unrated

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book, Matt goes through his life as a waiter in the most entertaining way. He tells of being cheated on tips, grocery shopping in his tux/uniform, and how they really handle the delicate issue of silverware. What is really going on in your waiter's mind? Matt will show you the tricks he uses to get his tips up (like "dropping" his pen at a table of gays and flirting with the secretaries). The book made me laugh out loud several times, but never grossed me out. I'm more aware of what happens in a restaurant, but not afraid to eat at one.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny and a great look behind the scene