Culture Poster Ch 5
Isabelle Ceraldi
Waiters and waitresses in France are considered to be professionals. In superior restaurants, it is required for waiters/waitresses to not only be principled when it comes to serving but to be knowledgeable of various provender. Even in straightforward and undemanding cafes or restaurants, waitresses and waiters take their work seriously. The polite way to address a waiter is Monsieur, instead of Garcon. The appropriate way to address a waitress is either Madame or Mademoiselle. It is not uncommon for the french to take hours when eating, and savor their food. Unlike Americans, they aren't known for rushing through meals.
French speakers tend to use understatements when it comes to their food. For example, if the food were bad they might say "C'est pas terrible." Comparably, rather than saying something is good, they would say "C'est pas mauvais."
In cafes or restaurants a 15% tip is left if the words "service compris" are posted or written on the menu. If you're not sure if it is or not, it's fine to ask "Le service est compris?"...
If the service was good, it is normal to leave a little extra.