[Tench_Coxe]

I once had an experience in a restaurant where the chef, obviously not pleased with the party I was in not choosing the buffet, decided to send bread half burned half frozen, soup that was not ordered, and purposely delaying the main course for over an hour.

My hosts were mortified.

I mentioned casually that perhaps I should have a 'word' with the chef (personally), upon which the waitress disappeared.

Well, when I journeyed back to the kitchen, no chef to be found....

My party left, and they hosted what turned out to be a fine dinner in their home, ad hoc.

I do agree with tipping. In general, the service is decent (considering the venue) in most places. Aside from the occasional ditz, which is forgivable, I haven't encountered 'bad' service in most cases.
On the handful of occasions where the service was truly bad, a penny left as a tip sufficed to communicate displeasure.

[Tench_Coxe]

Oh, and I forgot ( this was few years back )--the entrees were not what was ordered off the menu.