Just Say NO to the Waiter Peddling Bottled Water
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.10.07
A few weeks ago we dined at a trendy Toronto restaurant. My wife arrived a few minutes early; the waiter offered her bottled water, twice. I arrived a few minutes later, and the first question from the waiter was, Bottled water? I said no. my Mother arrived, as did the waiter again, to offer bottled water? We are fighting a trend- bottled water has markups similar to wines, and is becoming a big revenue source for restaurants as people give up wine with lunch or worry about drinking and driving after dinner. Some are hiring water sommeliers and printing water menus. The Food Channel says it is a big trend this year. Resistance is not futile; Dame Yve Buckland, chair of the UK's Consumer Council for Water, urged people not to feel embarrassed about ordering tap water instead of paying for bottled water when eating out. "The last thing you want when you are out at a restaurant is to have your request for tap water snubbed, or be required to pay for it. Consumers should feel able to insist on tap water." Don't feel guilty or cheap rejecting the bottled water; refuse it on moral and environmental grounds, demand fresh clean water in a clean glass or carafe. It is your right. ::Manchester Evening News
When I recently ate at Bordeaux Quay, they had a system for filtering tap water, and putting it in reusable bottles. You could even choose still or sparkling! If I understood correctly, this was provided free of charge, though I must admit I didn't check the bill in detail.
As a waiter I completely agree. Water service is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong: I love the taste of fancy water but really, Really, does it matter? Where do you live? Here in Minneapolis, MN the city water is processed by a new facility that cost a lot of money. The tap water is above federal guidelines for safety, and guess what:
it tastes good.
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/water/plant_home.asp
So, do I skirt my fiscal responsibilities to my employer and "miss out" on generated income? Yes. However I am risk averse to pissing people off as TFA stated and I feel it is morally reprehensible to "push" water sales. It should be a pull sale, not unlike someone who has a penchant for 12 year old scotch. If you really can't be seen drinking the local water, have the balls to request "finer" water.
Sorry for the long comment, but one last thing. Here in the states I think there is a federal law that establishments must provide free clean water, although I could be wrong. I can't seem to find the regulation.
/rant off
When traveling in Europe, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that it WASN'T my right to order and be served clean tap water. Even at times I was happy to pay for tap water, I was refused (in Belgium .)
Any advice from more experienced European travelers appreciated for use on the next trip.
Indeed, this is a laughable "gourmet" culture. So long as the tap water in an area is drinkable and, ideally, filtered, all this rubbish is just silly. If I were to ever encounter a water snob (and I fear not to in the times ahead) I'd probably pour their $8 liter on their lap and whap them upside the head with the bottle.
Possibly the most egregiously poor distribution in the food chain? Sending water from all the pristine corners of the world (Fiji, Greenland) to everywhere else, in the process polluting all the water in between.
This is needing to buy something, but-
Aquasana is selling really elegant looking, slim , thick glass bottles to carry water in.
They are on sale (or were) six for $19.95. Great gifts for teachers, etc. They sent me a free one with my shower filter order. I ordered six and got a free one again. Have given them away with the message to STOP buying bottled water and have ordered six more for gifts.
thanks caleb. yes the bottled water trend in restuarants is ridiculous.
got a 32oz kleen kanteen and said good by to bottled water in general. the thing is great, and makes a good green gift.