My thoughts exactly, Scuba. I don’t ever recall seeing a line item on a French dinner check that read service charge, which isn’t to say it wasn’t there but merely that I didn’t see it.

I have always understood the tip is figured into the cost of the food on the French side and personally speaking, I HATE the fact that any sc is added to checks on the Dutch side. We would personally tip more if the gratuity wasn’t forced by the different establishments and in too many cases I think the service would improve if it wasn’t forced on you.