Sounds like a good night. I have never been to Juliette's, other than to stop by and say hi to Kereen when she worked there. I was walking by one day (several years ago) and heard someone call my name, it was Kereen.

Mark's Place menu indicates a 15% addon but we have not personally experienced it. We are usually there with a local they know or they recognize us from past visits so they do not add it. I don't mind if it is added or not added and an explanation like you received is fine and honest. What I don't like is when the server gets into this "the owner takes some of the service charge and they only get 5%", that is not my problem and that is why I never ask.

Get that extra suitcase packed!!