Great day at D's yesterday for Taco Tuesday. Little windy but welcoming and no seaweed. Emilio was very attentive. Free chairs and no SC. Was a little disappointed with La Trattoria. Even though we had confirmed reservations and arrived on time they weren't sure where our table was. Food was just OK but good service. Was surprised she asked if I wanted to add a tip to the CC. A server should never ask that. Especially on the French side. Driving back was an adventure since most of the drivers find it necessary to drive with either no lights or their brights and fog lamps on. Might be my last trip to the French side at night.

Sorry, where is La Trattoria? I don't remember it. I guess it's Italian?

We ate at Le Bouchon (beside La Trattoria) in March. I was told the two restaurants are owned by the same people (or at least run by the same people). Anyway, we were also disappointed with the food (it was just ok) but our service was terribly slow. All the other restaurants in Orient Village were a lot better.

Yes Italian. It's in Orient Village with other restaurants.

Le Bouchon is closed on Tuesdays and La Trattoria is closed on Wednesday. Music resumes on Thursday in the village.

OK thanks.

I think they ask if you want to add to the check on credit card because they have to put in the exact amount into their little machine.
As opposed to entering the tip later.

Unfortunate about the not great Italian food dinner in Orient Village, isn't Roma your favorite? Maybe do a nice lunch on the French side.

Should never be asked in the first place.

We like to try other places and last year La Trattoria was good for a repeat. Not so good this time.

We've been asked the same question at restaurants on the French side. While I agree they shouldn't ask, life's too short to stress over small stuff. We simply respond that we'll leave cash, and leave a small amount, usually 5% or so. Sadly, tourists who don't understand that the service is included on the French side, will leave more. Just another reason to learn the customs of the country you're visiting.

They ask on the French side not so much to be begging for a time but because the their bank card processing does not allow for a tip after the charge is run like the USA. It is wired to not allow the amount to be changed after it is run.

I'm not stressing over it and I do understand how the SC is included in the menu prices on the French side. After 25 plus years staying in SXM I'm not new to this.

I didn't suggest you don't know how it works. It obviously bothers you, since you emphasize it in your comments.

Didn't bother me to the extent you think it did.

After reading some of the posts in this thread, I'm beginning to understand why Lee's Roadside Grill put this sign up. 😁

CaribLee--Actually, my hairdresser has the same sign up! I try not to irritate her!