> There are cues and phrases to drop which can alert a competent server as to the experience level - and possible expectations - I will have of the meal. I typ

> There are cues and phrases to drop which can alert a competent server as to the experience level - and possible expectations - I will have of the meal. I typically do the opposite. I underplay my experience level, and gloss over their mistakes. It's more important to me to make sure that they can relax and be comfortable, than to manipulate out of them the best possible meal. Intentional "raise expectations" dialogue seems rude, and I'm generally uncomfortable around people who try that. But maybe I'm also just covering up for my own imposter-syndrome in case I inadvertently set the overall expectations too high. Interesting to think about.