Not an all-purpose solution, but I've never had a problem with this sort of thing because I: * Tend to frequent a few nice places repeatedly, so the staff gets

Not an all-purpose solution, but I've never had a problem with this sort of thing because I: * Tend to frequent a few nice places repeatedly, so the staff gets to know me. * Treat the staff nicely. Not very difficult, but...you should see some people. :0 * Tip well. If I call and need a large reservation, or some other sort of accommodation (often, as one in my party is occasionally wheelchair bound) it's no problem. If you're good to folks, they'll remember and be good to you.