web metrics

Archive for the ‘Dining Out’ Category

Can my restaurant employer pay me only 2.83 an hour before the restaurant opens?

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

I work at a restaurant, and we are typically scheduled to go in an hour before it opens to get everything started. During this hour, I have no opportunity to make tips, so I only get paid the minimum server wage. Is this legal? I have heard mixed opinions and would like a reference to verify the laws on this matter. I live in Pennsylvania.

Sadly, yes. As long as you claim at least 30 dollars in tips each month and it would be impossible not to, especially if your credit card tips are already claimed. see the fourth section and you’ll understand.

http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/vie…

………

Yes, (where I live it is)….You are a tipped employee…almost like you were your own contractor and you are being paid for services that you will still make a profit from….that probably didn’t make sense!
Let’s try again; your employer only has to pay you the minimum server pay that is required by law, as long as you are working as a server…..They only have to pay you more if you have had no tables the full shift or your tips (assuming you are turning them in) plus your hourly pay does not ad up to regular minimum wage (for general workers)…then they only have to compensate and pay you the difference to total the minimum wage requirement….Example,…$2.35 per hour for 4 hours plus $5.00 in tips for four hours (we’ll just say you had a bad day….this does not add up to minimum wage…you should be compensated to total minimum wage….or you could be fired for being a crappy server…lol
And really, restaraunts can fudge it if they want to….they will find a way…they could even average everything out by your pay schedule (weekly-biweekly)….they are not going to want to compensate…..make your tips, forget that you even get paid hourly and work hard at those tables - smile - and pretend that your paycheck is a small bonus! That would be my advice to you!

12 yrs in the industry……experience

…………

Yes, it is legal. :( It sucks, but they can do that. I was a server for years and only one restaurant that I worked at (pizza hut) would let us clock in as “production” and not “server” if we were doing opening or closing sidework or if it was very slow and our tips and our hourly wage weren’t making it to the regular minimum wage.

They can pay you that low because in the long run you are going to make more than what you would normally. (ie: Minimum wage $6 - 5 hr shift - they are assuming you will make make at least $30) and you always will make more

…………..

yes it is legal that is the wage for servers….you are a tipped employee even if you aren’t getting tables for an hour….that’s just how it works…..wouldn’t it be the same thing if the restaurant was completely dead…you’d still be getting paid 2.83 and hr…I live in FL and get paid 3.77 and hr….

………….

It is legal, you must be paid an AVERAGE of minimum wage during your pay period. So with the $2.83 + your tips for the week you must make an average of the minimum per hour. If you do not make the average over the pay period they must pay you more

……………..

 

Recipe for a NY Street Vendor Shish Kebab?

Friday, June 13th, 2008

I grew up in NYC, but now live in Florida. When I was growing up, my favorite thing to do was go get shish kebabs from the Greek street vendors. I cannot find a recipe that is even remotely like them. Anyone know it?

Souvlakia (Greek Shish-Kabobs)

4 Pounds pork (boneless countrystyle ribs work well)
3 onions
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbls. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. oregeno
1 fresh lemon

Cut pork into 1-1/2 inch squares. Marinade pork in the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregeno, salt, and pepper for an hour or two stirring occasionally. Quarter onions, then cut into large pieces. Place Pork and Onion on skewers alternating them as you go. Grill over hot coals for about 20 minutes turning every 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon over kabobs.
Serve over white rice.

Preparation Time: 1 hour Serves: 6

Go to Publix they can make the black and white cookies for you………….I use to get them at the Destin Publix…….mmmmm gooooood……..Other half is from Long Island!!!!!!! Sisters live in Manhattan!!!!

Good Places to Eat in L.A Area..?

Thursday, June 5th, 2008

I asked this yesterday and not a single answer.. hopefully better luck today!

Anywhere near L.A, SFV, Inland Empire
Any kinds of foods or small mom and pop joints a plus, but jsut any reccomendations

 

Stinking Rose, or Vegetable Delight???
Where are they at?

And dimions… For sure i will try it…
I think i will go next weekend!

 

 

Try a place in Sun Valley (Sunland Bl. exit off I-5) called Dimions. It has a full bar and a good selection on the menu. Everything is homemade, including their AWESOME soups! You can’t beat the Prime Rib on the weekends ($14.95), it’s cut to order

 

…..

You should google eating in LA…don’t ask us because you’ll be disappointed by our recommendations…it’s up to you to make up your own mind. Good Chinese can be had in China Town or the San Gabriel Valley (Alhambra, City of San Gabriel, and other spots over there). If you want good Ribs–The Bear Pit in the SFV isn’t too bad…Chicago Ribs in Redondo Beach is pretty good too. There’s an inexpensive Steak joint on Sherman Way & Balboa in the SFV called The Sherman Room…RECOMMENDED…good food and reasonable. Also in the Valley is a very nice Middle Eastern Restaurant w/live entertainment called La Vallee…on Ventura Bl. In Torrance there’s a place called the San Franciscan near Sepulveda and Crenshaw Bl’s it’s really good and reasonable. Otherwise you’re always safe with the BIG chains…Outback, Black Angus, Macaroni Grill, TGI Fridays, etc. Also if you like Indian food on Torrance Bl near Arlington is an outstanding place called Angarra…really good! PEACE & ENJOY my city/area.

………..

try the ivy or cpk

 

AKBAR India restaurant in Santa Monica

Go to the Stinking Rose, or Vegetable Delight, They both have super great food!

Who makes the biggest pizza and how big is it?

Thursday, August 9th, 2007

Pointer’s Pizza in Richmond Heights, Missouri. They make an 11 1/2 lb, 28 inch pizza called a Pointersaurus. It costs $42