My pet seating peeve...lots of empty tables and we are seated either next to the bathrooms or in the "flight" path of the kitchen. Will always ask to be seated elsewhere when this happens.
Question: do you return food to the kitchen if it is not cooked to your liking (too cold, too rare or well done, etc.)? Are you afraid that the staff will "spit" on your food before returning it to you? I was told this happens very frequently (told to me by a chef of a 4 star restaurant). Not sure if I will ever complain again. I feel though that I am paying good money and the food should be the way I want it. Comments?