A truly talented waiter will bring not only food and drink to your table, but entertainment to your dining experience. Many of the elements of waiting tables is are the same as in acting — timing, pretend, and audience. A good flirt has these skills too. Not sleazy; just piquant. Jordan was filled with talented waiters.
My exchange with Khalil in Jordan was typical:
Khalil (stops clearing the table and looks deeply into my eyes): Wow, your eyes, they are a special color?
Me (I nod): Yes. You have to get up close to notice.
Khalil: Are you married?
Me: Not yet.
Khalil: Your husband will be a lucky man.
Me: Why?
Khalil: Because he will wake up to your eyes every morning.
Khalil continued throughout the meal. The skills comes in delivering these lines without making it sound too cheesy. He’s used these lines for twenty years and he’s perfected his pitch and his timing. Like a perfect tango. I’ll engage. I’m happy to hone my repartee.
I was tired that night or I would have been much faster and funnier in my response… guess I need more practice. Oh shucks.
