An innocuous math exercise in the Feb. 23 Spotlight feature on Denver Restaurant Week apparently pushed a couple of readers to the tipping point.

As a minor service, I took $26.50, the cost of a meal during the event that ends today, added the Denver sales tax and a 20 percent tip. The total: $34.24 ($68.48 for two).

One reader asked:

"Why would you figure out the tip on a total that includes tax? There's no reason to give the waiter money for something they didn't do. I always tip on the total minus the tax."

Another correspondent took issue with the percentage.

"Twenty percent? I only tip that much when the service is superb, which it almost never is. You should have figured it at the standard 15 percent."

These e-mails open so many cans of worms that I might as well go fishing.

I've always tipped on the total bill, including tax and wine, for two reasons. First, I want to be fair to servers who make a living primarily from tips. Second, I majored in English and my math skills are nil. I don't want to bring a calculator with me to dinner.

What percentage you tip is, of course, up to you. However, the common practice these days is to tip 20 percent for good service, 15 percent if it's merely adequate.

As we've mentioned in previous columns, 20 percent is the new 15 percent. It gets complicated only when we order a very expensive bottle of wine, which is once every five years. Then we tip at a lower percentage on the wine itself. It's like with Rolls-Royces - if you can afford a $100 bottle, you can afford a big tip.

Speaking of Denver Restaurant Week, you can read other readers' comments as well as entertainment-staff reviews on their meals at RockyMountainNews.com. Click on Rocky Talk Live.

second helpings

Piatti Locali

190 St. Paul St., Denver; 303-321-1919, piatti.com/denver

Grade: C

What to expect: We love the ambience, the attentive, non-stuffy service, the by-the-glass Italian wine list and free valet parking, but the California-style Italian food is less than inspiring.

Be sure to try: Don't miss the simple, juicy chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, asparagus and fontina with polenta; and Balsamic gelato in a cookie cup.

How much to bring: Starters $5 to $9. Entrees $11 to $20.

Cherry Crest Seafood Market

5909 S. University Blvd., Littleton; 303-798-2600; cherrycrestseafood.com

Grade: B-

What to expect: This very casual fish house serves simple, well-made preparations from popcorn shrimp and steamed clams to baked breaded sea scallops and whole lobster.

Be sure to try: Entree faves include baked halibut, and sea scallops in Pernod-infused cream sauce.

How much to bring: starters $3.25 to $11; entrees $14 to $20.

Bastien's Restaurant

3501 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; 303-322-0363, bastiensrestaurant.com

Grade B+

What to expect: Open since 1958, this family-run classic dishes great steaks (that include side dishes) in a comfortable atmosphere.

Be sure to try: The sugar steak is a non-sweet, juicy joy. Don't miss the prime rib, fried chicken and Wiener schnitzel.

How much to bring: starters $6 to $9; entrees $12 to $24.

Lao Wang Noodle House

945 S. Federal Blvd., Denver; 303-975-2497

Grade: A-

What to expect: The ambience in this 25-seat place is strip-mall plain, there's no beer or wine and the service is casual but the Taiwanese fare - in huge, cheap portions, is truly remarkable.

Be sure to try: Don't miss the best pot stickers in town; wontons in spicy peanut sauce; dumplings; and beef noodle soup.

How much to bring: starters $3 to $8; entrees $5 to $11.

Limon

1618 E. 17th Ave., Denver; 303-322-0898; limondenver.com

Grade: A-

What to expect: The small space is done up in bright, warm colors and shades of brown with a handful of tables. The food is novoandino, modern fare using traditional ingredients reflecting Peru's worldly influences.

Be sure to try: Main-dish wonders include lomo en salsa, a New York strip covered in zesty chile-powered warm hominy salsa, and locro serrano, the super-comfy stew of squash, grains and cheese with fried eggs.

How much to bring: Starters are $4 to $9; entrees $12 to $22.

Back to Top