A restaurant reviewer shares her frustrations with gender bias in dining experiences, highlighting assumptions made by waiting staff.
As a professional restaurant reviewer, I recently encountered a rather perplexing situation that made me question the dynamics of dining. Upon ordering a cocktail, a waiter boldly declared, 'You won’t like that,' as if my taste buds were a direct reflection of my gender. I must say, I was taken aback; how could he know what drinks I preferred?
It was a strong cocktail, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent for someone who enjoys a good drink every now and then, right? What struck me more was that he didn’t make similar assumptions about my husband’s martini order. It seemed the waiter had decided that as a woman, I wasn’t equipped to handle anything stronger than a pink drink.
This isn’t just about cocktails; it extends to food too. Women often find themselves served salads while men get the hearty meat dishes. Fellow journalist Jo Elvin noted that her husband, a vegetarian, is often served steak at restaurants, while some women on TikTok report ordering under male names to get larger portions. Why do we still live in a world where such biases exist?
As a reviewer, I’ve noticed a pattern: male waiters often direct their attention to the man at the table – as if I’m invisible. It’s like a throwback to the 1950s, where women were expected to be seen and not heard. I don’t crave the spotlight, but I do enjoy making my own choices. It’s 2025, and yet, we still confront the remnants of traditional gender norms in everyday settings. Let’s raise a glass to change, shall we? Note: This article was generated by an AI system. While it is based on verified sources, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Please use your own judgment when interpreting the information. If you notice any clear errors, please contact us.