by dksbbs » 30 May 2011 22:44
One tip I will give to a new comer is don't be offended if you think the hassel is over the top, the restaurant front guys are there to get business in, I have always found a polite no and a smile is all you need, don't say you will be back or see you tomorrow as they will remember you and it makes it more difficult next time.
When we started visiting in 2002 the hassel was really bad, (it's mild now) I never ever stopped, just a no thanks and carried on walking but then a few years back there were some restaurants we wanted to try on recommendations from this site but wanted to look at the menu's without the big sell, our plan was to checkout the restaurants on the way back to the apartments at the end of the night after the kitchens had closed, we found there was actually no pressure and we had some great conversations with the guys who were really helpful, now if I am interested in a particluar restaurant I will stop, have a chat with the frontman, exchange names, have a look at the menu as a family and then make a decision.
I have made some great acquaintances over the years, it's hard to say friends as its more of a business relationship, however saying that there are three or four people who we stay in touch with all year round who I would consider more of a friend and look forward to seeing each year.
Dave