Rose Sellers in Restaurants, Especially at Valentines?

[Danybear]

Whats with restaurant managers that allow rose sellers to work their tables hustling second rate flowers to couples out on a date? The seller usually looks like a street person and the flowers are crap. Why would any restaurant allow this?

[redfish62]

Imo flower sellers are invaluable in that they let you know you are in the wrong restaurant.

[Veggo]

I saw this most often when l lived in Mexico. I was especially amused when I was with a bunch of guys only. Sometimes I would buy one for whoever had the worst round of golf that day, or didn't catch any fish, or his wife had left him, and was despondent and needed a little extra lovin'.

[rasputina]

I'm not seeing the problem.

[LeoLioness]

The only time I've ever seen this is when I've wound up in a tourist-oriented place when travelling. Seems to come with the territory so it doesn't bother me too much.

[Motosport]

In a "nice" restaurant I would find this annoying. In a diner or sidewalk cafe not so much. In Italy I find that a stern "Basta!" (enough) sends them away.
On Valentine's Day 2001 we went to Arturo's in Bellrose NY. We were on our way to stay in a JFK airport hotel because we had a very early flight to Lk Tahoe the next morning. We had not planned the dinner and did not have a reservation but we were regulars and took a chance on getting a table. The restaurant was packed but the owner fixed a table for two in a corner and gave my girlfriend a beautiful red rose. All of the ladies in the restaurant had roses. Very classy!
The next day on the So. shore of Lake Tahoe in 4 feet of snow I proposed. She eventually said yes! This morning at breakfast she fondly remembered the dinner and rose.

[porker]

I agree with Hunt - leave me alone.
A little tit for tat, mrs Porker & I have a running gag - the flower idiot comes around and I look all anxious to buy. The flower guy is thinking SCORE but mrs Porker says no, she doesn't want one. OK, I'll buy a dozen? Flower guy is distraught - he might SCORE SCORE, or it may flop... mrs porker says no again. OK, maybe I buy ALL the flowers, reaching for my wallet. Flower guy is now flabergasted, thinking he's that much closer to a bottle of night train. mrs porker says no again. Now, flower guy doesn't know what to think, I give him a "sorry" shrug and he skulks off.
Fait accompli.

[NicoleFriedman]

I agree that these guys are beyond annoying but unless they're being overly pushy and won't go away when you politely refuse, why be a jerk?

[Hobbert]

That's terrible behavior. You don't want a rose? Don't buy one. Chances are good the rose guy isn't making a ton of money. Why lord your prosperity over someone?

[beevod]

Unless they're the New York Philharmonic, Strolling musicians are the worst.

[pine time]

At Christmas, we ate at a popular Mexican restaurant, only to be hit up several times by the strolling musician, who, of course, was working for tips. He wasn't even that good, either, and I felt cheap say "no, thanks." Shouldn't have to be in that position, so to me, it's the restaurant's fault for allowing this.

[scubadoo97]

I have no problem saying no thank you

[Bill Hunt]

I do not enjoy anyone, selling anything, when I am dining. I do not care if they are doing photo key-chains, roses, stock certificates, gold bullion, or anything. Not while I am eating! Same for strolling musicians. If I want them, I will hire a string quartet from the Symphony, and bring them along. Leave me alone, go away, and let me enjoy the company of my young wife, and the food.

Hunt

[viperlush]

I'm surprised that this is even a discussion on CHowhound. Isn't Valentine's Day only for amateurs and don't proper Chowhounds cook that night?

I'm guessing restaurants allow it because they think it is romantic and want to take advantage of the occassion. But it does make me feel uncomfortable for the same reasons as the OP stated. Just like they made me uncomfortable when you see them walking around the bars on other nights.

[Bill Hunt]

Unless I am traveling, and am in city X that night, needing food, I agree with you.

Now, we also have our anniversary within the next week, and often do restaurants for that - usually on "the road," but for the big "event" days, we shy away from restaurants, and do grill something, with great wines, but at home.

Also, and not just for "special days," I am accustomed to restaurants presenting my wife with a rose, just for her patronage, and her being subjected to me.

Hunt

[alwayshungrygal]

"Proper" Chowhounds might cook if (a) they truly can produce a meal worthy of the occasion (b) they had someone to cook for other than themself (c) have the time tp cook and (d) money to do so.

For me the answers would be (a) yes (b) no (c) not this year [I worked 13 days straight Jan 27-Feb 11--12+ hours a day, collapsed in a heap on Feb 12 and was back to work on Monday 2/13] (d) yes. I would have loved to be treated to a great dinner on V day.

YMMV.

[NicoleFriedman]

Not if your parents are "temporarily" staying with you, you don't! :}

[RGC1982]

Personally, I think it is a shameless attempt at the resto making even more money. Top restaurants buy roses from a seller and give one to the lady. You are probably paying anyway, but it is much less tacky.

[gingershelley]

There was a funny bit about just this on the show 'the middle' just the other night.

3 couples out to dinner together for Vday. 2 husbands bought their wives roses, the third did not, and ensuing hilarity about her embarassment she didn't get one, and he thinking he did the right thing since 'they agree stuff like that is just hype'. Check it out on the internet, I am sure.

I think it is pretty lame, myself. It is a 'no-win' situation for the guy being pressed to purchase the flower.

[fourunder]

Because some restaurant managers know some people need help to put food on the table for their families......

[Quine]

Agreed, but unfortunately, I am also thinking, the FOH is getting a cut from the sales (in some cases)

[fourunder]

I can't argue with that....I've known a few FOH whores in my day.....especially managers.

[Bill Hunt]

Sorry. There are many, who need to put food on the table. I just do not want them hanging over MY table. Usually, I have run a gauntlet of folk, all with their hands out, just to get into the restaurant. I do not wish to have more show up, trying to sell me things, that I do not want.

Sorry to be so hard, but my "downtime" should be MY downtime.

Hunt

[fourunder]

You need to eat in better restaurants and in the better parts of town.

[Isolda]

I'm pretty sure Bill Hunt eats in some very nice places, quite regularly!

[fourunder]

sheep