Last night, for the first time ever, I paid for a meal at a restaurant without tipping. Never before, in all my time dining out, have I done this.

Sushi on Bloor doesn't deserve its reputation.* The food is pretty good--no lie--but I go there out of habit. Last time I was there I had decided it wasn't all that, and then last night we were treated so poorly and with such attitude that I couldn't justify any reward at all--no matter how deeply ingrained my always-tip policy. Usually I'm one of those 20% tip people.**

I'm a good diner too. I don't think I've ever sent something back to the kitchen. I order when the person comes to me; I never wave them over and ask for things every five minutes (like my family at brunch). And I don't ask for anything fussy about my meal unless it makes no difference anyway. And my favourite stereotype is that of the panicky waiter. That last part has no real relevance; I'm just telling you.

There are any number of low-paying, lame-ass jobs you can have if you're trying to cover your textbooks or your cab fare or your Moody-Boy brand jeans. But if you are really that hostile toward people, then don't be a waiter. Seriously, it ruins things.

Notes:

*its reputation: To be sure, it's been voted Best Sushi in Toronto six or seven times over by Now Magazine's Best of Toronto polls.

**20% tip people: I saw something I thought very handy, and I plan to get it next time I see it. A tip card. One for 15% and one for 20%. It's the size of a credit card, fits in your wallet, and can quickly show you how much to tip on a bill. How handy.