Dish: Women, Waitressing & the Art of Service

Waitresses in Canada, France, and Japan “dish” about their trade in this enlightening documentary from director Maya Gallus, who visits locales ranging from truck stops to high-end eateries. Pam in Ontario says, “Truck drivers want to see a woman wait on them,” and diner owner Ash agrees, adding that male customers prefer younger women, although Pam's mother is still going strong at 69. Employees at Montréal's upscale “restos” also believe that guys respond more positively to more youthful waitresses, and that inappropriate comments come with the territory. Those who work at Houster, the city's version of Hooters, expect that kind of attention, enduring endless jokes and often insubstantial tips; some even view their jobs as a form of role-playing—they may flirt, but don't give out their phone numbers. Gallus also visits a Montréal diner where the servers are topless, a Japanese maid café where they're especially subservient, and in Paris, interviews Jean-Pierre, a service industry veteran who notes that in the fancy restaurants, servers are often male, and make more money than their female counterparts. Noekia, a young mother who works 14-hour days at a more rustic locale, sighs, “I have no social life, of course.” Gallus contrasts these present-day comments with clips from vintage industrial films. Clearly, while some things have changed, many have not. Offering an interesting glimpse of social and economic factors within the restaurant world, this is recommended. [Note: this is also being sold on home video for $30 at www.dishdocumentary.com.] Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)