With a discriminating eye, I call what you call sucker bait we call soul. It is often missing in many tourist comfortable restaurants carrying a Michelin star.
But one reason we loved tiny MACHON d’Henri was the number of neighborhood French only speaking regulars. Some pretty crazy characters we learned to identify and curry. (As I tried to subtly suggest, we did not find any of this ambiance at BISTROT d’Henr on rue Princessei.) The waiter I described may have come from central casting. But if he did, he isn’t getting paid enough.
I have a test for waitstaff and, in fact, everyone. After an enjoyed chuckle, with smiles all around, I watch as the person departs to see if the smile stays or drops. Tells a lot.
