I am not traditionalist with my views about gender treatment in a restaurant.
What makes me uncomfortable though is the fact that more often than not, opinion about the food/service is sought first from the gentleman and then, if at all, from the lady – most often as a cursory afterthought.
Look around and you notice that food and the bills are brought to the gentleman first. Although, not the case in all restaurants this phenomenon is widely prevalent.It can be blamed on the lack of staff training or simply on the customs deeply ingrained in the Indian society about serving the men first.
My take: Restaurants should either warm up to growing women diners and train their staff for ensuring a more ‘with the times’ service or follow the proper restaurant custom of giving the lady special treatment.
Equality or proper customs – you choose. Just don’t neglect half (and growing) of your customer base.