To the editor:

I believe that a lot of people don’t realize what the proper tipping is and with all the local restaruants out here on the island, I think many people would appreciate this information I came across recently.

At restaurants:

— Wait Staff: 15 to 20 percent of the total bill before taxes (Note: some restaurants now suggest tipping after taxes because servers themselves tip out on the after tax amount)

— Wine served with dinner: The safe recommendation is to tip 15 to 20 percent of the total bill, including alcohol, even for expensive bottles of wine. However, we’ve seen some restaurants say it’s OK to tip around 10 percent for expensive wines

— Bartenders: 15 to 20 percent of the tab or $1 for beer or wine, $2 for mixed drinks. Ideally, pay your bar tab before leaving for your table.

— Order at front: If you order at the front and food is delivered to your tab, it depends. If, once you’ve ordered, the seating and decor compare with the standard, sit-down restaurant, 5 to 10 percent. If the food is delivered to your table only as a convenience, tipping is not necessary.

At cafés:

— Tip jar: Optional. Leave 5 to 10 percent for good service or complicated orders, especially if the staff is hired and is more dependent on tips.

At buffets:

— Fast food buffets: No tipping necessary

— Casino-style buffets: If you have a waitress or waiter who takes your drink order and checks on you, $1 to $2 is appreciated

— Hotel buffets: For business breakfasts, tip $1 to $2. At high-end hotel brunch buffets, 15 to 20 percent frequently is the norm and sometimes automatically added

At fine dining:

— Parking attendant: $1 to $3

— Coatroom attendant: Usually $1 per coat

— Wait staff: 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill (Note: some restaurants now suggest tipping after taxes because servers themselves tip out on the after tax amount

— Wine steward or sommelier: For personal service from the wine steward, you may tip 10 percent of the wine bill

— Restroom attendant: Usually $.50 to $1

Other (including delivery)

— Pizza delivery: At least $1 or 15 percent for normal service, more during rain, snow or other poor weather

I discovered this valuable information on a Web site call iTipping.com and have found it very useful especially when dining on Pine Island.

Diane Roberts

Bokeelia