For one... the meals weren't free. I'm sure he was tipping generously those nights though.
The one thing that really strikes me is I wonder if this bribing is relatively rare, and the novelty is what made it work.
The one thing that really strikes me is I wonder if this bribing is relatively rare, and the novelty is what made it work.
It's not clear, but I took this to mean that his meal (if not the tip/bribe) was paid for on expenses.
He seems to wrap it up well in his tips -- the most important is that it seems natural, that you dress well and seem meant to be there, and not be awkward about the tip.
Walking straight up to the bouncer at the front of a line, asking to get in, and (after you are denied and told to get to the back of the line) saying "Isn't there some way we can work this out?" while slipping him a twenty works every time.
And frankly, there IS something exhilarating in getting to go where other people can't be. Perhaps it's not the cleanest thrill, but it's stupid to say that you derive no pleasure whatsoever from it.
They don't tell the restaurant they are reviewing it until after paying for the meal if at all - only to see the kitchens and such. Exceptions of course for new trendy restaurants - they sometimes have press nights.