A good waiter needs to have the patience of a saint, the consoling manner of a priest, the flirtatious charm of a roue, the juggling skills of a clown, the wisdom of a scholar and, most important, the subtle suggestiveness of a salesman. After all, the higher the final tab, ideally, the more generous his percentage as a tip. But no one likes a pushy waiter. It takes finesse to fuss over customers while effortlessly persuading them to think of pleasure first, price later. That's why smoky-voiced Darren Manson proves that there's more to waiting tables than schlepping plates from the kitchen. He's genteel, attentive, charming and knowledgeable. "And he likes this restaurant, which comes across to the customers," says City Tavern owner Dan Clothier. "A good salesman loves his product, and Darren does, so customers trust him." More than that, says one regular patron, "Darren makes you feel like you're a VIP. I love that." Who wouldn't?
