First Lady fails tip test after eating free breakfast

Nation's Restaurant News, Feb 28, 2000

NEW YORK -- Here's a tip from New York restaurant workers to Hillary Clinton: if you want our votes in your U. S. Senate race, you should try leaving a tip once in a while.

At least, that might be the thought of a waitress at the Village House in Albion, N.Y., where First Lady and U. S. Senate candidate Clinton stopped for breakfast earlier this month.

According to various news reports the restaurant's owner, Alex Mitrousis, was so thrilled to see Mrs. Clinton that he comped her meal. However, the First Lady accepted the hospitality without tipping the single mother who had waited on her.

Mrs. Clinton's opponent in the Senate race, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was quick to take advantage of the gaffe. After a lunch at the Golden Dolphin Diner in Huntington, N.Y., he left a $25 tip -- more than 70 percent of his $35 bill.