Poster's Story Title:   tipping management Name Of Establishment:   ex Alain Ducasse Location:   Essex House Story:   Well I`m not surprised about the tips going to the management, in the old ADNY we used to share our tips with the managers, sommeliers,hostesses,cashiers,you name it, we always wanted to do something but this French management had ways to lie to us even though we had union,that was not enough,it is pretty sad that Mr Ducasse didn`t take care of his Maitre`Ds. Response Story:   I don't think that management should collect tips from servers' pools, however servers should pay attention to how Sommeliers increase their check averages and therefore tips. If a Somm busts his or her ass for you, are they not part of the service process? Obviously examples of people leaving early and still being rewarded are aggregious, and owners should take care of Somms, and occasionally guests actually palm Wine Stewards (very rare). I'm just saying think about it.