Have you ever been asked this sort of question in a restaurant?
I find them a bit intimidating, and it is never going to work with customers -or at least with me- unless they really-really loved what they had. If it is mediocre or bad, you, like me, won't probably say so.
For example, say that you had an omelette and you thought that you could have prepared it better at home despite you not being a good cook". Would you tell them just that? Of course not. You have manners, and, even if you are not that enthusiastic, you may say, "It was OK" in a languid tone. In these days, reviewing sites allow patrons to spill the beans on what you really-really think about a place without having to deal with a personal reaction that could not be pleasant. Most people asking for your opinion are really expecting you to replay what they want to hear.
I think that it would be great if some restaurants and cafés did what most hotels do - have feedback forms at hand (to be filled in and deposited in a feedback box or posted), asking about the patron's opinion on the ambience, service, food, pricing, serving portions, things that they did not enjoy, and so on. This would help businesses to improve and would prevent unhappy customers from venting their anger or disappointment online.
What about saying "I hope you enjoyed it"? I think I like this more than other open questions. Then, if the business has feedback forms, they could add "please feel free to leave any feedback in the forms provided". I like this the most. What about you?
