Having been to TAO on two previous occasions and loving it I decided to return with 6 other friends last week . It was a DISASTER. The waiter was rude, and seemed bothered when we asked for something( like sugar for our tea) My fish and two others was raw and he proceeded to shine a flashlight to it and said " that's the way it's cooked" I had the same meal before and it was excellent. I can't help but think that if the gratuity has not been included( for a large party) that he would have been a little nicer. I will never return to this restaurant and regret having paid the gratuity. Good luck to large parties!!