For all the waiters and waitresses who have dreamed of a really big tip, here's what seems to be a record-breaking one. Donald Trump had a meal with a friend (total bill $82.27) at an exclusive restaurant in Santa Monica. And he left the waiter a $10,000 tip. What percent of gratuity is that? ;-)

Update: um, this story is unfortunately not true. See below.

“Donald Trump came in for dinner on Monday at the Buffalo Club. The reservation was under his friend’s name so nobody was expecting him to come in. I assume he’s in LA preparing for the celebrity Apprentice thing he’s doing. We have a special area for VIP’s so the celebs can see and be seen with each other. Donald ordered an ice tea and his friend showed up 10 minutes later. When I was telling them about the specials, I felt like an airline steward must feel giving instructions before takeoff. They just talked over me. Neither touched the soup.Donald ordered the pasta and the other guy had the same. When they were finished, they both ordered cappuccinos. We’re sort of famous for our capps! My co-worker wanted me to ask him for his autograph so he could give it to his dad for Christmas. Yeah right.I finally brought them out the check. Trump grabbed it and actually spoke to me from the first time.“What’s the biggest tip you ever got?”“Jerry Bruckheimer comes in a lot. He tipped me $500 on a $1000 check once.”Trump nodded his head.“You’re very good at your job.”“Thanks.”Trump and the other guy got up to leave, said thanks again and left.I went back to the table to grab the check but didn’t have time to look at it until later. When I did, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Honestly, at first I thought he had tipped me $1000. But when I looked a second (and twentieth) time, it was actually $10,000. I was speechless. Honestly, it was a really rough month for me. Who thought Donald Trump of all people would make my year? But he did. I actually tried calling his office to say thanks which is impossible. So if you’re reading this, Mr. Trump, thank you!”

The Buffallo Club has gotten some lousy reviews at the World's Best Bars site. Maybe jealous competitors? But a lot of people comment about pretentious waiters there. Here is one positive review;

Everyone stop with the shoddy reviews on this place! It's amazing if you actually know the LA scene. I'm sorry, but I'm certain that nearly everyone who gave this place a bad review were either tourists who heard about the place in Zagat or up and coming wannabes who heard about this place through their agent. The service is not bad, if you're a relatively frequent customer they will give you free drinks, free desserts, sometimes even free meals. The staff members are all very personable, and if you get to know them they're all very cool people. The live acts I will admit are a bit off and on, but when they are on, they're insane. I recently saw Zooey Deschanel perform there, with her band. Outstanding. Definitely go for patio seating if it's available, inside is very dark, you will need to be in the mood for it in order to stand it. Patio is gorgeous though. The venue is also amazing for private parties. When it comes to food, I personally don't think you will find a better rack of lamb in the entire city. Amazing side dishes, ranging from southern influences (such as collard greens and the most delicious cheese grits this side of the Mississippi) to cous cous. Overall, the menu is a potpourri of great choices and delicious food. Pricey, yes, but portions are big. Sorry tourists, if you can't afford it, then don't come here and write bad reviews about the place then.

Update: It turns out that this extremely generous tipping story was a hoax.
Trump told the New York Post today that "this was done by the stupid restaurant to get publicity." He also noted that it was not his signature.