I like how the waiter says, ""I have worked with a lot of stars like Sean Connery and Robert De Niro".

So was this a publicity thing for his upcoming movie or have I actually become too cynical?

Even if it is a publicity stunt, it's still a very nice thing to do, and that's what really matters. When did you say this film was out Bakudai? I certainly wouldn't want to miss Public Enemies!

Seriously? I thought that it was 10%, 15% at max, with people like Depp throwing around 91% like its nothing how will I possibly be able to afford a meal out? Im not going to watch his movie out of protest.

$8-9K for a private party in Chicago isn't actually that bad.  While I've never had a bar tab in the thousands before, I usually tip very, very generously if I'm hosting a group and I've made extraordinary demands on the restaurant, like showing up late, keeping them open past their normal business hours, rearranging the dining room, bringing more people than my original reservation.  I tend use many of the same restaurants for these events and I want to look forward to my business and treat my guests well the next time I return.  So while this is still very generous, I don't think it was meant as a stunt.

I bet the waiter felt really bad about the little "salty surprise" he left in Depp's food afterward.