I
recently had the privilege of being turned away from your restaurant in its new
location. I have fond memories of the old location, small and cozy and
delicious. Apparently, I’ve lost some of my fabulousness.
I had just enough time for a glass of champagne before a
reception nearby on Madison. It was 6pm, one person was at the bar, the owner,
Philippe Delgrange and another person occupied one table facing the entrance.
The
first challenge was the door. I struggled to open it and was helped by the
hostess. She opened the door, barely, as if she were hiding something.
“Hi, I’d like to have a glass of
champagne. I have a half hour before an appointment.” (I figured mentioning
my drink of choice would let her know I’m not some barfly.)
“We
don’t really do that here, you can have a drink at the bar only if you have a
reservation,” she explained. I
guess that’s fair but there were empty tables, (Beautiful People don’t eat at
six.) It seems like I could’ve been
seated at a table for two for 20 minutes.
She explained the other way I could sit at the bar is if the owner says
it’s okay. I saw him, Philippe, I don’t know if he saw me but the last thing I
was going to do is beg to spend my money.
“So,
you’re not going to let me in?” I asked incredulously. “I’m sorry about this,”
I added. Not being let in an establishment touches a highly sensitive chord in
me. As the writer, Zora Neale Hurston said, “How can any deny themselves the
pleasure of my company?”
“Me,
too,” she said feigning remorse. “The policy sucks but it’s not mine.”
You
have the right to curate your patrons. But there has to be a way to do that
with style and class. A show of politeness is a good place to begin.
It all worked out. I went
across the street, was warmly greeted at Philippe Chow where I ran into a
friend. I had a good chat, a good glass of champagne and enjoyed the rest of
the evening. So, thank you, you helped make every place I went that night more
special.
All the best to you,
Yvonne Durant
4 comments:
Well, It seems that it takes more than good manners to get courteous treatment in some establishments today. I'm glad that Yvonne was able to do a quick about face on her well pedicured toes and head for Mr. Chows.
it the sign of the times... no one has class anymore
GREAT article!!
I, too, am glad that you went on to have a fabulous evening. However, perhaps the best way to bring some attention to this is to put it in the restaurant review section of several publications. Perhaps when you feel like another glass of champagne, it won't prove so challenging. Loved the letter.
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