Remember how the world was: “sorry, we are fully committed for that evening, that time, would you like me to check next month!” Seriously, some said, “next month.” Oh, that was so long ago in the dining universe. Now, we are gracious, our front greeter is actually friendly, the hostess knows what we want from the reservation, and the wait staff, well, it waits. Yes, it is a more pleasant production.
Unfortunately, there are fewer of us dining out, and the restaurants that were so snobby about our reservation are now so much more solicitous. I saw it last week in New York City at an Upper West Side spot (Ouest) that was difficult to get into several months ago: now, no problem. Actually, by 10:00 the restaurant was almost deserted. That’s new.
Maybe they should take their prix-fixe menu one step further and extend it beyond 6:30. For the record, the special menu was printed on the regular menu and never mentioned time restrictions so I believe it’s the logical next step. I will say the waiter was shocked that we inquired about ordering from it at 8 PM–he may need a little further training! (Not everybody got the “love the customer” memo)!
Today Frank Bruni of The New York Times confirmed what I saw on my quick two-day city blitz: Restaurants want to give us “a hug.” We are ready to accept their offers of kindness in terms of more options at better prices. Knowing full well that restaurants do not operate on as high a price margin as one would expect, there are ways we all can change. The forecast for restaurants is rather bleak; just like for consumers!
In Washington, DC, the new darling of the food world, there are also cutbacks. Today’s Washington Post points out Michel Richard Citronelle has decided to cut back on the days they are open for dinner. Hard to know the next step. Cautious is the word of choice. Restaurants are hurting, but so are customers.
This is the true economic stimulus.
Keep On Eating (Out) « Allbeforecoffee’s Blog said
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