Restaurant Seating somewhat OT

While, under certain circumstances, I can see why a restaurant would wish to concentrate their clientele into easily served groupings, I have encountered all too many instances where they played "favoritism," with their seatings, in hopes that someone else might fill the premier spots, and hoped that the others would not notice, or complain.

Years ago, for an anniversary dinner, I made reservations at one of the more respected and awarded restaurants in Hawai i. I had called six months out and was told that all reservations were filled for that month - folks, this is NOT the French Laundry. I then contacted my concierge from one of my Platinum cards, that keeps a table at certain restaurants for just this sort of situation. I made my bookings and requested 7:00-8:00PM and a "romantic" table. I was later contacted by the concierge, and told that such a table could only be had at 8:45PM within the two week period that I had specified. I took it, and again reiterated the "romantic" table. We were now just less than six months out. We stayed at the hotel where the restaurant was located and confirmed our reservation with the "luxury tower's" concierge for 8:45 and once more asked for a "romantic table." When we arrived, we were seated in the interior of the restaurant, on a level below three young children and their nanny, who were actually about 4' above us on an elevated portion of the restaurant. The interior of the establishment was about 65% full, but all of the window tables (about 20), some for two, many much larger, were ALL empty. I inquired of our hostess, if we could be seated at the window, overlooking the Pacific, and was told, "No, those tables are all reserved." I asked further about the "reservations," and was told that all window tables were " reserved" for Japanese businessmen, who might show up, and that no non- Japanese could be seated there. As the night unfolded, I have to say that the children above us were most well behaved, but the window tables were unused until almost 10:30, when two couples, who were not Japanese were finally seated there. In the year since that incident, we have stayed at that hotel, and I've had several "table-talkers" placed on my pillow with the turn-down service, touting this restaurant, and telling me that all I had to do was press ** on my phone for exclusive reservations. Needless to say, I have yet to avail myself of their offer. My wife is more relenting than I, and wants to give them "one more chance" on our next trip, but I'm so sure.

I've seen similar seating arrangements in New York, San Francisco, Southern California, where certain, pre-defined clientele were to receive special seating, either at prime tables, or in spots where they can be "seen."

Matter-of-fact, after being unable to secure reservations (only one week out) at the French Laundry, we asked the concierge for a lunch recommendation. She held up her hand for us to wait, and placed a call. While on the phone, she would like a table at the FL and told the person on the other end of the line, "yes, they are well-dressed." Though we could not take our business buttociates for dinner there, my wife and I had a wonderful 4 hour lunch, that will stay in our memory for years to come. In some instances, even "shined shoes" won't get you a good table, as I am the only person alive, who takes a dark suit to Hawai I, even when I am on vacation!

In my humble estimation, this policy does far more harm, than any possible PR good. Because of this type of treatment, I will still not recommend, nor will I host meals (often for up to 12) at the Windsor Court Grille Room in New Orleans, regardless of the DiRONAs, or WS Grand Awards that they might win. The same can be said for Bali by the Sea, in Hawai i. They can all just wait for their celebrities , or whomever else they would rather cater to to.

Hunt