… don’t put on your website that you take reservations and, when i call, tell me you only do that for parties of 5 or more.

i hate that and it makes me less likely to eat at your place or recommend it to my friends.

i get it. you’re trying to artificially create anticipation by forcing your diners to wait. a restaurant has to be really fucking awesome for me to wait around for 45 minutes to an hour. i mean service has to be better than exceptional and the food needs to be tell-everyone-i-know good.

aaand … if you allow me to make reservations, my table had better be ready when i get there. if it isn’t, comp me a cocktail and we’ll call it even. it’s not my fault or my problem that the table you had set aside just for me isn’t ready. adapt quickly or, if i don’t walk out,  you’ll have me staring daggers at your hostess, particularly when there are more than a few empty seats in the room.

there is a fantastic list (in two parts) i found in the new york times last year that EVERY restaurateur (or hostess or server) should take to heart. a few of my favorites:

• Tables should be level without anyone asking. Fix it before guests are seated.
• Do not take an empty plate from one guest while others are still eating the same course.
• Make sure the glasses are clean. Inspect them before placing them on the table.
• Let the guests know the restaurant is out of something before the guests read the menu and order the missing dish.
• Do not ask if a guest needs change. Just bring the change.

so far, most boston restaurants that don’t take reservations (even on the weekends) have not been worth the wait. too often we just get mediocre food, shitty service and high price tag. i don’t care what the address is (that means you, newbury st.), you have to work hard for my money and time.