restaurantgirl

Though it was hard to choose from the many grievances I've
received this past week - apparently there are quite a few unhappy diners in NYC - this beef's particularly close to my heart:

I can't stand when a restaurant's host lies about how long the wait is.  I don't know how many times a week I have to go through this.  The worst was when I went to Norma's and they quoted me thirty minutes.  I must've asked ten times and they ended up seating us almost two hours later.  I would've left, but I was starving and couldn't bear the thought of going to another restaurant and having to wait all over again.  But for god's sake, just call a spade a spade.  If it's going to be thirty minutes, tell me thirty minutes!  If you don't know, just say that.  At least, that way I could just suck it up or eat somewhere else! -- Alison

Send me your latest dining gripe!
Until we eat again,
Restaurant Girl
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Dear Restaurant Girl,
"Hi, can I make a reservation for 2 for dinner please?  Sure, we can offer you 4:30pm or 12:15am."  What planet are these people from??  That is earlier than the early bird special for Ethel and Ira in Miami Beach.  And who sits down for dinner at 12:15am?  Seriously. How about they just say we are booked and do away with these wasteland time offerings.  It is so silly and obnoxious.  Normally when they offer me these times I say I will take both.....
G DAWG

Isn't it fun to get things off your chest?  Complaining can be very fulfilling, so keep 'em coming.

Until we eat again,
Restaurant Girl
**Don't forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl's Weekly Newsletter**

It has recently come to my attention that too many a restaurant grievance goes unaired: an all too apathetic server, a half-thawed hen, a mortgage-your-meal check.  After my inbox reached capacity for the 11th time, I have finally decided to make two changes. 

First, I finally purchased more email space, so feel free to gripe away.  But more importantly, hereon forward I will now post the most noteworthy or glaring offenses in a weekly column, deemed Gourmet Gripes.  It's official.  Thus, you stand warned that when you beef, it will go public.

Seeing as I only enacted the new policy this week, I'll happily be the first to throw an objection into the mix.  Behold, my greatest dining displeasure - the unisex bathroom.  While I prayed this trend would die out, it seems all too alive and well.  Case in point: Soho's newest eatery FR.OG.  While it may be fetching to the eye, it's deceptively unisex. Though the doors read W & M, let's note the shared sink & mirror space.

What happened to the notion of the ladies room?  Do metrosexual men really want to fight for the mirror with the ladies they're trying to impress?  Why can't we powder our noses in private?  Is there no sense of social space in New York City these days?  Men's, women's, it's easy.  I beg you: stop the madness.

There, I feel much better.  Now it's your turn.  Email me at restaurantgirl@restaurantgirl.com to air your personal grievances.

Until we eat again,
Restaurant Girl
**Don't forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl's Weekly Newsletter**