Talk of The Villages Florida

Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)

- Restaurant Discussions (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/)

- - It must be me (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/must-me-327609/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2043435)

I never thought about that, it could explain everything! I'll use bilcon's name from now on when making reservations :icon_wink:

Probably just not my week... or maybe all my luck is gathering and that next lottery ticket will be a winner!

GO FOR IT! By the way there is another guy in TV with my name. I met him once, but he is a nice guy, like me and would never do that to me at a restaurant. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I make the reservations under the name "John Travolta". No problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarrieOn (Post 2043488)

Is this a Seinfeld episode??.. Jerry covers all this in that episode..

See post #8...

Or do you mean the Chinese Restaurant episode? "Cartwright?" ;)

Been making reservations for about 3 years now. Never had a problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2043391)

Last week I posted about my reservation being "stolen" at a country club. Well, another weekend provided two more chances for reservations and two more problems. I don't see many (any?) posts about this so the problem must be me.

First new problem: what does a reservation really mean anyway?

I had nine people this time so I knew a reservation was in order. Called on a Monday to make the reservation and again on Wednesday to confirm it. Showed up ten minutes early then waited another 40 minutes before we were seated.

My expectation when I make a reservation is that the restaurant and I have an agreement: they will have a table ready at or near the specified time and I will arrive at or before the specified time. Pretty simple, or so I thought. It turns out at this particular establishment a "reservation" means when you arrive your name goes on the top of the list for the next suitable table. Since I needed space for nine, there were 40 minutes of unsuitable tables before one became available for us. And apparently nine is a special number because a table of seven and a table for eight that arrived after us were seated while we stood at the host desk.

The service and the meal were fine. There were a couple of small issues but nothing worth mentioning. Getting drinks, appetizers, and main courses for nine while serving other tables too is tricky and the waitress did a good job. We left happy about everything except the reservation issue.

Second new problem: Reservation? What reservation?

We decided lunch would be nice. Again, having nine people I called ahead (the day before) to make a reservation. I was told reservations were only taken for groups of six or more but that was okay since I was a group of nine. Provided the group size, the time of the reservation, my name, and my phone number. I had two unfortunate experiences but the third time is the charm!

Nope! Showed up five minutes early this time and learned they knew nothing at all about the reservation I had made. "Sometimes people call when it's busy and things get lost." Fortunately, the restaurant was pretty empty so it was easy for them to accommodate us.

Again, the food and the service were exceptional; the only frustration was the snafu with the reservation.

Is it really just me? Am I the only one that has these issues? Is it too much to expect that after I spend the time to call and make a reservation that my name will be at the desk, a table will be waiting, and there won't be anyone else sitting at it? I haven't given up on the restaurants, the food and service has been very good, but I really have to think about whether I bring guests anymore.

The answer to your question is YES. Wondering why you would expect different during the most busiest time of the year - cooking at home may be in order? Just saying.

Only issue I ever had was a reservation and the people at the table we were supposed to get sitting there chatting for an hour after they paid the bill, even when the waitress nicely mentioned someone was waiting for the table. Most of the times our evenings out are great, but once in a while ...................................

If your not gonna name the restaurant then what’s the difference ?

This thread is a 2 outa 10 for entertainment but still better than another angry thread about….. you know….

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2043435)

Going to explain how to get faster service.

When making reservations say your name is Morse. If they ask if you are one of those Morse's say yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petersweeney (Post 2043537)

This thread is a 2 outa 10 for entertainment but still better than another angry thread about….. you know….

But is it better than, "How much should I tip?"

:icon_wink:

Restaurants do not boot patrons out due to pending reservations. People often linger and converse long after the meal is done. This can screw up reservations.

It is simple…….a restaurant can not dictate how long people sit at a table. So you cannot expect on time service a lot of the time. Do you have any idea how many people never show up for a reservation? The lost reservation is probably a person who has a short memory and gets busy and forgets to note it. Either way in TV you can’t expect too much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2043396)

What you are experiencing is incompetence and/or a lack of consideration for customers. It is very prevalent, and not only in restaurants.

We've never had problems with reservations in The Villages, nor with service: to be honest the service has been a bit fragmented at times but most of that in my opinion can be chalked up to new people working who don't know all the ropes. (I know. They SHOULD know all the ropes before being allowed to work, but in this day and age, considering worker shortages, that is not always reality).

Friendliness is never a problem. In fact, quite the opposite. Southern hospitality is something we cold, reticient expat Minnesotans have only heard about until we get to experience it in person. We hadn't been here all that long and stopped at a local restaurant to eat. Noticing that the line of people waiting to be seated was quite long, I asked the hostess if we were going to have a long wait.

She put her arm around me and said "why, is not gonna be that long at all, honey".

What can you say after that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2043391)

I have had no issues reserving for six to twelve monthly at several different restaurants over the past year. None whatsoever.
In Chicago, beginning about ten years ago many busy restaurants began accepting reservations only with a credit card, and a specified minimum charge based on the group’s size. That made the reservation a contract, and one with teeth to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spd2918 (Post 2043554)

Restaurants do not boot patrons out due to pending reservations. People often linger and converse long after the meal is done. This can screw up reservations.

I recall a place in Kansas City called Nichols’ lunch. Best German chocolate cake in town. But if you stayed too long at a table they would send the next hungry party to stand by your table, to encourage you to leave.