Dear Bookstore Piet person- Since when does a “wish list” become “intolerable behavior?” You sound a little defensive of your well behaved child...the one that took the liberty (with parents okay) of dancing in the isle of my restaurant one night (you’ve written about it...go ahead, take a stab). While it was a darling display for you, it’s not a ritual that we would allow adults to engage in, and as a frequent diner in the city, not something that I want to put up with when I’m paying for a meal. Time to get over your self-important blog and realize that not everyone enjoys your kid. There are plenty of places that cater to the needs of youngsters and there are plenty of places where people go to get away from youngsters...you really need to learn the difference.
--Chef Andy
Let's start with professionalism. I'm also a small business owner and while I've been tempted to write about a few of my more 'special' customers I would never do such a thing. Even if the person in question never read the item other potential customers might and make decisions based on my attitude towards my current clientele. From someone, like Chef Andy, who is in the business of hospitality it's very telling.
Finn's behavior... He sat through the entire dinner. He did not scream or make other noises. He did not throw food or other items. During dessert he started getting restless and stood at the end of the table. An older single gentleman eating at the bar started making funny faces for him so Finn did a little jig for him and we allowed it as it was at the gentleman's request and there were no other tables close by. He took off and headed for the kitchen (where you laughed and offered to put him to work as I took him away) at which time I placed him in a seat at the bar while I closed the tab. Both incidents lasted, what, a minute or two before we stepped in? I've seen adults more disruptive and much louder after a couple of glasses of wine. We're aware he is 3 and has an expiration. When he starts getting restless we take into account other diners and wrap things up. If you read my blog I am quick to throw Finn under the bus if he does misbehave.
Oh, and if he was so disruptive why would both your waitresses comment on how well behaved he was?
There's also been a couple of interesting comments floating about out there. One by someone who claims to have been out twice and seen us. The person claims Finn was throwing things and carrying on and such. Had that happened I would have written about it as well as about me removing Finn from the restaurant. As it has never happened the person is trying to insert him/herself into the debate by being a bit 'creative'.... Another claims I've let him sleep on the floor or wherever. For the record (and in the blog) he's fallen asleep twice, in booths as toddlers are wont to do.
Self Important Bloggers vs Self Important Chefs - I write this blog for my friends and family. Sure I have a number of readers beyond that circle but am I trying to promote myself? No. My business? No (if I was I'm doing a really bad job of it as it is not mentioned very often except in very general terms). Do bloggers have any power? Not really but they do tend to be very chatty people and will share slights and insults. In a contracting economy and people being more careful about discretionary spending that may be enough to keep a few people away from your doors. I know we won't be back.
23 comments:
You also forgot to include the fact that the previous post where you reviewed Cafe Rustica - was a good review......and there was no mention of Finn's behaviour in that review......
The same person who claimed she has seen you out - also said that you were a woman.....I am questioning that you were the person she saw. I guess she thinks Finn is the only 3 year old in the Richmond area who goes to restaurants.
Of course, the fact that he even bothered with a response means that your "self-important" blog was obviously far more important and impactful than I guess Chef Andy Howell wanted.
How ridiculous is it that a Chef would post on public forum a direct attack on your child? I wouldn't give that guy 2 cents.
I don't even like kids and I think that it's silly for someone to write to you about Finn. From what I've read he seems like a chill little dude and I don't think I'd mind sharing a restaurant with him at all. :)
-B
To Dexter - Unless you've commented before and I have some idea who you are I try not to publish comments from people without online id's if it's negative. If you'd been before and said something that might be different. My blog my choice.
How do you know it's actually Andy Howell?
tbsamsel - Good question. If it isn't I'll remove but I believe it to be.
I'm getting good and bashed over on the other site (don't feel like driving traffic to a commercial site). Oh well. I didn't like the writer's complaints (not just about children but the others as well). She sounded like a real whiner about people and how restaurants should conform to her alone. I might agree with the bit about cell phones but complaining about water glass sizes, only giving her half an apple, and dictating entree sizes... It all sounded a lot like someone who is never happy with anything and the fact that she references eating out alone a lot...
Let me share a little tidbit of an experience from Cafe Rustica. I was working one Sunday and decided to go to brunch over there becaue it is the closest to where I work. I was wearing a t-shirt I got from the Culinary Institute of America. The lady who was behind the bar said : " Ooooh....you think because your from the CIA we will be all nervous and such." And it was not obviously a joke but was dripping with sarcasm.
Me: ??!!??
Really it's my most comfortable t-shirt that I only get the chance to wear on weekends.
All I can say from that reply from Andy Howell is there seems to be some insecurity in that place.
My Ex-husband cannot stand him either after a run in when he went there for dinner with his SO. My Ex is a vegetarian (his SO is not) and Chef Andy made several sarcastic remarks about it during the evening and my Ex was appalled by my favorable review because of the Chef's attitude.
Janet & Veron - I keep hearing (from offline and on) comments about Chef Andy's interesting behavior towards his customers. It's very odd. My review praised the food and the service and we had planned on returning here very soon. His comments to me are one thing but the other stories seem to be a pattern of behavior that are a bit less than customer friendly. It's too bad, the food was good, but we are obviously not welcome to return nor are the others who offend his sensibilities.
Piet, you said "my blog, my choice". I guess the chef would tell you "my restuarant, my choice". Just a thought...
-kc
Regarding KC's comment, this whole scenario reminds me a bit of Mamma 'Zu. You either deal with how the place is run (and enjoy the food) or you don't (and miss out on good food).
Full disclosure: Andy has always been really nice to me (yes, sarcastic at times but overall nice) every time I've been to Cafe Rustica (which has been many). I'm not going to say his blog post is by any means appropriate, but he's always been known for his frank attitude.
Just my ramblings that take neither side. (Yes, I'm Switzerland.)
I've been enjoying your blog for a while and agree with Brie - Finn sounds like just the kind of guy I'd want to have in a restaurant. Here in W'burg you often see the kids who are exhausted and cranky from from dragging around CW in the heat all day, even in the nicer places, and you wish they'd have a nap, anywhere. Cafe Rustica is off my Richmond to-eat list.
I don't love the way you blog
But. I will say that you and your child have eaten in the restaurant that I work in, and he was lovely.In his defense, The kid is a sweetheart. VERY well behaved, and sure we dont really have a lot of kids here, but we don't mind them, it is kind of nice to see kids when you are in a snotty place with critical people, children just like to eat and have a good time. And I think it's great to expose them to alot in life rather than just mac and cheese. He's welcome any time in our restaurant
My goodness. Commercialism at it's best. Let's spend our money elsewhere. Maybe you should crank up the Finn and take him back there. See his reaction then. Can't never could do nothing!!!
Piet-
I understand why you are upset with the comment made by Andy, but, in the interest of fairness, and to give readers the complete picture, you should link to the site where he originally commented. The way this is posted now, it gives the impression that he wrote you a personal letter berating you for your child's behavior instead of adding his two cents on a thread.
You still haven't proven that Andy really wrote the screed. Anyway, he could have been just avoiding Dean Swift's A MODEST PROPOSAL, but than again, satire is often wasted in RVA.
t - is it appropriate to serve potatoes with Irish babies or would that be in poor taste?
Appropriate and potentially fun. Request mashed, then yelling "Food Fight!"
Only if they are sweet potatoes..
Longnecks & longpig; only in Port Moresby, Niugini.
I was right.. a tempest in an "A" cup.. why are all young folks so damn serious?
Wasn't aware that I was 'that' young (40's - not exactly geoligic...)..... While it's not as important as if someone had made a sexist or prejudicial remark I guess it mainly comes down to that he went after my kid and in a very personal way. We've worked really hard to ensure that he behaves in restaurants since we enjoy going out so much. I see his off moments no different than a slightly drunk table and try to get him under control quickly. If he doesn't comply then we remove him from the restaurant.
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