ella_minnow's Profile
"Second Tier": Special Occasion Dinner (suggestions)
I had a great meal at Apiary about two months ago. Entrees around mid $20's. It was fairly noisy on a Saturday so a group of 8 wouldn't feel out of place.
Scarpetta Issues
Update... Heard back from an apologetic General Manager. Seems there was a computer glitch as they should only take bookings on the half hour (although I'm not sure why that wasn't picked up with confirmation phone call). Also it seems Saturdays are notorious for people lying about having reservations. He did say that was no excuse for rude behaviour.
Anyway, I was pleased Scarpetta do care and take time to respond. I'll give them another go - just midweek next time.
Scarpetta Issues
Yes, I normally call if I'm running late. In this case, I knew it would be no more than ten-twelves mins as we'd hopped out the cab early. (Heels, phones, hurrying, and cobbles are an accident waiting to happen.)
Good idea about emailing GM.
Scarpetta Issues
Thanks. Aurora is my local. Love the food and service. Always interesting specials too.
I'm still shocked at the Scarpetta's attitude. I've been a Chowhound lurker for a good while and thought it was about time to contribute.
Scarpetta Issues
Has anyone else had problems with front of house staff at Scarpetta?
We had a 9pm booking on Saturday made through Open Table (four weeks in advance, four people). Traffic was terrible and we rushed in at 9.10, full of apologies. We gave our name, gentleman looked down at book and silently shook his head. Gave name again, he asked for first name and shook his head and said their was no record of booking and asked, with a smirk, were we sure we had right restaurant. We explained yes we did, the booking was made through Open Table and we had made phone confirmation for 9pm, and had also received an Open Table email confirmation stating 9pm.
He looked at book again and said we were too late and our reservation was made for 8.30. We repeated the 9pm confirmation and offered to show him the email. He said impossible as Scarpetta only seat at 8.30 and 9.30.
Eventually he sighed and said a table was available. No apology. We asked the woman who lead us to the table for the manager and she said he was.
Service otherwise friendly and professional. Food - short ribs,special appetizer of tomato and mozzarella, basil and tomato spaghetti, seafood pasta, duck, turbot, sea bass - okay but no real wow! impact considering hype. Had better food recently at Aurora. Great bread basket though and great wine.
Just to add we were polite, smartly dressed, late thirties/early forties. Never experienced this before and make a lot of Open Table reservations.
