Comments on: Le Bernardin Update

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:33:18 +0000

Gotta say I agree with the author of this blog. It seems unbelievable that high-end, expensive restaurants should feel LESS inclined to make customers comfortable than budget restaurants. If anything they should feel MORE inclined. It’s interesting that the servers are trained enough to know what is not acceptable in the restaurant, but not in how to resolve the situation gracefully.

By: Aaron D. Allen » Blog Archive » What Le Bernadin Can Teach Us About Bad Service

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:14:25 +0000

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By: ND

ND — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:32:48 +0000

Dear Mr. Allen,
I completely agree with you. Option three would have been the way to handle the situation in my opinion — no big deal transferring the tea to a mug. And you are right, it’s not the tea, it’s the complete disregard for you as a person and a patron that hurts. I asked for a new fork last year at a nice restaurant and I was verbally reprimanded for doing so by a server for god knows what reason. The food was good but all I remember is how uncomfortable the incident made me feel. And you are also right about the lovely hospitality that exists in other countries. I will always remember the beautiful genuine smile a Thai woman gave me while I was dining at a restaurant in Bangkok.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:24:18 +0000

I heartily agree with everything you have written.

The restaurant could have handled this so much better.

And David, wtf is your problem? You posted the same exact comment on the NY Times blogsite. Do you work at Le Bernardin?
Do you treat customers with an air of haughty condecension?

By: Charlie

Charlie — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:33:26 +0000

Very well said! For many of us, dining out in a place like this could be a very special treat. A shame to have it spoiled by a server with an inflated view of their own importance.

By: David

David — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:45:58 +0000

This guy is dreaming.

Would you bring your own food when friends invite you to their homes for dinner? Would you bring your own cocktail to a bar? Why would you bring your own tea to a restaurant? And, why do you insist on defending your lack of etiquette?

It’s not the restaurant’s job to dispose of your Starbucks tea… it’s YOURS. Just as how it’s your responsibility to wipe the mud off your shoes or not wet everyone with your umbrella.

C’mon. Grow up.

By: Harold (SMM)

Harold (SMM) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:53:02 +0000

Kudos on a great follow up, Aaron. I really appreciate what you had to say and believe that the best successes in the restaurant industry are those who take joy in serving guests and making one feel welcome. Your point about the origins of the word restaurant is a fact that many need to remember and put into application. With the economy continuing to show signs of further faltering you would think that people would recognize the power of genuine service in retaining customers. Of course there are those who do and I believe they are the businesses who will stand.