Alina R.
Yelp
Here we go, apologies dear readers -- it's going to be a long one.
On average I'm like you - I wouldn't bother, but this time I swore to myself.
It's my birthday today. Okay, 9 minutes past my birthday, I came home after shopping in Lidl and then popping to TriBeCa for takeaway.
I had a birthday on my own. Not a big deal, but I had a good run of events in my life, it's Monday and I thought fuck it, I'll go for Margarita and a dinner at my local.
I love 777, SMS, Luna, Dillngers -- I've been with all of them, their loyal ambassador, since they first opened. I remember the times before that candle chandelier got a sign 'don't touch'. No, it's not for show off. It's the amount of people, Dubliners I converted to and tourists I introduced to through years to John Farell's chain of restaurants and till today -- I swore by their quality.
Until today.
I was on the phone with my best friend from across the world, my phone was dying so I wanted to use as much of that iOS battery to virtually enjoy the company of a good friend, even though she wasn't physically there with me on this day.
I was offered a menu, I picked a drink and a starter while staying on the phone.
As I finished my favourite ever meal - tuna taquitos, two small small pieces of heaven that you are eagerly ready to pay €11, I'm told that the kitchen is closed and I only have a desert to pick. I don't want a desert, I'm hungry. I want a main or at least would go for a second starter.
After I mention that hey, the place is empty, it's Monday, I'm on my own and believe it or not -- it's actually my birthday and I would like to oder something more -- I'm refused to on the basis that they only have a pastry chef left. Considering the amount of money I've spent on your tuna taquitos over the years, I'd be well able to assemble couple of them myself from the props that chefs normally prepare all the starters, especially TAQUITOS! It's a crispy taquito, fine slice of tuna, sauce, crispy onion, chopped fresh herbs, avocado and slice of lime.
No, we can't do them.
No.
You shouldn't have stayed on the phone all the time.
Excuse me?
Really? I wish somebody crash you late Monday birthday dinner with the line like this.
I payed my bill and went to TRiBeCa. After explaining the whole situation they made a massive (almost double size) crab taquito takeaway, even though they normally don't do anything takeaway apart from chicken wings.
There is a fine line. I'm ok paying good price since the food and service is at the level, but when you are refused at your local, on Monday, on you birthday, you go into a war of bad publicity.
/post doubled to their FB page for bigger exposure/