Gabriela De Leon
Google
It’s tiring being judged and treated based on the color of our skin. Whether they understand it or not, there is an unconscious bias. We came in for lunch and were super excited for the meal given that it is in the Michelin guide. When we got there, the restaurant was not full. We were seated in between a table celebrating a party of about 10 people and a group of 3. The staff was not so welcoming, but I think the manager was the most attentive one, at least in the beginning.
Unfortunately, our excitement quickly turned into disappointment. We were the only brown people in the establishment, and it was clear we were being treated differently. The wait staff were all passive. We ordered a bottle of wine and noticed that our glasses were not being refilled, unlike the other groups around us whose glasses were constantly being topped up. We tested this out a few times by emptying our glasses and waited, but the staff ignored us until they eventually caught on.
It's exhausting to see this kind of differential treatment. I hate having to judge an establishment based on how I'm treated instead of the quality of their food, but my experience was soured, and I couldn't enjoy my meal. This type of behavior is unacceptable, especially for a place with such a prestigious reputation. I hope the management addresses this issue and ensures that all guests are treated with the respect and attention they deserve…we are all paying customers.