Brandon Luckain
Google
First time at this spot, first time ever even in the Moynihan Food hall. Quite a few options here and while it can be overwhelming, I settled on Yono as I was in the mood for a rice bowl with some protein. But my experience left a bit to be desired.
The stanchions out front by the cold case where pre-packaged sushi lived had a decent amount of people waiting to order/pay. It was a little confusing as there were folks standing by, making the line look longer than it was. I ordered the Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl & the Spicy Tuna Sushi Rolls, totaling about $34. He told me it would be a 12-15 minute wait. I hesitated, as I was tired from a long commute and quite hungry. I ended up making the order and paying. An awkward moment lingered as I stood there looking for the sushi to eat as I waited and the cashier looked at me (presumably waiting for me to move to the side to allow the next guest to pay and order). I asked, where is the sushi I just paid for? He said, oh, it’s in the bag. I asked if I could have it to eat while I waited. He said sure, and motioned me off to the side away from the cashier. I went off to the side and received the sushi, which I began to eat at the counter. It was decent, 6 pieces, each with half a pea sized dollop of spicy mayo, with a pea sized portion of wasabi and a decent amount of picked ginger in the corner of the container.
After I finished, I saw seating on the side in front of the staff preparing the sushi that I just consumed. There were several seats open, one with a small “reserved” card on it. I didn’t think much of it at that moment, just thought it was peculiar. I started putting down my various bags that I had, and a staff member kindly showed me how the seats slide out for better access, along with bag hooks underneath the counter. I thanked her and sat down waiting for my order. She said if I had any questions to please ask. Another gentleman came to say the same thing and asked if tap water was okay, I replied and said if they had sparkling, he said sure and returned with a cold bottle of San Pellegrino and a small glass. At this point I overheard someone walk up and tell the staff they had a reservation, and take a seat a few stools down from where I was sitting. While I waited for my food to be prepared, I took a look at the menu. Definitely had prices higher than I expected for a food hall establishment.
The gentleman who brought me the water then came back to say if I was planning to order anything, to which I said I already ordered and was waiting on a rice bowl, which another staff member happened to bring to me in a small bag right at that moment. The first man then told me that these seats were not for people who ordered at the front. I instantly felt quite uncomfortable and apologized, stating that there wasn’t any indication from the cashier or any other staff (or any signage) stating this. He just replied saying yea, sorry. But you can pay for the water. To which I did, as I was left no other choice. After that, I enjoyed my water while still seated - or tried to. I could feel the gentleman and the young woman staff members seemingly lingering around and watching me. It made me feel VERY uncomfortable and I ended up tethering my things before I had a chance to finish to sit across from the counter in the main food hall seating area. As soon as I got up the female staff member said thank you.
When I finally sat down to eat the rice bowl, it differed from what was shown on the menu with regard to the bowl and presentation, as well as portions. It was warm and such, the flavor was good, about what I would expect at the price point.
But the experience for the seating arrangement left a bad taste in my mouth. For a public food hall to have reserved seating at a small bar/counter, open to the main corridor leading into the very busy train hall, seems weird. I get being different and offering an experience, but it needs to be better communicated visually and by the staff.