Your table is ready...move over
Monday night my daughter and I went out on a nonworking dinner. I won't tell you the name of the restaurant, except to say that it's not the one pictured. The photo is for illustrative purposes only.
What it's supposed to illustrate is...
...my least favorite form of seating in a restaurant: The two tops all in a row along one side.
I understand their convenience for the restaurant, and I've often benefited from the flexibility it gives the staff to push tables together to make four tops. I'm really not complaining about them in the abstract.
What I hate is when the hostess sat us in an almost empty restaurant Monday night, and then sat two women at the table next to us a few minutes later, when the rest of the row was empty. Unfortunately they were having an interesting conversation and I was having trouble not eavesdropping, which annoyed my poor daughter. But the main thing was that I felt crowded and grumpy. I wouldn't have if the restaurant had been full.
I wish I could think of one reason the hostess sat them almost on top of us, unless they were regulars who always sat there because it was their special table. Which is pretty stupid.
I should do a blog entry on places that have wonderful seating. Suggestions welcome.
(Barbara Haddock Taylor/Sun photographer)
Comments
That is my biggest pet peeve with Petit Louis. If no one is there and the rush period has passed, would it really be that big of a deal if a couple sat at a four top table?
Posted by: Robert | November 28, 2007 11:56 AM
I agree with Robert about Petit Louis. Gertrude's too can be uncomfortable if you are not lucky enough to get a table near the window or in the middle of the room.
Elizabeth, how come when you ask for the "top" or the "best" all I can think of are the worst?
For me, it's the winter thing.
Posted by: J.H. | November 28, 2007 12:03 PM
We were at Petit Louis last week and my complaint is the table itself: what's the deal with their cracked stone tables (granite, marble?) that are not leveled? Not sure what they're thinking when they got those. Also, we were the first one there and they placed us on a sliding two top next to the kitchen door. We asked to be moved.
Posted by: Eric | November 28, 2007 1:57 PM
I agree with the above comments. After hearing so much about Petit Louis, I decided to try them again. Not only did I feel we were sitting with the people at the next table. The server removed our water glasses before we were finished our dessert. I certainly didn't enjoy my dinner when I was hurried through all the courses. Needless to say, I won't be dining there any time soon.
Posted by: Missy | November 28, 2007 2:16 PM
Ditto my thoughts about Mia Carolina. When I was leaving I wanted to tell the couple on each side of us that "it's been delightful dining with you. Let's do it again soon!"
Posted by: Joyce | November 28, 2007 3:00 PM
I have eaten at Petit Louis a least a dozen of times with varying party sizes. Yes, the two tops are a little close together for typical American diners or non-foodies, but you have to remember that Petit Louis is presenting an authentic French bistro atmosphere. If you have traveled to Paris to experience bistros for yourself, you would have come to the following conclusion. The tables are further apart; the bathrooms are cleaner; and the menu is more diverse than any Michelin four star bistro you will find in Paris for about half the price.
Posted by: Robb | December 4, 2007 5:42 PM