New Chinese restaurant and an awkward moment
In today's Table Talk column I have more information on Zhongshan, the new Chinese restaurant that will be opening on Park Avenue, supposedly this week.
The head of the photography department just stopped by my desk laughing. He told me that there had been a language problem with the photo shoot. When Lloyd finished and was packing up his equipment, someone came up, bowed courteously and thanked him. He also handed Lloyd a little pink envelope "for good luck." ...
When he got back to the office, Lloyd opened it and found it contained a $100 bill.
Maybe he should have realized at once, but believe me, this never happens. Most restaurateurs know we do this stuff for free.
Lloyd took the money back to them, of course. But it was a bit awkward. He didn't want to insult anyone by suggesting they had done something improper, since they clearly felt that was the correct thing to do under the circumstances and what would have been expected where they came from.
(Lloyd Fox/Sun photographer)
Comments
And on the day when we have a thread title "Yes, I do take bribes." Coincidence? I leave it to the Sandbox to contemplate . . .
(Hope the tone conveys here - hate to have to use a smiley face)
Yes, that struck me, too. I wish I had thought of entitling it: "No, He Does Not Take Bribes." EL
Posted by: KristinB | March 25, 2009 5:19 PM
At least he didn't eat the chicken head.
Posted by: Bucky | March 25, 2009 5:44 PM
Oh man, I need some good luck! Come on!
Posted by: Sam Sessa | March 25, 2009 6:02 PM
And to think I would have settled for $20. I know where I'm taking my camera for lunch. I can hardly wait to see what they stuff into the fortune cookies.
Posted by: jl | March 25, 2009 6:11 PM
They don't realize the real power rests in the blog, not the photog.
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Posted by: Lissa | March 25, 2009 7:11 PM
They know about your 3 1/2 star reviews correlating with closings, and want no more than 3, for their own preservation.
Posted by: Cheap Jim | March 25, 2009 7:32 PM
I thought a RED envelope was appropriate to these occasions, not a pink one. Was some other message being conveyed?
Great photo, btw!
Posted by: Dahlink | March 25, 2009 8:09 PM
It's a two star town bitches.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gravy 2 – Dew Drop Inn | March 25, 2009 8:11 PM
That's a four star comment Cheap Jim.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gravy 2 – Shooting Star | March 25, 2009 9:12 PM
Dahlink, red and pink are interchangable and convey the same message in Chinese custom.
Posted by: Dan D | March 25, 2009 9:26 PM
Thanks, Dan D. Once again, the Only Blog You Will Ever Need.
Posted by: Dahlink | March 26, 2009 6:35 AM
The real question here is, will they serve decent dim sum?
Posted by: Nicole | March 26, 2009 1:40 PM
They do not serve decent/authentic food like the old restaurant at same location. Their dim sum sucks so as their main dishes. Do not go there. This is advice from a Chinese dimsum-er.
Posted by: Chinese dimsum-er | October 24, 2009 11:40 AM
Agree with Chinese dimsumer. Go to Asian Court.
Posted by: chowsearch | October 24, 2009 1:22 PM
I don't think it's bribery. It's just a chinese tradition of showing appreciation of his work. Red envelopes are usually given during new years, marriage and special occasions.
Posted by: superfast cuttlefish | June 15, 2010 2:05 PM