- 整體 1
- 食物 1
- 服務 1
- 氛圍 1
Blatant Racial Profiling and Prejudice! Our reservation for four was confirmed (same day) through Open Table Friday at 8:04 am. Upon arrival, after five minutes of waiting (the table remained unoccupied), we were seated by the Maitre D at the requested bartop table in front of the restaurant, next to the piano. Some moments later, the manager approached me, asked me for my name, gave me his (which I don’t remember), and said the table was reserved. I informed him that we had reserved the specific table. He then left to confirm with the Maitre D and, with swift determination, returned to tell us that we could not have that particular seating but the booth on the side. I noticed two white patrons he spoke with ahead approaching us, standing by. I asked him if we were being told to give up our seats even though we made the reservation early that morning, and he said he just needed us to move.
There are moments when you know what’s happening because you feel it in your gut. I never had to write this kind of review. As a black man, I am careful not to decry racism; it does not apply to every poor experience just because of the racial makeup of all involved. Implicit biases, although rooted in prejudice, are not conscious. This was conscious (deliberate and calculated prejudice); he chose, and WITHOUT apology or empathetic behavior, to let us know he meant it.
Unfortunately, in this case, the bad-faith actor is a Manager/Owner, so reflection and accountability are not likely. I am aware that one of the (silent) owners is African-American. After eating there for so long, I am mindful that at least one server is African-American. I take no pleasure in posting this review, nor do I gain any benefit from it. My only power is my voice and the ability not to spend my consumer dollars at this establishment. This was the experience.