thursdaysd

Well, I was defending asking for a CC to hold a reservation, but I am definitely against paying for a reservation. I would even put up with a deposit rather than simply providing a CC number, but the article makes it clear it is an actual charge not credited against the bill. (I don't object to charging for bread since I don't eat bread with meals at home and am avoiding white carbs.)

Gretchen

Yeah, I agree. A deposit would be fine but not a real "cover charge" for a restaurant. The owner is a principal in a number of restaurants in town so not inexperienced. I'm pretty sure this is a first in Charlotte. HOwever, some of the service problems I experienced could be alleviated by this. BUT, DSIL said those problems were well recognizable and should be addressed by just good training and service policies. Of course, the upside is that you are not required to do it, and you can wait for a table. I'm not sure this restaurant is in the category I would have expected but it is in a "happening" part of Charlotte, and maybe it can. I'm going to ask my kids about it.
The bread thing was at another high end resto here. DD, whos experience is greaat, said that bread service is a real problem and a great loss to the restaurant.

Gretchen

" even though I too had to reserve my table with a credit card far in advance and had approved a temporary hold on my account for the coursed meal to follow."

From a food writer. It was in a very high end restaurant in Mexico.