AIStoCostaRica

I had the same experience with Artisinal, and was similarly off-put. I'm a NYC resident, so it wasn't the area code. In the end, I faxed them the info and we had a very nice time. They're not going to cancel on you--that's a new one. I'm not saying it's not unusual and annoying--it is both--just that, in the end, it really wasn't that big a deal. Just a thought.

AIS

likeswords

I recently hosted a dinner for 20 at a Chevy's (I called a week beforehand to reserve, telling them the possibility that up to 5 of our party would not make it, so I called the day before to confirm the number), and didn't have to give a credit card number or anything else. At the time of my reservation, they were clear that they would hold the table for 15 minutes only. Service was great, and they hand wrote a suggested gratuity on the bill, which was fair and which I appreciated in the hubbub of it all. If Chevy's can accommodate a group that mixed (two young kids, several others showing up late), I expect other restaurants to be able to do the same without implying that I plan to be a no-show. Plus, the food was much better than I expected, so I'll definitely be going back - can't say the same for any restaurant that needs a contract before taking a reservation.

seetheworld

Hi KikiLee - no I am certain that I said and they heard a reservation for 5 people and when I asked if I could make it for 4 people, they said "no, not without the agreement".

My husband also made a separate call (because he didn't believe that such craziness existed) and they said the same thing to him. Although I will also add that they immediately told me the "large party agreement" fax was required up front and they allowed my husband to first "book", then told him of the requirement.

I will call them now - I will try and be nice

seetheworld

There was not a mistake on my part. Well, I told them how I felt - no surprise the reservation manager hung up the phone. And I was very nice, she just didn't like what I had to say. All she could say was that it was the owner's choice to implement the policy.

I wouldn't dine at Artisanal, they are just not as special as they would like to think.