Call me “Old School” as I prefer the days of making reservations over the phone, talking to a human being. Don’t get me wrong there is an ease to booking online, at either Resy or Open Table. I just prefer calling a restaurant, especially one where I dine often or am a regular and talk to someone so they know you have been there before. Having worked at 3 different restaurants all as a host, I always enjoyed talking with guests who were regulars. I would give them the best tables and always have something to welcome them back, like a glass of sparkling or a dessert on the house. Just like restaurants and staff like to be acknowledged, so do guests.
Making reservations can be such a game, but I find when I have wanted to get into a very hard restaurant I try and book at least 60 to 30 days out. This seems to be the correct procedure for hard to get into places. When traveling, and a friend will say, “You must go eat here”, and it is very difficult to get a reservation, I find going to the restaurant, inquiring, and as long as you are flexible, most will try to get you a table.
I always like to email the restaurant as I find a communication trail is key if a reservation goes awry. I will say, there was an Indian restaurant in London that was the new hot place and I was traveling solo. The online reservation platform, said fully booked on the night I wanted to go. I wrote the restaurant and explained that I was traveling solo and loved Indian food. I also let them know I come to London frequently as I have friends and family there. The restaurant, Benares Indian Restaurant, in Mayfair, was so accommodating. They were thrilled I was coming from The States, loved Indian food and loved london. My meal there did not disappoint. It was fantastic and I can’t wait to return.
Another amazing place is Le Coucou. The menu is the one pictured. The restaurant is exquisite and I feel as though I am dining in the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. The restaurant is known for a beautiful, civilized brunch. They serve beautiful wines and the stemware as well as the cutlery is magnificent. The food is superb. They offer such beautiful options and each dish is artistry, but they make the most amazing Steak Tartare. The presentation looks like at still life painting that should hang in the National Gallery. Getting a reservation there can be tricky, but they are always so kind when you call and you can book directly through their website.
Be patient and plan an ahead and do lots of research. Have fun and go out and eat the world, savor food and wines and cherish times with friends and family. Treasure the people who you meet on your adventures. Have fun. Bon Appetito!
