Imagine this. A table orders a $935 bottle of the 2000 Chateau Haut Brion. You pull out all of the finest Riedels. You decant the bottle. The guests orders a second bottle. Beautiful meal and a $2500 two top. Sounds great doesn't it? After the meal they claim they ordered an $80 bottle of a St. Emelion and refuse to pay. They complain so loudly that management takes off the wine ($1870) and charges for two bottles of St Emelion ($160). Me, the waiter gets treated like I screwed up royally and management wants to write me up.
Really? I followed the sop's to the book in the taking and delivery of the order. First of all the guest said Chateau Haut Brion as he pointed to it on the wine list. I said "Haut Brion, yes sir." I brought out the proper glassware and decanter and then presented the wine. Lable facing the host I said "2000 Chateau Haut Brion, Graves." He said "That's it." So obviously I assume this is the correct wine.
Then how in the hell can you claim that this isn't what you ordered? Really!!!
There is a big problem in this industry with people who think that they can get away with anything as long as they complain loud enough and quite frankly
I'm pissed off about it.
So here's my blog.
I'm going to write about it even if nobody reads it.
I'm going to call you out you scum who think you can get what you want just because you're a prick.
Most importantly I'm going to try and dignify a job that is so degrading at times it makes me want to sell insurance.
Comments most welcome.
There is a huge difference between a Haut Brion and an $80 St.Emilion. I would be pissed off as well. Perhaps from now on before anyone orders a bottle of wine that cost a great sum of money you have to take a credit card. Some places do that before they crack open the bottle. This means at least the guest is serious about what they have requested and willing to pay for it. Worth bringing up to manangement cause this is bullshit. It protects you as well.
ReplyDeleteThere is absolutely no way to screw the two up - on your end or his.
ReplyDeleteHe KNEW exactly what he was doing. I have to agree with Steve - the credit card may be the way to go and when someone complains just explain about this little incident.