la cocina - what's the secret word??

[jpbhen]

we went to la cocina tonight and asked to be seated in a booth (easier on the arthritic backs and hips!). it was early, with the place maybe 20% filled. from where we stood, we could see a bank of three booths - one had 2 people, one had 3, and the third was empty. however, the hostess said she could not seat us in the empty booth because there were only two of us. she could, however, seat us at a tiny table for two. understandable if they were really busy, or soon to be - but it was just before 6. we would have been in and out before they got full. we wondered if there is a secret word, ala groucho, that would have gotten us the booth, since we saw other small groups seated at them - ??

anyway, we declined, and went down the road to shades. where, by the way, they seated the two of us in a HUGE booth (big enough for 6 or more) with no problem. and it was soft - most appreciated. finally, as we drove home, back past la cocina, they still didn't look busy enough to have filled all of those booths . . .

 

[30ABandMan]

My secret word is...No, I'd like to sit at a booth.

They may have done you a favor...I like Shades

 

[Andy A]

There is a new Mexican place called Fajitas in Mirmar Plaza on 98 that not only has booths but also wonderful food.

 

[HelenM]

Ditto 30ABandMan on this: "My secret word is...No, I'd like to sit at a booth. " Actually, I probably would have asked to speak with the manager.

As a former server, I always preferred to have 2 people sit at a booth than to have a large party at a booth. It's much easier to serve that way, and you don't have to reach across diners.

I'm glad that you enjoyed your meal at Shades!

 

[Desso]

La palabra secreta, donde es el jefe.

 

[scooterbug44]

I can understand reserving some space in case of a large party, but nothing pisses me off like being treated like a 2nd class diner because I am one person or part of a small/odd numbered group.

 

[Desso]

The bloom is off that rose. After my initial thumbs-down dining experience, I've heard very little good coming from that end of 30A involving a certain Mexican restaurant. I went to Fajitas last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed lunch and the service was excellent. And they seemed to actually want your business.

 

[jpbhen]

The bloom is off that rose. After my initial thumbs-down dining experience, I've heard very little good coming from that end of 30A involving a certain Mexican restaurant. I went to Fajitas last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed lunch and the service was excellent. And they seemed to actually want your business.

yes- we are going to try fajitas, and are looking forward to la rhumba being close by. we are still mourning the loss of luna del mar!

 

[Geo]

I wonder if George and Ann are aware of this practice and of this thread.

 

[AndrewG]

Certainly wasn't the right way for them to treat you. We've always enjoyed going there though. Reasonable prices and consistently good.

A bad host/hostess can ruin a restaurant.