Served: Not My Party
OK Hannah, as one who spent many years in the restaurant business I always appreciate your youthful insider perspective. I suppose I should have written earlier with a positive comment.
But like most, I only write when I disagree, and two things in this column made me want to write.
First, your condescending tone here:
"the directing towards the bathroom. (Ours is a tiny Manhattan spot, and there are minimal options as to the bathroom’s potential location. Yet, finding it remains a remarkably difficult task for many!)."
I for one feel awkward when entering a new establishment and having to wander around looking for the restroom signs. It is easier for me to simply ask a hostess or a waitress...and isn't that what you say your job is all about - making the experience easy and pleasant for the customer?
Second, there's this:
"Turns out, his request was to take all of the leftovers home. It might be tacky, the owner conceded, but of course we’ll do it. So I outfitted myself in latex gloves, saran wrapped slices of goose breast and baguette and Mimollete, and handed the man his party doggy bag."
I just don't get what's tacky about taking what you paid for. Is it because that meant that you and the staff wouldn't get to take it home? Would outfitting yourself with the latex gloves been less onerous if you were packaging the items for yourself and the staff?
Keep writing, you do a good job. But don't forget that not everyone is part of the restaurant "in crowd".

Website: http://www.floridacaching.com
Location: West Central Florida
About: ex-professional chef; avid eater
Favorite foods: chocolate
Last bite on earth: chocolate