Well, the customer was bright enough to realize that he/she didn't count as a "people". Orangutan, maybe. ;) Now, the next time we're up north from Oly-land, I'm going to have to convince the husband to find "The Restaurant". I like your attitude (it's waaaay too much like mine), so I'll probably enjoy the food, too.

I shouldn't be, having enjoyed your blog for quite a while now, but I am. Flabergasted. Utterly. And full of admiration and respect. For your restraint. Sigh... I wish I were more like you. Except for the people you meet. Them you can keep.

Fact is truly stranger than fiction.

She could have 'turned herself away' and opted for another restaurant. What were you suppose to do? Make people get up and leave?

People are crazy, especially when they are hungry.

You're right. There are no words.

But they knew you! That means they get preferential treatment! Having to wait OUTSIDE, of all the nerve! To be treated like that, like like they were common "customers" it's unthinkable, after all they KNOW THE CHEF/OWNER! Where do these other "people" get off coming early and (snort) making a reservation! Don't they know that we are ENTITLED!

I keep thinking I've heard it all. . . and then I read your blog and realize that people are much, much stupider than I ever thought! May you continue to be so busy this stupid person NEVER finds a place in your restaurant!

Yeah, just stop being so GOOD. Sheesh.

My dad is always enraged by having to wait at a restaurant. "I don't want to wait! Why can't I be seated?" Ummmm.... because all these other people got here before you? So unfortunately, there's more than one of this person! (However, my dad would actually leave, and would not call you, making him somewhat brighter.)

Just wanted to comment that this customer is what drives food service people (professional or not) to vulgarity (just read the "Ugly Vulgarity" post, too) - the chutzpah coupled with mindlessness. Great Blog - keep it up!

What a retard.

Your restraint surely is admirable. Even before I went the cynical misanthrope route in that business, my urge to joke with them would have won. 'Am I being punked? Really, who is this? You tell Joe Schmoe this didn't work, have a nice day"-and that is mild compared to what would have been rolling around in my head.
Just out of curiosity--two questions: How long have you been in this business and do you like Anthony Bourdain?

God, I don't know how you do it. I would never have the restraint you do!

LMAO! Didn't you realize that you were speaking to a SPECIAL person? Shame! Shame! You should know better by now!

You, my dear friend, are an idiot magnet. :)

This just proves that you need to enlarge your dining area so you can seat all the idiots at one time. You'd have so much blog-fodder you'd have to hire someone to enter it for you.

Lol AuntJone, the non-idiot and idiot sections?

I really enjoy your blog and it's endlessly amusing to read your tales of customers behaving badly. It's truly shocking how bad that behavior can be.

That said, what percentage of your customers (let's define that as tables in the restaurant and hosts/hostesses at the catering events though you might count guests separately from hosts and hostesses) behave badly and what percentage behave well?

I'd actually suggest that you keep track, on paper, for a day or week. The ones who behave badly are memorable while the ones who come in, order, pay, and leave are not, so your general impression might be skewed.

I'll hope that you report back to us, your devoted readers. Inquiring minds want to know.