“This is Rasika, who were you holding for…”

“Hi, my name is Anna– I had reservations for this Saturday which I was just discussing with–“

“Ah yes, for 10:30 pm.”

“Well, I was told that it would be closer to ten and that we could do drinks in the lounge for an hour before.”

“A group of ten? You may try, but I don’t think that will be possible–”

“But the hostess just suggested that very course of action, since the lounge empties around then–“

“I can’t hold any tables in the lounge for your party.”

“I didn’t ask you to, I’m sure we’ll be fine there, at that hour.”

“No, I don’t think so, I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

“It’s a Saturday evening, it will be very busy, very full.”

“Okay…FINE. I guess we’ll try our luck and just look forward to dinner, which again, I thought was at ten.”

“Madame, I will have to push two tables together. It will take time. I cannot seat you until 10:30, I have to use two tables.”

“Oh…well, would it help if it was just a party of eight? Some of my RSVPs weren’t firm…”

“Is it a party of ten or a party of eight?”“Well if it’s so difficult to do ten, I’m willing to make it eight.”

“I will still have to use two tables and that will take some time to set up. 10:30pm.”

“Oh–“

“I will also need to insist that you adhere to a pre-set menu.”

“Oh…you want us to…do something…family-style? That’s fine, it’s nice of you to accommodate us.”

“No, not family style– a pre-set menu. So the chef knows what to expect, since you ARE such a large party and you’re coming so late. I will fax you–“

“I’m familiar with your entire menu, that won’t be necessary.”

“I will also need your credit card, standard practice for a party of ten or more.”

“It’s a party of eight.”

“I still need your credit card to secure this reservation.”

“I have to tell you– I’m a bit surprised; I had my birthday at Rasika, my sister’s birthday there and at least two other dinner parties…I’ve never been asked for my CREDIT CARD, not even when I initially made this reservation with your hostess.”

“Very well, but I will not hold your table then–it is only a tentative reservation, if someone else–“

“I also want to be straightforward and let you know that since we seem to be so difficult to accommodate, I quite understandably will be looking at other options, which is the OTHER reason I don’t feel comfortable giving you my credit card.”

“Very well.”

“Good-bye.”

:+:

“Hi, Zaytinya…”

“Hello, I realize this is very short notice, but I was wondering if you could accommodate a large party for dinner on Saturday?”

“How many?”

“Around 8-10…”

“We do take parties of that number, yes, but unfortunately, we are no longer accepting reservations for that night. You are welcome to try and walk-in and if we can, we’ll seat you.”

“Do people actually do that? Roll in with ten people and then nail a table?”

“Mmmm…sometimes. If they’re lucky.”

“Thanks for all the information, but I think I need something confirmed. I appreciate your help.”

“I understand. Have a good day!”

:+:

“Heritage India, how may I help you?”

“Hi, I’d like to make reservations for Saturday?”

“Of course! For how many?”

“Ten.”

“Excellent, what time?”

“Uh…8pm?”

“Very good–“

“Sorry, is the private dining room free on that night?”

“Let me…ah, yes. Yes it is. Shall we reserve that for you?”

“YES! How many can it accommodate?”

“Up to 14, madam.”

“FANTASTIC. Is there a minimum we need to guarantee if we want that room?”

“Minimum…? No…not at all. Has someone asked you for such a thing?”

“Yes, they have. They asked me to guarantee $2,000 for their semi-private room and they were rather unreasonable about everything else, too, which is why I’m calling you. I’m just sorry I didn’t call you first.”

“Oh my, well I’m happy you have called. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.”

“If I need to increase the number of the reservation–“

“No problem! No problem at all. We will take care of you.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Thank YOU, Madam!”

:+:

Heritage India Brasserie
1337 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 331-1114
8pm.

The dining room is behind the giant Buddha pictured above. And yes, CoffeeFace– you plus your “one” can be our final two, to make our party exactly 14. 🙂