“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. 🙂
I think Rasika just lost a lot of customers.
sigh To think it was a hotelier who once said “Le client n’a jamais tort” (“The customer is never wrong”)! But you guys have fun! 🙂
Is there room for one more? I would like to come to the first meet up.
I don’t know about that, but I hope they do.
Did they know the caller was desi? That usually gets you special treatment.
I’m convinced it works AGAINST you at Rasika.
Is there room for one more? I would like to come to my first meet up.
“spontaneity” never just seems to “happen”… it takes a lot of work. Hope you guys have fun!
[Ed. note: ;)]
The previous post was not by Anna… OMG! through the magic of the Internet I’ve been transmogrified into ANNA! (probably not a bad thing!)Hope you guys have fun at the DC meet!
Geezohpetes! What the hell? I’m glad something worked out. The first person made me want to injure someone.
Just to torture Rasika, everyone should now call them up and try and make their own reservations for a party of 10 for Saturday night.
They will obviously keep on saying “no,” but eventually they will begin to realize they made a mistake.
Dear Naughty,
You were the LAST person I expected such mischief from– color me delighted!
Iffily yours,
a
And on Air India, and at a couple of other Indian restaurants. Yup, that’s the “special” I meant too. Why bother being nice to a desi guest on the phone? Just a desi, right?
On a side note, as a Buddhist, I find it rather insulting that the Buddha statue is used in this manner (worse yet are the “Buddha Bars”) and can only hope that next time Sepia Mutiny will choose a restaurant/bar that doesn’t use sacred symbols from Eastern religions as cheap selling points. I’m not deliberately trying to be disagreeable here, but just letting you know how I and no doubt many other Buddhists feel. Please be considerate of the religious sensitivities of others.
Anna Re. # 32 It is the same reason I dislike Vatan in Manhattan. Too hoity toity when I try to reserve in my name but each time I ask my American friend Brian to call and make a reservation, he never has had a problem for the same time, day and # of people. I have even tried reserving 5 days in advance! 🙁
You know, I think I’ve noticed the opposite (i.e bad treatment towards desis) in some desi-owned shops and restuarants…. not the ones that cater to families, but more to the “elite” demographic. Real snotty. Has anyone else noticed this? And is this exclusive to the desi community? Maybe you guys can enlighten me…
desi restaurants discrimnate agaist other desis – i am sure a lot of people can attest to this – they always seem to prefer the gora customers its brown on brown discrimination yo
Heritage uses Hindu deities in this manner, too. Many desi restaurants do– also a cheap selling point? Are others offended? I am sincerely curious.
A lot of Buddhist and Hindu businesses have statues in part to honor the deities. I don’t know about Heritage, but the statues of Buddha in many of the hair salons, dry-cleaners, Indian restaurants (here in Cali) have incense sticks, flowers and other offerings in front of them indicating that a puja might be performed at the opening of the business. Even if Heritage didn’t have those, I would just assume that they were honoring the Buddha.
And, I am sure the Buddha would have the first to say that the bar-owners require the compassion the most.
Venu
ARGH!! I hate it when people treat customoers/potential customers like that!! It makes me REALLY MAD! But to answer your question about getting offended at decorating with Hindu deities, no I don’t. I like having deities around the house because they are beautiful especially the Buddha statues-GORGEOUS! But I do think its a stupid idea to have 10 HUGE deities in a small chat house you know (like so many in the Bay area), its unnecessary. I think it messes up both the beauty of the deities and whatever the restaurants might be trying to achieve.
Ah yes, now the bar – that might be offensive BUT beautiful nevertheless – I’M SORRY! I just can’t help liking something so beautifully and tastefully decorated!
No – I am not. BTW, forget about restaurants – it is a common practice in many Indian homes to use statues of Natraja/Ganesh etc. as decoration. I do not think it implies any disrespect to the religious symbol.
Ugh, that sucks! Sorry you had to go through that. But I’m glad you found the perfect place =) Have fun!
i never had problems making reservations for parties up to 15-20 at vatan.. the quality i think has declined in the last 6 years since i’ve been going.. but reserving under my indian name.. chole…or chana… hasn’t caused any problems whatsoever..
When is the next SF meet up going to be? I see a couple of posts in this thread that are from bay area. I’d like to meet the local macacas, any takers ?
On the topic of using dieties in restaurents, one of the indian restaurents in south bay was using paper napkins which had ganesha’s picture printed on them. One of the customers got offended and took it up with the owner, who himself was a hindu, but he didnt see it to be a problem and didnt agree to take them off becuase he had spent so much money on them already. This sensitive and pissed off customer rallied up several people who can empathise with him( via email threads ) and had them call up the owner. The owner had no choice but to comply.
Using “deity” to mean idol/statue/image seems a practice peculiar to us (desis in the West). Is it because of the negative view of idols in the Abrahamic faiths?
On a side note, as a Buddhist, I find it rather insulting that the Buddha statue is used in this manner (worse yet are the “Buddha Bars”) and can only hope that next time Sepia Mutiny will choose a restaurant/bar that doesn’t use sacred symbols from Eastern religions as cheap selling points. I’m not deliberately trying to be disagreeable here, but just letting you know how I and no doubt many other Buddhists feel. Please be considerate of the religious sensitivities of others.
a buddhist with a muslim sense of humor 🙂
IA lot of my best hook ups are with the small desi restaurant where you develop an uncle/aunty relationship with the owner. I’ve also had waaaay better luck at Pakistani-owned restaurants — no idea why –, and the worst experiences at Gaylord’s [elite]! Doesn’t matter how you roll, if the party is all brown it is no good!
The ‘desi against desi’ thing is partly true. As saber toothed Kurma aptly said “Just a desi, right”-a lot of people go with that mentality.
My friends and i experienced this at Ambala Dhaba in Westwood-we were the first to order and they kept us waiting for a long time, while serving a large group of non-desi Americans (who came atleast 40 minutes after our group). When we complained, the guy simply said “The goras are a large group” (Goron ki badi party hai)!! We have avoided the place since (mostly). and to think of it, before that incident we were regulars there!
The Rasika lady is in the same league. Well, they are losing business!
Glad you found a nice place! Have fun for the meetup (how i wish i were in DC) :).
Grrrrr… If Rasika were close to where I live, I’d have driven over and given those douches a piece of my mind. That person made no f*cking sense! >:(
I’m glad you made things work out 🙂 Have fun y’all!
Perhaps that’s why it seems peculiar to you, but that’s what they are, essentially, innit?
Vatan sucks. How about the time I ate a meat samosa there?
metric (#15):
i have seen this sort of crap in both kinds of places, the bistros and the “elite” ones.
The funniest reasson i’ve heard for this discrimination is that a lot of desis don’t wine while they dine! Though i personally fall in this category, i know plenty of desis who buy drinks when they go to a desi place. and even if they don’t buy drinks, why does that make them a victim of discrimination!
I once read on a blog-buddy’s post on Chakra restuarant in Beverly Hills that they were not so keen on desi clientele, and they started promoting their restaurant to desis only when they lost some business!
scrunching nose
Ew, meat samosas… that just sounds wrong. I can’t imagine how upset I’d be if I ever unknowingly bit into one. Sorry, just being an annoying veg… 🙂
There is NO such thing as an annoying veg on this ultimate vegetarian’s thread. 🙂
“desi restaurants discrimnate agaist other desis ….” blah blah blah..
Come on now brownies (i don’t use the word ‘desi’).. you know someone who has done it.. Some brownie that has gone to an Indian restaurant with let’s say 10 people and ordered items off of the menu fit for 5 people!?!? The same party then goes ahead and decides to be a food critic comparing it to what they make at home. The naan is too charred (when it’s not) and the chole is too bland (when it ain’t) and the paneer is too whatever when it’s not. Then to top it all off the family of ten tears down on all the food leaving a pretty slop and a one rupee tip for the 3+ waitstaff who had to wait on them! ;( You expect a restaurantuer (Indian or not) to respect that when it costs them more clean up after the cheapskates?!.
Sorry to be brutal but I have worked in an Indian restaurant and have been witness to many an uncle or a “straight from the homeland” visa touting worker who decides to go “zagat” on me on the spot and say this is not this, the roti is not that.. leave a pretty slop and then an ugly tip.. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN, but when it does it makes me embarrassed and makes us all look bad.
PS.. Rasika was not all that.. it’s got that “hey non-indian people look how cool this Indian restaurant is”-look, which is cool but the food does not compare to the shi-shi looking interior. Too bad.
i dont know #34, but i have a mad hankering for chole bhatoorey right now… and you know the masala chole that have this tight gravy which has the grainy texture and you can taste the tamarind and the amchoor.. i would have two bhatoorey and a tall glass of lassi and polish it down with some rasmalai .. mmm mmm mmm
and not to forget – for appetizers i’d have these paneer pieces basted in this mild green sauce and baked in a tandoor – and served with a dash of lemon. mmm mmm mmm
probably has something to do with IST. it’s rational discrimination.
I live in a small town, one of the many bay area suburbs. There was only one Indian grocery store owned by a Punjabi. He practices open discrimination. Once I was waiting in line, there were two others behind me, and this white guy lined up behind me. The owner immediately asked him to come forward. Even he felt awkward, he kept apologizing to everyone in line, then paid, and then left. It sucks but not much I could do since he had a local monopoly. A new one has opened up now so the owner is a lot nicer now but back then, the order of preferential treatment was White, Punjabi, Asian, then the masses.
ANNA: I was in LA on work the past week and, as usual, I’m late in seeing this post…hmmph. Since the dinner event is probably filled up, any chance of a formal (or not so) plan for drinks afterwords?
So much for the “high SES” (socio-economic status) that some posters here claim that desis enjoy in America.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it is. Observe the contemptuous treatment of NRIs on Air India and Indian hotels. Goras are gods to be fawned over and fellow desis are just uncool “lower castes” compared to them.
Probably something to so with greater communal pride among muslims.
That’s extremely weird, and inappropriate. What’s with the sucking up to white people? It doesn’t even make sense – most people who buy from small indian grocery stores are brown people.
But… once in a while you do get the aunty/uncle treatment from some shop owners…. freebies, free cab rides, etc. Although, this generosity may be accompanied by intrusive (yet, harmless) questions about your personal life! 🙂
Being a ghora, I get spotty treatment in Indian restaurants if I try to use my Hindi. I try to be certain that they’re speaking Hindi before I use it, and sometimes people are delighted (Karma in Philadelphia in particular have always been gracious and nice) and other times they’ve looked at me like I was nuts, even when I’m assured that I spoke correctly. It gets kind of disheartening for me. Wished I could have gone to the meetup. I guess there’s always next time.
And as far as shops are concerned, I’d go to Patel’s in Montgomeryville, PA and be glared at but otherwise completely ignored. It wouldn’t have mattered if I asked for help in English or Hindi or Martian. I liked the market because I could find everything there but even with having desi friends and working with desi I would get a little uncomfortable in the store. I guess it just depends on which store you’re going to.
I will still have to use two tables and that will take some time to set up.
How the hell long does it take to push two tables together? Vat drama.
ANNA, the mutineers had best appreciate your patience in organizing all this. I try to get away with wearing black pants with everything and calling it “formal-wear” (it doesn’t work, as far as my frowning mother is concerned) but I would have gotten myself looking all spiffy and come to this dinner if I had been in DC. Have fun, rockstars!
That’s what I #?@%!#& wanted to know. Pushing two tables together! THE HORROR!
Also, Chitrana, I think your shopkeeper might be the exception to the rule– my non-desi friends report experiences similar to what Maurice Reeves detailed in his comment; at best they are ignored.
And to everyone who somehow thinks that a Maitre d’ has the right to get all Summer’s Eve on my kundi, just because desis are poor tippers or run on IST– that’s bullshit. What, like white people aren’t late? They don’t display various degrees of generosity with tipping? I was a bartender when I was in grad school several years ago and while there were a decent number of cheap brown people, non-tippers came in ALL shapes, sizes and colors. It’s stupid to assume the worst about people.
Jay, I wish you had checked in earlier! Here’s the deal– the private dining room at Heritage seats 14. I have 14 people who RSVP’d, so theoretically we’re full. But there’s always a flake or an emergency or SOMETHING, so I’m tempted to tell you to come anyway, especially if you are sartorially inclined. 🙂
We’re going to be there for a while. I like lingering over Indian food, especially at Heritage, b/c the ma ki dal is suffused with enough cream and butter to kill someone lactose-intolerant. How am I supposed to be in a hurry after lovingly demolishing an entire order of THAT? Slow food, people. Akka needs to stuff her face with dal, chawal and raita, like any good pindu would and I’m not doing any curry in a hurry.
Beyond that, yes, it’s very possible the night will continue, especially in THAT ridiculously easy location, since we could just ease on down, ease on down the road, like a plethora of shimmering, silk-clad butterflies on our way to 1223, Dragonfly, Ozio or one of the other dozen lounges or clubs which exist within two blocks of Heritage. Or we could make like our parents and stay right there and drink wayyy too much chai. 🙂
You’re a white guy, not a horse 🙂
As you pointed out in your following comment, it could just be a random matter of what store you walk into, OR it could be that they have trouble orienting themselves to your accent. The first few times I met him, my white friend would try to impress me by randomly busting out his Hindi. Not expecting to hear Hindi from a white dude, it would take a few confused seconds to realize that he was no longer speaking English. Even then, he spoke with such a thick American accent that I had trouble understanding anything. For a second I was even embarrassed because I considered that maybe he was just saying something that was too elevated in diction or vocabulary for me to understand.
I should mention that I’ve had the same experience with a few very Westernized desi people too. Actually, it’s kinda fun to speak Hindi with an American accent… just like it’s fun to imitate your parents speaking English with their thick desi accent. Everybody should try it 🙂
%$#%#%$#@!!! That was me up there^^ in #48. Why do I do that everytime I’m on a public computer?
Shruti, hey, you never know, I could be a horse, though I am more commonly compared to a donkey.
I usually do write it off as a matter of shock, or moreso accent and inflection (MUST…REMEMBER…TO…NASALIZE…AND…ASPIRATE!) But I take my time to listen to listen to my Hindi CDs, and my collection of music, and try to imitate the sounds as closely as possible as well as the sounds of my friends. I really do try and some say that I speak well but I always fear I end up sounding more like Captain Russell from Lagaan.
Even still, there are times when I know I’m spot on and I get the cold shoulder.