A (gasp) chronological update (with pics) Part 2.1 Ti Corail

[Amery]

Not really, no cc involved, just name, date, number of guests, time of reservation and signature. It states if cancellation less than 24 hours or no-show a link will be emailed for payment of 50 euro pp. I see it as a polite layer of responsibility for the diner and reminder to be respectful. Granted, most of us are, but those who aren't need reminding.

 

[cec1]

People feeling "entitled" is harming the responsible among us. I choose carefully where we dine prior to arriving and always keep our reservation. I have been to Ti Corail twice recently and offered to share our space with strangers that walk up without a reservation, we just squeeze together and enjoy a nice lunch.

. . . sharing space with strangers! That's the way things used to be. Hopefully it's a concept that spreads!

Recalling an episode at the former Chez Francine on St. Jean Beach . . . a great, unpretentious place (sadly destroyed by Hurricane Luis in 1995). In the early 80s, before tourism struck in any significant way, the restaurant was pretty much exclusively a luncheon meeting place of locals Nonetheless, when I ventured-in one afternoon, the beautiful hostess directed me to a "community table." Patrons particularly were sent there if alone and when the restaurant was very crowded (as it usually was). I got the last seat at the round table, with 9 or 10 local workers . . . casually eating, smoking, & drinking -- in no rush to get back to work. Because none of them spoke much English . . . and I didn't speak much French . . . conversation was limited. Despite this drawback, I was a curious novelty -- an American in their midst. It served to spark a lot of animation & spirited laughter. Consequently, when my check came and it was discovered that I didn't have a single Franc with me, the guys thought it was hilarious . . . and insisted on paying my check. It began a week of eating with them every day . . . continuing during visits of many years, with a group of "regulars" being there at each visit. An early version of "Cheers!"

 

[le_reve]

hmmm. i understand the constraints that they operate under, but rather legalistic and off-putting nonetheless . . .

LOL - for filling out a simple form saying you will show up?

 

[cassidain]

Yep. I take some offense at that. As if my word was insufficient. YMMV "LOL"

 

[cec1]

I'm surprised that more places don't do this . . . it certainly could catch-on!

 

[le_reve]

Yep. I take some offense at that. As if my word was insufficient. YMMV "LOL"

So, now you are offended and off-put? Ok, then. I guess you'll just have to miss out on Yann & his great food. Too bad.

 

[le_reve]

I'm surprised that more places don't do this . . . it certainly could catch-on!

If people would just show up when they make a reservation, there would be no need. Too bad people are inconsiderate that way.

 

[cassidain]

So, now you are offended and off-put? Ok, then. I guess you'll just have to miss out on Yann & his great food. Too bad.

1. yes 2. no

 

[Amery]

Yep. I take some offense at that. As if my word was insufficient. YMMV "LOL"

As stated above, it's for those who don't show up or make reservations without understanding the consequences of mixups or no shows for such a small place. Most of us who dine regularly, esp on sbh, take reservations seriously as a pact of respect btwn restaurant and diner. Sadly that is not the case for everyone! Owners, esp of a tiny, unique business like Ti Corail, need to protect themselves. I think their solution is a very nice one--not off putting at all, for me at least. I am happy to do anything to support what they need to do to stay afloat.

 

[cec1]

Yep. I take some offense at that. As if my word was insufficient. YMMV "LOL"

Unfortunately, Ti Corail's small capacity & significant overhead make the "contract" concept look reasonable, IMO. On too many occasions, I've witnessed no-shows there . . . and even for large bookings at restaurants like Zion & L'Esprit..

 

[le_reve]

1. yes 2. no

I can fill out your form for you if you like. I'll need a credit card number, though.

 

[cassidain]

Ask Dad if he would give CC even for Yann.

 

[NancySC]

Just last nite making a dinner reservation for a foursome in April, I was texted a form to complete with name, email, cc info in order to have a confirmed reservation, 24 hr cancel policy with a $25 per reservation fee. A venerable resto here in my town of Bluffton SC that changed hands a year ago, but this is a recent policy.

Late January, 5 of us crossed the bridge to our neighbor Hilton Head to a quite lovely French resto for a 3 course $45.00 menu during the annual HH Restaurant Week...again my credit card used, 24 hr cancel, if less than that, their $25 fee was per person. As first timers to this resto, we enjoyed an exceptional dinner, 3 of us choosing the only $20 additional wine pairing for our specific choices.

Amazing service both places, so we, rather I, didn't mind the additional hoops to go thru reserving either place that we return to time & again. The only down side to the French place was the server addressing 5 women as 'guys' when he introduced himself.

While I understand the policy that has come to be wherever in the world & the reasons, it is off putting that we have to in essence 'pay' for the rudeness of others who make a reservation, or multiples, & then lack the courtesy & common sense to not cancel. Or like the people who showed up 2 hours late at the beach resto...thankfully turned away.

 

[le_reve]

Ask Dad if he would give CC even for Yann.

But Yann doesn't ask for a CC number.

 

[cassidain]

But Yann doesn't ask for a CC number.

But you did
Hope that’s not next step.
As an aside, when we’ve been there they are constantly turning away walk-ups. Who could take place of late reservations.

 

[davesmom]

I'm surprised that more places don't do this . . . it certainly could catch-on!

Not to judge, but this is pretty common in California in the fancier restaurants. In small, family places, it is even more essential that they have guarantees that people will respect the reservation because they are on a smaller profit scale. It does happen that people get sick last minute or there is a confusion of dates between the restaurant and patron, as happened this year with Nikki Beach, and they were MORE than gracious about accommodating us the next day and not charging any penalty. (I was really impressed with their kindness and understanding in high season since my visit to Nikki Beach on Sunday is the highlight of my trip every time.) So if you give your card, etc., and something comes up, or the number of people in your party changes, most people are very gracious if you call and explain your situation.

 

[le_reve]

But you did
Hope that’s not next step.
As an aside, when we’ve been there they are constantly turning away walk-ups. Who could take place of late reservations.

I did, but just for you.

 

[Amery]

Ask Dad if he would give CC even for Yann.

It's very simple, if you don't like the rules, don't play. I've been in the food world for more years than I can count so have seen a lot. For me filling out a form to have lunch at one of the only small "Old St B" sort of beachfront places left is well worth it. As you say, YMMV and that is what makes the world go 'round

 

[cassidain]

I’ll decide when to play and when not to play. Ti Corail annoyed me when we were on sbh in December but I aired my grievances with Yann and he was most gracious in his response. I will discuss this with him when we return next winter. He’s a nice gentleman.

 

[Amery]

I’ll decide when to play and when not to play. Ti Corail annoyed me when we were on sbh in December but I aired my grievances with Yann and he was most gracious in his response. I will discuss this with him when we return next winter. He’s a nice gentleman.

I believe that's what I said: it's your choice!
Agreed, Yann is extremely nice and very talented.