Ken wrote:

> Everybody,
>
> The food was actually pretty good, but there's no excuse for the
> quality, or lack of quality, of the service. The tickets were my
> friend's season tickets, and were up the stairs to the balcony, and the
> first set of seats on the railing. So we didn't have to disturb
> anyone, and we managed to get there just as the conductor was finishing
> his opening spiel. So we were lucky on that account. (Yes, I agree,
> not the most polite thing to do.)
>
> The conductor/director of the symphony had complained to an
> acquaintance of mine about there not being much music featuring brass.
> So my friend, a classical composer, spent a couple of years composing a
> piece featuring brass, and that night was the first time it was played
> in public. Many of us went just to hear Ken's piece, and walking
> around at intermission, I ran into many other people I knew who were
> there to hear it. And the last two pieces featured an outstanding
> violinist. So the concert and evening weren't ruined at all. We
> actually had a good time.
>
> But it didn't matter how good the food was at dinner, and it was good,
> my dinner was ruined. If a friend wanted to go to that restaurant, I
> don't know if I'd go or not. But I do know I'm not going to suggest it
> to anyone. I've told this story to a few people and they all can't
> believe it. Everybody thinks the ten cents worth of coffee would have
> been a good investment for the good will.
>
> Ken

I've found in the past that the worst thing you can do is become good
friends with the owners, as they'll rely on YOU to take the hit if
there any delays etc. They know you'll let it slide, as you've had good
food there in the past and they'll rely on your friendship to pay no
matter what.

Doc