THE SEAT OF POWER
I was invited to dinner a few nights ago. The invitation was for Kokkari Estiatorio, a beloved institution in San Francisco since 1998. The food is excellent but it is the front room with its massive fireplace that makes the experience special. In my opinion Michael Mina’s Greek inspired offering on California Street comes in a distant second. I was seated at a terrific table with a perfect view of The Seat of Power! This host is fabulous. She is warm and welcoming but she is in charge. I watched as she performed her duties and dispensed with the people who did not measure up or did not have a reservation. After all of these years this is still a tough reservation to obtain.
THE REGULAR
The patron approaches the “Seat” with confidence but not too confident. Overconfidence may put them in a less desirable table for not being deferential enough to the “Seat”. There are pleasantries of course, after all coming to your regular restaurant is like coming home. It is a confidence builder when the Seat of Power acknowledges you and seats you in the right place.
The Rookie
Now the rookie probably has a reservation which he or she made weeks ago. If it is a business dinner, they are just hoping it all goes well and that the reservation is acknowledged. If it is a romantic evening, the rookie is nervously wishing for a table away from the water station. Now the “Seat” recognizes the reservation but the rookie will have to wait in purgatory for a little while. They cannot be seated right away after all that courtesy is for the regular and you must differentiate. The rookie will have to stand along the wall for ten minute before being seated.
The Dreamer
C’mon man!! This guy walks in with a date and without a reservation. You can see his face immediately — the wide eyed, plaintive look says it all. I am out of place and I have no reservation. The Seat has no sympathy. There are two ways to go. We only take reservations so you have to go away or we can seat you in two hours and, no, you cannot sit at the bar. On this particular evening The Dreamer took the two hour option and when he came back there still was no room at the inn.
The Seat of Power for this particular evening dispatched her duties flawlessly. No one got by her without her approval. Those that come early, late or without reservation were dismissed. Hopefully they will learn their lesson and will always approach the Seat of Power with deference and respect and above all……
A reservation…
Dedicated to Greg —- you know you are The Seat of Power
