I'd like to share the dining experience I had at Cornerstone on October 6th. We didn't have a reservation and the restaurant was fully committed for the evening. The hostesses were very nice and said we could dine in the bar area with a limited menu. Our server greeted us in a timely manner and explained that tonight was the first night that they were not serving a full menu at the bar to accommodate those with reservations. Completely understandable. After we had ordered, the hostess sat a party of four close to where we were sitting and handed them a full menu. As the hostess walked by, I kindly asked the hostess for a menu as well. The server greeted that table and looked confused as to why they had full dinner menus and approached the manager. The manager greeted them with a big smile and they conversed and he leaned over with a big smile and laughed and walked away. They proceeded to order. When our server returned to the table, I kindly asked for an order of Shrimp Scampi off the dinner menu. A few minutes later, the manager approached my table and rudely said "Is there a problem here?" I replied.. "No, I just wanted to order some Scampi." He proceeded to explain that the other table had reservations, even though they were sitting in the bar area, and they were making an exception for them. The manager did not smile once and had a serious look on his face. Is that how a manager in a fine dining establishment greets a guest? "IS THERE A PROBLEM HERE?" All I did was order scampi! He just greeted another table 10 minutes earlier with a completely different demeanor! The manager was just plain rude. He didn't even introduce himself or pretend to be apologetic. He just walked away afterwards. He made us feel unwelcomed and acted as if we were bothering him. It felt like complete discrimination. Why didn't he greet us with a big smile like the four older Caucasian people? Is it because we were Asian? Or was it because I was wearing flip flops in a Steakhouse? We felt like we did something wrong.
The hostess was very welcoming. Our server was wonderful. She kept apologizing for not being able to accommodate us and for her manager's rude behavior. I insist on the Food and Beverage Director to interview this server as she witnessed when the manager approached us. You will find out that I am not exaggerating one bit on how we were treated. I don't need an email or a phone call with an apology and I'm definitely not looking for a free meal because I will not return to an establishment that treats guests outside their 'preferred clientele' with such disrespect. What I am asking for is that you investigate and educate your managers on how to treat people equally and not judge people based on their age, race, or ethnicity.. because that's what it definitely felt like.
It's such a shame too.. the server was super friendly and the food was delicious! However, it sucks that one ignorant manager ruined my total experience!