Last night I went to Leña to celebrate my 24th birthday wiht co-workers and my girlfriend.
I had gone for the first time on Wednesday with friends for some tapas and wine and had a fabulous time and our server brought me a surprise birthday dessert at the end of the meal so I got up at the end and asked the hostess if I could reserve a spot downstairs for my party of 10.
We walked down and chose a nice spot with some booths tucked away in the corner so as to have our own private area.
Upon arrival the hostess told me it was all ready and to head down, so I made my way downstairs only to find that there was no table ready. The spot I had picked out was full of other people as they apparently had a Lost Craft event going on.
I was upset. I could have gone anywhere for my birthday and it was actually my first birthday in Toronto since I just moved to the city a few months ago.
I went back up and told her what I had seen and she apologized and said she would try to get me something and I told her exactly how disappointing it was.
Then I walked right up to a man who was clearly the manager and asked to speak with him privately.
I told him everything and immediately he apologized, got me a glass of sparkling rosé while they sorted it out and got my reservation back on track.
When I walked down he came around with a bottle of champagne, and glasses for all my friends, offered us sparkling water and then our server came by with plates and cutlery and about 20 minutes later all of these appetizers arrived at the table.
The restaurant is pretty pricey, each one was probably about 20 on average.
They brought out about 6.
He came around and told us about each dish, and then made sure we had any other drinks we wanted.
After having lots of delicious craft cocktails and a few shots we were so content and ready to enjoy the rest of the night and then out of no where the manager appears with a platter covered in candles and desserts with "happy birthday" drizzled out in chocolate.
I could not believe it. Then someone else appeared with two of their churro desserts and I was dumbounded.
Then to top if off they came back with a bowl of ice cream and a brownie with ice cream....I couldn't believe they gave me this many things to make up for the beginning of the night.
We spent the rest of the night in good company eating good food and having amazing service.
Although the beginning of the night was not so perfect that manager really did his job and went above and beyond what I would have ever expected. Those dishes, and champagne (plus he brought out some sherry wine for dessert!!) probably added up to 100s of dollars.
I wish I knew his name, I'm sure I'll be going back there and I will thank him again and get hims name but shoutout to him and the management team for picking him because he literally made my birthday.
Thank you so much!!
I will definitely be coming back.