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| - On August 26th: I went to White Oaks to take myself on a nice dinner while out on my day trip to Cleveland from New York. From the moment I walked in I felt unwelcome. As soon as I walked in, it almost felt like a sense of disgust came over some of the people occupying the front - a couple of people who looked like managers. There's a sign at the front that says suggested attire was a collared shirt for men and I didn't have one on, so I figured at first maybe I'm just not fitting into the look they were going for and they're disgusted by that- hopefully no other reason. After being told that I could not sit by the window because there were no seats available, which was ok, I however was then placed at a table in the back in the corner. The young lady didn't really seem happy to be there I thought, again not thinking it's me. I'm sitting and observing, waiting to be greeted by my server. A young gentleman came over eventually with water. After waiting a few minutes I had to ask for a menu, since no one gave me one when other tables received it almost immediately. As I was observing, waiting- still haven't been greeted- I noticed the speed and type of service when it came to the other patrons was FAR more engaging and prompt. They were given water, followed by menus, proceeded by a complimentary bread basket and a vegetable plate, and shortly after a server greeted the table almost always with a smile. However, I was still sitting there with my water, and a menu waiting for someone to come over or even attempt to make eye contact.
While waiting for someone to come over, a table suddenly became available for a couple by the window when I was told none were available. So I rationalized it, thinking they were a couple and it is supposed to be the most romantic restaurant in Cleveland, so I just left it alone . After a while, a server came over. Megan was friendly and professional. I told her I was there for the day and I came from New York. I also proceeded to tell her: I had been looking forward to coming to the restaurant and I had a Groupon to use. She said she would process it at the end and after telling me the specials, she took my order. After she left the table, a few moments later, I finally recieved my bread basket and vegetable plate.
As I'm enjoying my bread, which was absolutely delicious, the looks and energy when it came to my presence was less than appetizing. It seemed like me being in the restaurant (which had a steady flow, not busy from how it appeared) was inconvenient and a problem. Megan comes back to the table and tells me that I can't use the Groupon because I needed to have 2 people. I explained to her again that I'm taking myself on this day trip and I came from New York alone, and chose to come to White Oaks specifically. The manager didn't come over or even try to make accommodations, recommendations or anything. I was highly disappointed. Especialliy, after looking forward to this meal all day and not wanting to really eat because I knew I was coming to White Oaks. Instead of cancelling my order entirely, I kept the lobster bisque I orginally ordered as my starter.
Megan was apologetic and empathetic which was appreciated. As I was leaving: the same disgusted, bothered and unwelcoming energy I recieved coming in, I recieved leaving too. At least they were consistent. I don't want to think that it's because I was a person of color that I recieved this unfortunate level of service. I'll just say maybe it's because I didn't have a collard shirt.
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