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| - Great expectations were quickly diminished. We made 6:30 reservations for a Friday night. With the winter weather Charlotte has had and anticipation for a busy night after the long week we decided to arrive early. In fact, we arrived 45 minutes early and greeted with friendly smiles. We chose a less desirable hightop next to the computer. We frequent fine dining, casual dining and quick dining with our two elementary aged children. They politely order their own food and often complimented on their behavior by waitstaff and patrons alike. Tonight we arrived 45 minutes early to our reservations with intention of relieving the dinner rush and not have to feel rushed. All went as desired with our cocktails appetizer, and entrees. We ordered dessert and waited over 15 minutes for it. As stated we were in no rush and the waitress apologized and proceeded with the the table side dessert presentation that was clearly not her responsibility. She was perfect, but it kept her from servicing other tables. While the kids indulged on the build your own ice cream sundae, we ordered our own dessert. We asked for our check and paid and while I finished the last of my glass of wine, the manager approached and prefaced with asking how our meal was. Before we had a chance to reply, his intention was obvious and he was actually requesting that we vacate. He said he was behind in reservations and had a table of 13 to seat. I casually and politely mentioned, we too, had reservations. What would have been a great night out was tarnished. Had dessert been served on time, we would have fit into their 1 1/2 hr slot for a table of 4... and they wouldn't have had to rush us out. I politely made my point as he wiped down the table, and he offered another table and glass of wine. We declined as it wasn't necessary; however clearly, he didn't get it. Just made us feel like it was our fault not theirs...excellent food, excellent service, poor management in the end
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