Some tongue in cheek humor, so easily skipped
[quote=sporadic]better to appear poor than stupid. [/quote]sporadic's experience, and a recent one of my own, reminds me of the many [b]types[/b] of variety we have here. usually, when i think of variety, national origin comes to mind. however, there is also price variety, attitude variety, and convience variety, amongst others. therefore, i give you:
[b]eating out in dubai[/b]
one thing dubai has going for itself is the variety of restaurants here. i'd say 3 main ethnic categories, but certainly others can be found. you have the high priced, elegant establishments along cyclone street all the way down to the fast food places rep001tered around town. leisurely dinners to quick snacks. well established, popular, to the unknown. all types for most all tastes.
recently, i'd heard of a restaurant offering a great buffet in an elegant dining room. i cruised the neighborhood until i found the place. only problem was, being popular, a reservation bit difficult to come by, but eventually i made one. one of those places where the prices are never really discussed, just hinted at, and even the menu a bit non-specific as to what would be included. arriving for dinner, i quickly found that instead of being seated in the dining room, it was the small table in the alcove next to the kitchen. obviously not a preferred customer. and it was one of those snooty french (no digs, writer's license) chefs, you know the type if you've ever been to paris. and instead of a buffet, it was a limited set course, [u]chef's[/u] pick.
i knew exactly what the meal would be. one of those nouveau cuisine dishes, you know, with 8 peas, a carrot stick, a dab of potatoes, and a piece of meat no bigger than a bacon strip. might be decoratively arranged, but something that would not quench a hearty appetite. so i asked for the menu, the one with the price on it for the set course. turned out, it was one of those where the [u]base[/u] price was ok, but there were any number of obligatory additions: service charge would be added, charge for water, table setting, flowers, etc., etc., jacking the price up. not saying i couldn't afford it, but why would i want to? obviously, i was in the wrong place.
reservation was a mistake; me for making it, the restaurant for taking it. a lose-lose situation, but that's life. given that the meal hadn't started, i just pushed back from the table, stated that a mistake had been made, no offense, and i'd just leave. snooty chef says, "fine sir, here is your bill." excuse me, i haven't eaten anything. "no matter sir, you made the reservation, occupied the table, and now it's too late to get another customer. no charge for food, but we have included a 'table' charge."
again, it was the principle of the thing. i could see the restaurant's point. but i could also see my own; it was late, and i would be going home hungry. we had both wasted the other's time. granted, both sides could take to the phones, me trying to find an open restaurant at that hour; the restaurant trying to find a preferred customer. but a bit of a bother for both. the chef was insistant... perhaps if the chef just hadn't been so arrogant and pushy...
i suggested a compromise. just fix me a burger and fries. not the relaxed stylish meal i wanted or expected, but it would soothe the hunger. restaurant not happy, but... agreed.
got the burger, but, of course, no fries. fine. paid the base price (way more than fair, given the meal offered), but i didn't include any extras. bad experience, but now i know that restaurant's experience for me: unsatisfying.
next week, cruising same neighborhood. obviously, the chef and i did not exchange any greetings. but right next door, a new bistro. perhaps not as elegant, but certainly looked warm and inviting. talked to the proprietor; was made to feel like an old friend, appreciated and well respected. once again, did not ask for a menu. by the friendly atmosphere, just knew it would be fine, so made a reservation (did check price). given the bistro had just opened, no problem with congestion (i hate waiting in lines).
when i arrived at the appointed time, ushered to the head of the table. incredible appetizers, 1st course delicious, 2nd even better, all served cheerfully. so much better when the proprietor joins in on the fun (german beer hall, everyone singing). cheerfully paid the bill, and a tip besides. next day, proprietor sms's me, saying hoped i had enjoyed the meal, and that i'd return soon, even offering to reserve a table for me tonight. attitude, service, convience... for sure i will.
but not [u]tonight[/u]. returning to a well known establishment, recently reopened. great decor, excellent food, and where the chef seems genuinely hurt when you say you're full; "what, you don't like my cooking anymore?"
like i say, in dubai, so many restaurants... easy to get a good meal at a reasonable price.
Out and about Saturday and Sunday nights
Hi all,
I'll be in town Saturday and Sunday nights. I'm looking at going to maybe Rattlesnake, Seaview, Regal....I'll be spending 6 months in Asia and South America so I guess the priority this time will be CIS and Africans.
Hope to see some of you guys for a drink or three.
Piper, MK and Az - fancy a trip to Manila
Am in Manila for 2 days behaving myself in my own special way. Thanks to MK for his directions and hints plus the Philippine FRs I have managed to avoid all temptations put before me in terms of food and alcohol. In have only have one main vice and it does not involve drugs, smoke of\r booze. But to prov I am being a good boy in Manila/Makati (district of Manila) he is the evidence.
Piper, I think you would like it her too, MK, well…I know you like it. Az..where are you, no word at all, is the missus keeping you busy and on the same leash that Piper has at times :)
[url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=470222[/url]
Only one long night left in this place, what will I do, Miss N is coming from the provinces to help me behave myself with 2 girls ;) Piper, I can only learn from you in Thailand, never having done such things before.
See you soon
WR
