I was out celebrating a birthday party of my young brother in law on friday 8/22/08. My wife and I were very excited about the locale since we truly enjoyed our stay at the Joule. \r
We were at the bar drinking cocktails from 6 pm. At 7, the time of our dinner reservation, we were led to our table. We even ordered a bottle of Sine Qua Non, and some appetizers before dinner. After 2 hours, just before our entrees arrived, the general manager came to our table and demanded for me to remove my fedora. I was very perplexed, since she did not introduced herself, nor her position. At the time, other restaurant patrons were sporting culottes, leather flip-flops, jeans and work shirts (similar to mechanics'). She insisted that it is the restaurant's policy, even though the only policy I found is on the website, which stated ""casual sophistication"". \r
Even though I did remove my hat in avoiding any embarrassment and awkwardness to my dinner guests, I was mortified and humiliated because this incident happened in front of a room full of people, and I could not just walk out of there leaving my own guests. Had I known of the restaurant's policy beforehand, I could have booked other restaurants where such ridiculous policy would not exist; or even at the door was I informed of such, where I still had time to turn away and search for another establishment.\r
If ""casual sophistication"" means that you can wear flip-flops and jeans, then why would wearing a fedora such a violation of the ""casual sophistication"" atmospheer?\r
And I am refraining from commenting on the food. But let me assure you, for paying close to $600 for a dinner for 4, the only thing I enjoy was the Sine Qua Non, and that can be done elsewhere.
Pros: nice architect/decor
Cons: BAAADDDD manager
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