Oh that’s nothing. Back in 2000 at Balthazar’s in New York a couple ordered an $18 bottle of Pinot Noir while at another table 4 people ordered a $2000 bottle of Mouton Rothschild 1989. Both bottles were decanted and the servers mixed the two bottles up giving the young couple the $2000 bottle of wine.
Balthazar’s ate the cost of the mixup charging both parties $18 for their bottles of wine.
Not to be topped Hawksmoor, a steak house in Manchester England, accidentally gave diners a bottle of Château le Pin Pomerol 2001 $5681 (£4,500) when they had actually ordered Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2001 $325 (£260).
After realizing the mistake they published this: “To the customer who accidentally got given a bottle of Chateau le Pin Pomerol 2001, which is £4500 on our menu, last night – hope you enjoyed your evening! To the member of staff who accidentally gave it away, chin up! One-off mistakes happen and we love you anyway.”
The generosity of Hawksmoor brought in far more business than the expensive mistake cost.
Many years ago, there was a restaurant in our area (actually part of a truck stop) where the owner was told by the local licensing board that, in order to get a restaurant license he had to serve alcoholic beverages. This man was vehemently against serving alcohol (liability issues, I believe). So, he brought in a bottle of wine, slapped a $500 price tag on it, and displayed it above the cash register. Needless to say that wine was never opened.
Oh Really? 3 months ago
Maybe start with ice cold cash tossed with traveler checks ?
Kevin Roth Premium Member 3 months ago
Is that mtj’s date? Here’s a thought – give wait staff a livable wage!
leonardonyc 3 months ago
$800?!! At a restaurant?!! May I have the name of this establishment please!
sandflea 3 months ago
I would have suggested a hot dog.
Daltongang Premium Member 3 months ago
Oh that’s nothing. Back in 2000 at Balthazar’s in New York a couple ordered an $18 bottle of Pinot Noir while at another table 4 people ordered a $2000 bottle of Mouton Rothschild 1989. Both bottles were decanted and the servers mixed the two bottles up giving the young couple the $2000 bottle of wine.
Balthazar’s ate the cost of the mixup charging both parties $18 for their bottles of wine.
Not to be topped Hawksmoor, a steak house in Manchester England, accidentally gave diners a bottle of Château le Pin Pomerol 2001 $5681 (£4,500) when they had actually ordered Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2001 $325 (£260).
After realizing the mistake they published this: “To the customer who accidentally got given a bottle of Chateau le Pin Pomerol 2001, which is £4500 on our menu, last night – hope you enjoyed your evening! To the member of staff who accidentally gave it away, chin up! One-off mistakes happen and we love you anyway.”
The generosity of Hawksmoor brought in far more business than the expensive mistake cost.
HarryLime Premium Member 3 months ago
Many years ago, there was a restaurant in our area (actually part of a truck stop) where the owner was told by the local licensing board that, in order to get a restaurant license he had to serve alcoholic beverages. This man was vehemently against serving alcohol (liability issues, I believe). So, he brought in a bottle of wine, slapped a $500 price tag on it, and displayed it above the cash register. Needless to say that wine was never opened.