As an out of town visitor, my friend wanted me to enjoy a nice lunch in Kingston. Chez Piggy was recommended. Tucked away, down an ally we found the restaurant. After being seated by courteous staff, I did explain to the server that my companion...was on a restricted diet, would not be ordering from the menu and did bring her own lunch. Server said that was ok.
Shortly after my lunch arrived, so too did the manager/owner. She chastised my friend for bringing in food. “We don’t allow outside food being brought in” and repeatedly said “You should have called ahead”. I’m not sure how that was helpful - no room for spontaneity in her world. I was mortified, my friend deeply embarrassed. Said manager/owner lectured us like we were 12 year olds, then said it’s okay this time but don’t do it again. I suppose you could say we were left to feel ashamed.
Not only did she not think to wonder why someone would bring in their own food she did not think to ask us either. Even to ask if there was anything on the menu that they could possibly prepare and modify that could work for her. To clarify, my friend’s lunch was not a take out order from another restaurant, it was not McDonald’s, or a pizza. It was a small serving of vegetables and chicken in a clear glass bowl. Very discreet. A meal for a person recovering from a very serious, life threatening disease and surgery resulting in a lifetime of careful meal prep. Maybe that was our cue to leave, maybe we should have challenged her, but we didn’t. We ate our lunch, tipped the server and went on our way.
24 hours later, and it still bugs me. The service industry is tough but we were not difficult customers. If anything the manager could have had a quiet word as we headed out the door. I’m not sure what she was trying to prove, but the smug look on her face and the shear look of embarrassment on my dear friend’s face said it all. Chez Piggy - good food, nice wait staff. But management - not so much. Two thumbs down. AVOIDMore