My friend Julia nicknamed me Ralph Nader back in Law School. Not so much for my politics, but because of my personal consumer advocacy.
She was having a dinner party in Georgetown and I stopped at an upscale market to buy a loaf of kalamata olive bread. As a student, and a decade ago $4.00+ for a small loaf was alot of money. When I arrived I noticed the loaf was burned and we ad to cut off nearly half of the loaf. Also in the bag was a newsletter with an article titled” Why We Burn Our Bread.”
The article talked about how American’s didn’t have a bread tradition and that carmelization was necessary for taste.
This loaf was charred. And I have eaten fine baked goods all over the planet.
I wrote a letter to the company and expressed my disappointment, upon which I was given the name Ralph.
A few weeks ago I celebrated my 40th Birthday.
I selected a 5 star resort. Invited my friends. Planned the menu and made sure room reservations were taken care of. Friends booked their tickets and I thought all was well.
I wanted to change a side dish the menu. A custom 5 course menu.
A magnum of Krug
The chef would not “allow” any changes. I assumed I misunderstood. We were not under time pressure. He just wouldn’t make any changes at all. What made it worse is that I received this via email and then the staff did not follow up with me by phone or email. Basically, in my opinion, they said, “eat what we decide for you or choose another menu.” My response amounted to “kiss my ass. I’m not spending that kind of money in this economy and being treated so poorly, so keep your empty private dining room, unopened wine, and wait staff while I go to the competition.”
After numerous phone calls and me using the words “pissed off”, “arrogant,” and “my money” with three days notice, I moved the entire event and my guests to the Four Seasons, who did an outstanding job. Of course the other resort apologized profusely and did their best to try to keep he business, it was too little too late.
ABC needs a black Bachelor
A friend of mine said the whole interaction reminded her of the scene from Beverly Hills Cop where Eddie Murphy causes a ruckus in the hotel lobby to get his room. Of course my protest was not as vocal. And I paid.
The point: Demand service. Get what you pay for. As a business owner, it is important to me that my customers return and are happy when they leave. And when service is excellent, make your voice heard as well. I sent the Four Seasons a letter of gratitude.
