| Author |
Message |
    
mamatamu
Citizen
Username: Mamatamu
Post Number: 120
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 11:04 pm: |     |
Friday night I enjoyed the company of five very intelligent women.
The venue was the Gaslight in SO.
As I was the fourth to arrive, no wait person came and offered me anything..
OK, I over looked that. We changed seats to the dinning area.
Still I had to reach out to a staff person for service. I was really thirsty.
Eventually someone came.
A server took the order of drinks and food and my guess is that she was a college student.
Different people - other than the one who took the order, came to our table bringing the things.
Honestly, they reached across us when laying down plates and included stuff that we did not order.
When we asked for things from these people they responded, "I'm not your waiter."
Uh, OK...
At any rate, the sixth person in the party arrived a bit late, with two primary school aged children.
The children sat at the table right next to us.
The kids both ordered Lobster Rigatoni.
Their food came - humongous plates of food, way too much for a kid.
They sat quietly and ate what they could; perhaps a quarter of what was on their plates.
After much lively discussion about children and politics the bill came.
Our table paid in cash and included a tip.
The waiter who took the order told the mom that she had to cash out and leave.
The server then urged her to pay her bill right then.
The woman looked at the bill, a whopping $77!
She had no clue of the price of the meals her kids ordered, about $30 each.
Without hesitation (but probably a bit amazed), she paid with her credit card.
The waitress returned to the table and was apparently pissed off..
“ I could’ve added 18% gratuity to your bill but I didn’t! You didn’t give me enough of a tip!”
All of us at the table were aghast
…WOW
One woman in the party retorted, “She is part of our table and we tipped above the 18%.
"I tipped you," the mom said.
“Yeah, but it wasn’t 18% and, I watched your kids!”
“You didn’t watch my kids! I watched my kids!”
“Let me speak to the manager..”
It got kinda ugly as the manager stood by her worker.
The Gaslight made at least $200 from our patronage.
The tip she got from the mom was above 10%
Can a wait person demand a tip?
Is a tip supposed to be based on service and is 18% obligatory?
What if the service sucks?
Why didn’t the server suggest that the plate was excessively much for a 10 year old?
Or even alert the mom of the cost of the meal?
When did younger people get the right to speak with older people so disrespectfully?
Is it the policy of the Gas Light to muscle all customers into 18% tips?
How could we not look at the incident through a racial lens?
I mean honestly, would a black college student have yelled at a group of middle-aged white women and not been reprimanded?
So, I mentioned the incident to a friend who made this observation,
“You know why that happened right…
“It happened because restaurant people think Black people don’t tip”
“We wont come back here,” we said.
"That's fine with us,"was their response.
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tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 4283
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 11:14 pm: | |
Well I've heard enough about the abusive way that place treats people. I'm white, tip very well, and will never go there either.
Hope you're reading this.  |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1323
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 12:20 am: | |
I don't think this is racial...they seem to have offended half of the restaurant-going public in town one way or another. Mainly they seem to be aggressively anti-kids (profiling of a different sort), as well as simply unfriendly.
See about a thousand old postings on this topic if you are curious.
Best of luck with your next dinner out as a group! |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 957
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 1:01 am: | |
Based on what I have read on this board, I will never ever go to the Gas Light.
I would never reward an establishment that promotes that kind of revolting behavior.
Mamatamu, I am sorry to hear about your awful experience. You did not deserve that treatment. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3780
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 3:22 am: | |
Why do you think it has to do with race? This is typical behavior of the Gaslight. Not for nothing but, EVERYWHERE my sister takes the kids she ASKS for the 'kid's menu;' especially if she hasn't been there before. This doesn't mean my almost as big as me nephews will order from it...
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Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3781
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 3:24 am: | |
BTW- Next time go to Bunny's! Or the Reservoir. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6652
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 7:11 am: | |
No - Mama is correct. There have been about a bazillion threads over the years on the Gaslight's abhorrent behavior of patrons of all persuasions.
But, as a white person who had (long ago, because I learned) given it more than one shot, the treatment has been much, much more despicable when my party has been composed of mostly people of color. Including the time we (1 white, 3 black) were refused seating in the bar because we were in jeans sweaters and loafers when a party of all white people, including 2 teenaged boys in baggy jeans with their drawers hanging out and sneakers, were seated in the dining room after we had been served our dinner. Mind you, we were the only two parties in the place that weeknight. When we inquired, we were told that "no one noticed" the kids.
Another thing, Mama, is that you were double-whammied because you had the audacity to show up with children. Parents on this board can recite chapter and verse about that one. |
Phenixrising
Citizen
Username: Phenixrising
Post Number: 1381
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:19 am: | |
Gas Light is definatley OFF LIMITS.
Thanks for the heads-up mamatamu & greentree. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10465
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:39 am: | |
Since the Gas Light has managed to honk off so many people (including yours truly when the wouldn't seat us because I was wearing shorts) I don't know how much was race based and how much was their usual bad customer service. |
kendalbill
Citizen
Username: Kendalbill
Post Number: 40
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:39 am: | |
About three years ago, a friend of mine and I went to the Gaslight for lunch and a beer. Sitting down and making small talk with the bartender, we were talking about other resturants in town. When we brought up a certain southern food spot that has since relocated, the bartender called the owners a racist name and said they spit in the food. My friend and I, after recovering from shock, up and left-- the only regret I have is that the other resturant was not open for lunch at the time.
I know that any bar or resturant can have an ignorant or racist employee. We made our choice, however, and I have not spent a penny of my well funded beer and food budget at the Gaslight again.
I am most disturbed from your story about managemnet backing the waitress up. I know that, for me, you just reinforced my decision. |
Phenixrising
Citizen
Username: Phenixrising
Post Number: 1382
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 9:11 am: | |
I don't know how much was race based and how much was their usual bad customer service.
according to these posts… BOTH! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6654
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 9:52 am: | |
Oops- I meant that we were refused seating in the Gaslight's completely empty dining room.
And management is known for always backing up their staff.
I love Bunnies and would not change a thing about it. I think that the only reason Gaslight does not lose more customers to them is that it is a completely different ambiance. Gaslight and the Gate both have that upscale-but-casual-full-bar thing going. Other nice places, like C'entanni aren't really places that I think parents are comfortable taking their kids and lingering. Which is fine, don't get me wrong. I am glad that we have many adult venues to choose from. It's just too bad that Gaslight has such an upper hand.
I don't know all the details, but H2TA has a restaurant and liquor license now, and I think that their ambiance is child friendly. Maybe some of us who like to dine in jeans, with or without children, should check it out.
And yes, Mama. Bunnies is a great choice and kids can hang there as long as they want to. They are so child-friendly that they bring in Santa for their annual Xmas party. The food is great, reasonably priced and they truly welcome everyone. There is so much more than pizza on the menu. The decor just isn't "fancy". |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12207
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 4:32 pm: | |
And Bunny's will soon be smoke free.
Sorry you and your friends went through that, mamatamu. This is such a bad story, it reminds me of that saying, truth is stranger than fiction. Or to paraphrase Dave Barry, you can't make this stuff up!
"This is the only thing my signature says." |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 815
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 5:19 pm: | |
"And Bunny's will soon be smoke free."
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
|
Ligeti
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 569
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 5:21 pm: | |
It's odd how the imperious owner imposes such rigid dress and behavior standards on her diners. Yet in the front half of the place, men are allowed to smoke, belch, fart and watch hockey.
She once asked me to take my cap off. I said no. |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 348
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 7:26 pm: | |
We've lived here almost six years and just from the negative posts, we've never eaten at the Gas Light. My husband and I enjoy a great meal, eat out as often as we can, with and without the children, and eat with dear friends of all ages and races. I would be utterly embarrassed and angered by this behavior. Given that So. Orange and Maplewood are such diverse communities, it's a shame that the Light even exists. My lord! |
Matt Foley
Citizen
Username: Mattfoley
Post Number: 534
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 9:02 pm: | |
If you stop and look around at Bunny's you will notice it is truly diverse and amazing. There is always such an ecclectic mix of folks. Such a welcoming atmosphere. I have made tremendous friends and contacts there from all walks over the years. The place embodies the true spirit of a "local watering hole". It represents our great community like no other resteraunt.
Thank you John & Bunny |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1755
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 9:59 pm: | |
and you can bring your kids to Bunny's...
(and have you tried that fried dessert they make -- better than any diner dessert!)
btw, why the name "Bunny's"?
/p |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3803
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 10:53 pm: | |
Because Leslie likes rabbits? |
CageyD
Citizen
Username: Cageyd
Post Number: 578
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 10:59 pm: | |
i would just prefer if Bunnys was a bit updated and cleaner |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 22731
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 11:43 pm: | |
Though Leslie truly personifies Bunny's and its welcoming atmosphere, I believe the name predates her ownership (though it's been in her family for 70+ years). Personally, I agree with Foley above and find it the most welcoming place in either town. And clean! |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3808
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:26 am: | |
Leslie and John are great people! They are always willing to help out local (and not so local) orgainzations! I'll be glad when the smoking ban goes into law. Then we can go there more often. |
buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 3717
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 9:35 am: | |
I would have to say that Bunny's is my favorite place to decompress and enjoy a pizza and a beer in the Garden State (north of the Jersey Shore). Nice people, comfortable vibe and $1 beers and free pizza from 4-5. You can't beat that.
I can't judge the gaslight. I've never been there. But the hospitality factor of Bunny's keeps me coming back. (that and the internet juke box). |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 392
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 10:34 am: | |
$1 beers? Really? What kind? |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10494
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 10:46 am: | |
At that price who cares!!!
Gotta make it a point to stop in there more often.  |
buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 3719
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 10:58 am: | |
I do believe that the one dollar price is from 4-5 when the free pizza is out. It is for, I think, bud drafts and I don't think they go up too much after 5.
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maplewood fan
Citizen
Username: Mplwfan
Post Number: 280
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 11:12 am: | |
I had a hard time convincing my kid that they don't serve bunnies at Bunnys! |
buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 3721
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 11:20 am: | |
I bet they have chocolate ones around Easter/Spring time. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6685
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 12:00 pm: | |
The first time we ate there, I ordered a burger and jokingly asked the waitress "is it made out of real bunnies"?
She didn't even humor me with a fake grin. OK. I'm sure that she's heard it a million times. But, you want me to tip you. Fake it, fer godssake!
 |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10497
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:25 pm: | |
I think Bunnys should start serving buffalo burgers for the health conscious here in town. Buffalo is low in fat and cholesteral and very tasty, somewhere between beef and venison. This would also really confuse the kiddies. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6690
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:28 pm: | |
If they added a children's menu and the burgers were called "Kiddie Burgers" can you imagine the freak-out nightmares amongst the grade-school crowd? |
Hillsider
Supporter
Username: Hillsider
Post Number: 48
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 2:49 pm: | |
Hey Bob K, Gaslight serves a really nice Bison burger, you should try it sometime
|
Flik Chik
Citizen
Username: Flikchik
Post Number: 174
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 3:58 pm: | |
Oh Stop with the Gaslight bashing already...Stale and Boooring...
We have been there numerous times with large and small parties and we are NOT WHITE and we have been treated with friendliness, courtesy and have had good service and good food. Also we have never witnessed any incident like the ones described ever!!!
Gaslight is one place in SO that does not have a "Coming Soon" sign and is doing well for itself without the patronage of almost half the towns..
Let it be!!! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6694
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 4:03 pm: | |
Flik - congratulations on your positive experiences. Doesn't negate the experiences of others. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12267
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 4:03 pm: | |
We haven't mentioned Gaslight for a while on this thread.
And just because it hasn't happened to you does not mean it doesn't happen to others. Neither does it mean that it's excusable when it happens.
"mem's signature is trendier than mine." |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 253
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 4:07 pm: | |
I will say that the Gaslight has one of the better store fronts in town. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6695
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 4:21 pm: | |
Agree that Gaslight is "pretty".
Hey - who is more more style than substance: Gaslight or Brad Pitt? |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1988
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 4:46 pm: | |
BUNNY'S!
It seems that everytime I go in there I am greeted with a shout of "MONSTER!"
and nobody starts running....
the bartenders at the Gaslight think I'm crazy (it's all Dave's fault), and the owner just shakes his head at me and walks away when I shout at him from the bar, "Hey, Where's the highchairs at, my kids are waiting out in the car?".
|
evm
Citizen
Username: Evm
Post Number: 314
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 5:25 pm: | |
Please...Bunny's has been around before you people even heard of Maplewood..lets not ruin it. And some advice for you liberal parents out there LEAVE YOUR KIDS HOME THEY ARE ANNOYING |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6698
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 5:28 pm: | |
Ev- I am quite sure that Leslie and John appreciate your ringing endorsement of their business. |
evm
Citizen
Username: Evm
Post Number: 315
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 5:35 pm: | |
Yes Im sure they do...Leslie and Blaze are just fine upstanding citizens. Get hip greenie |
ken (the other one)
Citizen
Username: Ken
Post Number: 378
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 6:37 pm: | |
evm!!
welcome back!!
Ken |
evm
Citizen
Username: Evm
Post Number: 316
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 6:44 pm: | |
Hey Ken love the pic discontinued no??
|
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3817
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 11:16 pm: | |
But Bunny's isn't in Maplewood. It's in South Orange! |
ken (the other one)
Citizen
Username: Ken
Post Number: 379
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 10:46 pm: | |
not in my house, evm! |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 22739
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 11:00 pm: | |
Evm and Greenetree need a more formal introduction, if that hasn't happened in real life already.
Greene, meet evm, a Townie, who loves Leslie & Blaise and is really funny and kind.
Evm, meet Greenetree, a really cool new* neighbor who knows lots of stuff and is really kind.
You guys agree that Bunny's is a part of South Orange history and has a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere (albeit Greenie's rabbit burger joke falling flat).
Let's all agree on one issue:
We Love Bunny's!
* "new" being less than our age  |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3830
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 8:32 am: | |
Ah Bet's you just comfirmed my hunch on who evm is! |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 823
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 12:48 pm: | |
I like the lamb burger at the gaslight. It's very tastey. |
aquaman
Supporter
Username: Aquaman
Post Number: 699
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 12:50 pm: | |
Justtheaunt,
I have a guess who you are. Tell me: Does your middle name start with a letter alphabetically situated between S and U? |
I'm Only Sleeping
Citizen
Username: Imonlysleeping
Post Number: 120
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 2:41 pm: | |
Well, obviously. Can't you read? Her middle name is 'The.' |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1254
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 2:51 pm: | |
|
Strings
Supporter
Username: Blue_eyes
Post Number: 795
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 10:29 pm: | |
Gotta add that I'm a fan of the Gaslight. Have never had a problem there, the food has always been great, and the service has much improved over the past 3 years. I don't know what special list I'm on, but it's too bad that the people I go with from my family to my friends all see a completely different establishment than many people here.
And, just for the record, I also love Bunny's. |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1069
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 10:42 pm: | |
Sure, but you're also a Howard Stern fan... what does THAT say about the gaslight?
(Seriously, what does that say about the gaslight? I have no idea). |
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