a not so "proper" cuisine

So, as most of you know, I celebrate my birthday in a special way every year. I'm normally on a trip somewhere. But due to health issues, this year was different. My family was gracious enough to plan a surprise birthday party for me which was supposed to be followed by a dinner at one of Baltimore's most talked about restaurants. I was so excited because I hadn't had a chance to visit this particular restaurant since they opened.

When it was time, we all got in our cars and headed to the restaurant only to be greeted by locks on the doors. Now this was on a Sunday evening, a time in which they are normally up and running. Confused, my friend started making some phone calls because not only were we supposed to be there but a pre fix meal had been set up just for the members in my group for my birthday dinner. (And yes, we have text messages confirming this). Not only was no one answering the phone but there hadn't been any update made on their social media page indicating that they had unexpectedly closed for the day. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, because emergencies do happen, I reached out to them the next day, only to receive no answer to my message. (As of today, I still have not received a response).

My friend, days later, received some information as to why they were closed. For legal purposes, I won't tell here but I'm sure there are already whispers around the city. So, I will dive deeper once it's revealed what's happening at a later time.

Thankfully, another restaurant graciously hosted our group at the last minute and saved the night by serving us an amazing meal.

Here's my gripe...At what point do businesses start holding themselves accountable for their mistakes? The reason we were given for them suddenly closing that day (and the next few days) definitely warranted some type of communication. Even if they accidentally overlooked the fact that they were supposed to be hosting our group, professionally speaking, a public notice of some sort should have been made. What if people were coming a long distance just to dine there? I mean, it is one of the more popular establishments in Baltimore.

There have been a lot of restaurants closing almost just as soon as they open and unfortunately, it's not always due to lack of business. Having multiple opening times, no clear posting of operating hours, focusing more on aesthetics than the quality of the food, etc.

I can't lie; this situation definitely left a bad taste in my mouth (pun intended) not just for this particular restaurant but for the other establishments affiliated with it as well. Please do better. In any business, not just restaurants, you must think about your clientele.

Care or close!