My spouse asked me to " just let it go," but I can't. At least not until I address this…read more
This review is directed to the hostess working on Saturday, April 16, 2022, around 5 PM.
We are visiting Buenos Aires from the US for the month of April. Saturday the 16th was our 8th wedding anniversary and we were having a wonderful day! We stopped into Cafe Proa (on recommendation from a Canadian friend who'd eaten there previously). We intended to have a few drinks and a snack before our dinner reservations later that evening at another establishment.
To the hostess, would you agree that we approached you politely, even though our Spanish is terrible? I would say so, as we've been treated very well in your country by everyone (using the same broken Spanish), except you.
Let me replay what happened when we approached the hostess stand. Keep in mind, the cafe was not busy when we arrived, and at that moment, there were no other parties behind us waiting to be seated.
Us: Hola, habla Englais?
You: (frowning) Yes, a little.
Us: Can we please have a table for two?
You: We have no seating for two.
Us: (confused as there are many available tables)
Us: (Jokingly) Ok, four then?
You: Walks away to speak with a waitstaff member.
You: Returns, You will wait five minutes, ok?
Us: (Happy, as we are thirsty and hungry) Gracias!
You: Then proceeds to seat four parties of 2 who came in 10 minutes after we'd been waiting. (none had reservations)
You: Never looked our way again, even though we were only feet from the host stand, waiting to be acknowledged.
I won't make assumptions about why you acted this way toward us. I also won't hold your actions against anyone other Argentines we encounter.
Just so you know, you cost a member of your waitstaff a 25% propina.
(We are from NYC, and we believe in tipping gratuitously)
You also cost your business, revenue. We are American, we eat and drink a LOT. Our bill may have only been a drop in the bucket considering the popularity of this place, but money is money.
You also earned Cafe Proa this one-star review that many others will read and decide whether or not to eat there, or somewhere more friendly and accommodating.
For anyone reading this, I don't know that I've ever left a one-star review for any establishment, and by no means am I being precious or hypersensitive. The hostess was blatant in her disregard for us. Do what you will with this information.
If you are looking for other places in Buenos Aires to eat with great food and service, message me and I'll give you my personal recommendation.