I recently had the deeply unpleasant experience of dining at Milano (6 Excise Walk, Clarion Quay, Dublon Ireland), and I feel compelled to share my distressing encounter. As a well-traveled Black woman, I am accustomed to navigating different cultural norms, but the blatant discrimination I faced at this establishment was both shocking and profoundly disheartening.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with barely concealed disdain by the Manager. He sat me in a corner at a wobbly table. I moved one table up and waved to the manager to explain. He never came, but he saw. Then who I presumed would be my waiter came over to the area to tend to other patrons.The dismissive attitude of the staff was glaringly apparent, and it became clear that my presence was an unwelcome inconvenience.
I reviewed the menu for less than 2 minutes. I knew I was only getting a salad. I then watched the waiter tend to a table directly to my left and another table directly in front of me. He even made eye contact with me, but never came to check on me or ask me if I was ready to order. I watched as he walked away and another couple came in and was seated at the wobbly table behind me. The waiter came over to the area again, made eye contact with me and then walked back to the hostess booth talked to manager and walked away again. There was about two rounds of confusion and the waiter making eye contact with me, but opting not to serve me.
Sitting there I already knew what it was! Just then the waiter walked over to the table behind me to the couple who came in after me, again making eye contact. Then I waived the other waiter over to asked for the manager. He inquired about my concern and I said loud enough for the other waiter to hear. He was all so apologetic then. At that point, I only wanted to talk to the manager, who was also apologetic. I shared my observations and we both agreed that all the waiter had to do was ask if he was unsure who came in first. The problem however; he knew who came in first and so did the manager! The manager offered a discounted meal and again apologized profusely.
At this point I was done and walked out. It was as though I were invisible, a ghost among the living. The staff's blatant disregard was not just an affront to my dignity, but a stark reminder of the insidious nature of racial discrimination that persists in so many forms, all over this world, and even in places where one might least expect it.
I left Milano feeling deeply disheartened and disrespected. It's a sad reflection on our society when even in this day and age, one can be made to feel less than human simply because of the color of their skin. I strongly advise anyone who values equality and respect to steer clear of this establishment. No one should have to endure the kind of treatment I experienced, and I sincerely hope that my review serves as a warning to anyone who is considering dining here. read more