I just finished a book called “Unreasonable Hospitality”.

The author put together and owned one of the best restaurants in the world in New York City and the book details the incredible lengths he would go to to keep the customer satisfied.

Last night we made a reservation at one of our favorite restaurants for dinner. When we walked up it said it was closed for vacation until the next day.

The online reservation system was obviously not working properly. We shrugged it off, went to our other favorite restaurant, and thought nothing more about it.

I had a phone message today. The owner of the restaurant called to apologize when he found out we had been given a reservation for a day when they had not reopened yet. Very gracious and a step beyond what you expect.

So in the spirit of hospitality, I called the restaurant back and told the hostess about the call, how gracious I thought it was, how glitches happen, how it was one of most favorite restaurants, and how we look forward to seeing them soon.

You could almost hear her beaming on the other end over getting my call, asking my name, and how anxious she was to pass my call along to the owner.

End result? A glitch turned out to be a warm exchange that made me appreciate the restaurant even more.

You don’t think that owner doesn’t want the food done well? (It is excellent, Philippe’s has a Parisian Omelette that can make you moan)

And by the way, the restaurant we walked over to, our co-favorite, Bistro Nautile, has a server named Rachel who has worked with us before.

We apologized for not making a reservation. She laughed and then took us to our favorite seat. She remember what wine we had ordered from a few weeks earlier, how many oysters I always order and how I want them served, and our favorite dishes. The pacing was perfect. Incredible.

If I were still in the newspaper business I would hire her in a minute as a reporter. If I were still teaching I would be thrilled at having her as a teaching assistant. My wife said the same thing about hiring her.

Finishing that book and going out last night had the kind of connection you don’t often find.