Why Perfume in Restaurants Stinks
Dear BA Foodist,
I recently dined out at a well-respected Chicago restaurant. Everything--from the service to the food--was exceptional until the "couple from heck" sat down next to us. They were loud, lewd, and just plain rude. One of our best meals in quite some time was a bust. I kept quiet, but now I'm thinking I should have said something. Any advice?
--JON PAUL Buchmeyer, New York
Dear Jon Paul,
I had a similar experience a few months back. My wife and I were celebrating our anniversary at a high-end spot when a couple was seated nearby. Everything seemed okay at first, until we got a whiff of them. Her floral perfume and his citrus cologne must have been applied with a ladle. There was no way we were going to smell or taste a thing. Ever wonder why good restaurants don't let employees wear fragrance? This is why.
Related: What should you do when you're served bad wine?
Thankfully, the restaurant understood and got us another table. We were lucky, but, unfortunately, in our case and yours, the restaurant is under no obligation to move you. At one point or another we've all been seated next
to the loud talker or the woman with a hyena-like laugh or the couple making out. Restaurants don't screen potential customers, so unless the people at a table are becoming hostile or abusive to the waitstaff or other customers, there's nothing you can really do except ask to be moved.
Related: Not sure how much to tip? The BA Foodist sets the record straight.
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