The best part of going to a place they know you....is that they know you!

So when we went to the restaurant we were really, really early. I mean it was about 4:30 in the afternoon.
On a Tuesday. So it was very empty. We decided to sit at the bar because all the doors were opened onto 18th Street and  a beautiful breeze was blowing. It's funny how you can find a spot in the hustle and bustle of New York City that is an Oasis of calm. You can watch everybody rushing by while you are enjoying a cocktail and nibbling on an appetizer. Or your honey.

We took a bunch of photo's like we always do. And while we did, the chef/owner Paolo photo bombed us. Which was great because it put the bartender back on his heels.

You see he had no idea that we frequent this joint. I mean we are by no means regulars but we hit it at least once a month. Now we usually sit at a table, in fact this is the first time we sat at the bar. So he treated us like typical tourist trash. I didn't care but the wife got a little upset. I am never a tourist wherever I go and just said "hey give it a chance...he will get the idea that his performance will be reflected in the gratuity."

Of course all that changed after the owner came in and made a big deal about us. Kissing Lisa and hugging me. So the bartender suddenly became much more friendly. Hey waddayagonnado?

It never is good to presume. Don't presume you will get special treatment. And don't presume that your patrons are just dopes who don't know any better.