Bondir Reservation Issue

[bmmommy]

I wanted to test my sanity a little with some like-minded diners. I have been attempting to make a reservation at Bondir for about 3 weeks. I say attempting because I can never seem to get a human on the phone, regardless of the time of day. I have left 2 messages with detailed requests (date, time, number of people) on their voicemail, which they state they will respond to quickly. Both requests were, at the time, for dinners 3 weeks out. No response or call, and it has been over 2 weeks. I have tried numerous times while the restaurant is open- goes to voicemail.

Last night I called at 5:15, thinking it would be quieter. I got a human! She was booked for my first request (2 weeks out), so I asked for the following Saturday. Her response, "We are really busy right now- it's dinner time here. I'm going to have to get someone to call you tomorrow to talk about it." I was pretty taken aback- but I asked that she ensure someone does call me, as I have left unreturned messages. She said I would get a call. The conversation was cordial, apart from the lack of customer service, but the more I think about it, the less inclined I am to ever eat there. It seemed a tad arrogant- as if they don't need my reservation because they are so booked. Probably true, but I live close by and based on reviews have been excited to have a new option in the neighborhood. Am I over reacting or was this a little on the unfriendly side?

-----
Bondir
279 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

[bmmommy]

My earlier post about my call back seems to have disappeared, but I wanted to make sure it got posted:
I did get a great voicemail yesterday apologizing profusely for not getting back to me previously (phone issues) and explaining how busy they have been. Could not have been more charming. That response combined with the responses here (well, most of them) make me even more excited to get in there. Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

[opinionatedchef]

bmm, plse do report back after your dinner there; we'll look forward to your feedback.

[gramercyfoodie]

Hi - I emailed them with my request and heard back right away. The e-mail addresses are:

[e-mail], [e-mail]

[bmmommy]

Thanks for the responses- I guess I have been unlucky, but I was surprised that she went from checking for one night to telling me to call back the next minute. It did feel a little like a Seinfeld episode! I did want to update that they have called back, so that wins points. Now, whether I can get a table...

[opinionatedchef]

well that is the darndest. I called last thurs after hours and left a question regarding which days might be open , through Monday.I got a phone message from the chef/owner himself the next morn., saying they had spots fri, sun (easter) and Mon.And then I had another phone message from patrick, the GM. When I spoke w/ chef Jason Bond while we were there, he acknowledged that they are slammed most Sat. but usually have many openings on other days. That is quite the bummer for even the best restaurants in this economy- trying to fill those non-Sat. seats. Anyway, just fyi, they have only 3 people on the floor for their 10? tables and those people are busy, but thankfully that is because they are so attentive and helpful. Don't forget to get that duck confit/grits dish and the chocolate sorbet- if they have them when you dine there!

[CocoDan]

This sound like a Seinfeld episode where you somehow, unwittingly got on their "no more" list. Are you sure you didn't tell them your last name was Benes.
Sorry ,
CocoDan

[gini]

Really? I called yesterday to make a reservation for Sunday without a problem. They picked up, took the reservation, and confirmed. Easy as pie!

[csammy]

Exactly! Sunday should not be a problem. BMMOMMY, you should try for night other then Saturday. You will more likely get better food and service as well.

[Kat]

I hear your frustration! However, since you live close by, I would just go there and make the reservation in person. I would probably go early in their service, before the hostess gets busy.

[emannths]

I second "in-person" if possible, but still, if they're too busy to take a reservation at 5:15 when they open at 5, they shouldn't take them at all.

[jgg13]

I don't even really like calling a place to make a reservation anymore, I pretty much expect them to be on OpenTable. I'm certainly not going to visit a place to make a reservation.