The Saturday of the first week of Prelude is the busiest of the two weeks.

At 3:30 today I had four reservations at the bar available at 7:45. Two large tables available. One at 5:00. One at 8:00. And one four top at 7:30. It’s the most booked I’d ever seen us.

The phone was quiet all afternoon. Surprisingly so.

Until 4:00.

Then the ringing started.

My favorite few phone calls.

Woman calls for six people. I offer the 5:00 and 8:00. She’s not sure it will work. Says she will call back. I let her know that I can’t promise anyone will answer. She says we’ll hear back from her. I probably have a message from her tomorrow afternoon.

Another gentleman calls. It’s 4:30. Wants to know when we open. He’s in the parking lot. Wants to come in now. We don’t open till 5:00. Lets me know he’s coming in as soon as open. I ask if he has a reservations. He says no. BUT. He tells me has cash. Lots of cash. Ready to spend it.

I explain that if he doesn’t have reservations we can’t seat him.

He assures me repeatedly that he has cash to spend.

I apologize but say there is nothing I can do.

He’s not happy.

Then there was the gentleman who called for a reservation at 6:30. For four people. I explain that we don’t have an opening for four at 6:30.

He then explains that he knows Jason, a server. He lives down the street. He owns a business. He’s friends with Jason. Also Jennifer. And he comes there often. And. And. And. And.

There really is nothing I can do.

Plus you can never get a 6:30 reservation for four.

Never.

Plus. I’ve never heard of this guy.

He’s not happy with me.

Plus. Just like on Valentine’s Day.

Don’t.

Don’t.

Don’t.

Wait till 5:00 on the 14th to make your reservation and then be mad at me.

A failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.