carl

Where and when have you actually had a ristretto shot that has satisfied you? Its standards are so debated and conflicting that I wonder if it possible for it to ever be done "properly"...

I must say, Explorer, restaurants, especially brand new ones trying to build up a clientele, do not save tables for "nobody" -- I have worked in the industry for over a decade and I am sure that there is a better explanation. I really don't think its fair to suggest that there was some sort of purposeful attempt to give you a bad experience. A cancellation probably occured, allowing you to get the table that you wanted.