http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2011/06/chef-gordon-ramsay-aghast-at-lady-victorias-treatment-at-gjelina.htmlThe British Chef, Gordan Ramsay, was at a popular restaurant, in Venice, CA, with Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham. Victoria is about 8 months pregnant. Beckham ordered smoked trout, and a salad that has several ingredients on it, like avocado, grapefruit, etc. Beckham asked for the salad to be made plain, with the dressing on the side.
The restaurant has a clear "No Substitutions" policy on their menu. For the record, the menu says, "Changes & modifications politely declined."
Ramsay was furious and said that she was the customer and should be accommodated.
"The lady's pregnant!" Ramsay said. "No one is asking to be fussy.... I still think that's the customer's prerogative.... It was a sour note. I don't think customers should be treated that way. That might not be the way I choose to eat it, but that's what the customer wants."I do find this a bit ironic coming from a Chef who is known for being a jerk, and will often tell off customers in his
Hell's Kitchen restaurant. Clearly, the restaurant has the right to make any policy they want. It probably is better customer service to accommodate customer requests, within reason, but they make the rules in their restaurant.
Is Ramsay rude to call them out? Is he a SS or is this just the cost of doing business and having a policy like that? Several of the commenters called the policy "arrogant and stubborn." If I were Posh, I also think I would be a bit embarrassed that my friend was blabbing to the media about this.