North Mezzaluna followup:

The following letter was sent to the new north Mezzaluna on May 3rd. On 6/13/98, I received the long-awaited response.  It follows this reprint of the letter.
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May 3, 1998

Manager
Mezzaluna
9901 North Capital of Texas Hwy.
Suite 150
Austin, TX  78759

Dear Sir/Madam:

Yesterday evening, I came to your establishment with a party of five. I have eaten at your downtown location several times but this was our first visit to your location.  While you have a very attractive venue and the service was very good, I have a few things that I would like to bring to your attention that left me feeling a bit disappointed. My first problem was the wine.  I ordered the 1995 Carneros Creek Pinot Noir.  The waiter brought it and presented it as usual.  But after it was served and he left the table, I noticed that we had received a 1996 vintage.  I realize that I should have been paying attention when the presentation was made but sometimes it is difficult when many people in one’s party are speaking to you.  I never said anything about it at the time because I didn’t want to make a fuss in front of my guests.  However, I would like to bring this to your attention.  My partner and I ordered one of your evening specials, the veal tenderloin and lobster.  While the presentation was very nicely done, we were left a little wanting from the minuscule portions we received.  I would have hoped for a larger serving given the $27.00 price tag.  The coup de gras was the espressos we had with dessert.  A thimble would have been a more appropriate serving container rather than the demitasses which contained them.

In closing, I would like to summarize by saying that overall, I feel the $60 per person charge was excessive for what we received.  I would compare the food quality at Mezzaluna to that I have received from Castle Hill Cafe; however, their portions are larger and their food and wine prices more equitable.  In addition, I feel it is inappropriate to charge a party of five an 18% gratuity.  Perhaps a party of six or more but only 15% since that is the accepted amount at this time.  Anything over 15% should be at the discretion of the customer.  At this point, we have decided to forgo any further visits to Mezzaluna.  Perhaps it is just our tastes or perhaps we are not alone in our perception of value for one’s money.

Thank you for taking the time to read my comments.

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Transcription of letter from Mezzaluna on San Gabriel Restaurant Group letterhead:

6/10/98

Dear Mr. Cannon,

I'm sorry for th edelay in my response to your letter.  We were still completing some construction in the restaurant and somehow your letter just came into my possession this week.  In response to your observations I will try to offer the following explanations:

1.) The vintage change in the wine was simply a matter of the winery shipping a new vintage of wine and our not being able to change the list in time for service.

2.) The portions of the special on that evening were not large. However both veal tenderloin and lobster are both very expensive items.  I apologize for the lack of percieved value.

3.) The esspresso serving we offer is the traditional italian portion that is served in every Italian coffee shop.  However, it is a point well taken that our guest for authenticity can be misinterpreted.  The same amount of coffee is used only the amount of water is varied in an attempt to achieve a more concentrated flavor.

I apologize if you feel that the gratuity was inappropriate.  We arrive at the 18% figure because it represents the average tip recieved in our restaurants.

I am terribly sorry for the poor experience you had with us.  At that time we were less than two weeks old and we were still feeling our way around a new staff and new restaurant.  Please accept this gift certificate as my way of apologizing.  I hope you will give us another change.

Thank you,
Michael Atkinson

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My followup:

I received a generous $60 gift certificate from Mr. Atkinson.  I did not expect this but am grateful that he sent it.  I will indeed give them another try but will avoid veal tenderloin and lobster.