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In Support of Cathryn's
Dear Editor:
There were so many parts of Mr. and Mrs. Gallello's May 23 letter calling their dinner at Cathryn's "the worst dinner outing of our lives" that were distressing, bewildering and just plain disturbing that I'm not sure where to begin my response.
My wife and I first went to Cathryn's seven years ago, the day we bought our house in Philipstown. It was our first experience eating out in Cold Spring and was a wonderful experience. We return there regularly. We find Cathryn's and Riverview to be two superb restaurants that we regularly patronize - and that's from two people who have eaten in many fine restaurants in NYC, one of the food capitals of the world. Both restaurants here are routinely fine. Is there always perfect service? No. Is the food always exceptional beyond reproach? No. But in what restaurant is that true? In a world where approximately 50% of restaurants don't see their 2nd anniversary, we are blessed to have two fine restaurants in Cold Spring that have stood the test of time.
I have been in many restaurants regularly where from time to time the food or service is not perfect. If that has been the case, I have mentioned it to the manager or owner. Most of them do what Cathryn did, which is to offer to make amends and serve the dinner again. Apparently this was not good enough for the Gallellos, who wanted two dinners subtracted from the bill. Imagine everyone who is unhappy with their restaurant meal asking to have it subtracted from the bill. There would be no restaurant celebrating its second anniversary.
Mr. Gallello stated that he was never disruptive to other patrons and yet argued for twenty minutes until the dinners were subtracted from the bill. I'm glad that I wasn't at the next table that night. I know that I would have found it disruptive. I'm also curious to know why they, who have dined there "numerous times before" to their "satisfaction" would plan to boycott the restaurant after one unfortunate incident.
Maybe the Gallellos need to frequent other restaurants. There was a demand to subtract two meals from the bill for the dinner for six that came to $250. My wife and I recently dined at The Russian Tea Room in Manhattan. The food was wonderful although not perfect and the service was very attentive although not unforgettable. The bill for the two of us was $250. We look forward to our next visit there.
Finally, I want to say to Mr. and Mrs. Gallello that I believe as they do that patrons who regularly frequent certain restaurants should absolutely speak to the owner if there is a problem. Most owners will take note and make amends. Cathryn tried to do that and make the dinner better. I have also decided at times, that if my concerns were totally ignored I'd never dine there again. I would not, however, air my discontent in the local paper for the whole town to read.
I want to state once more that we are all lucky to have Cathryn's and Riverview as part of our Cold Spring community. We are also intelligent readers and diners who can decide for ourselves where to eat.
Richard Cogliandro
Philipstown
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