For those that know me, there is little that makes me happier than spending time walking Civil War battlefields except maybe a nice dining experience near one! That is what I was hoping for this past weekend in Gettysburg, PA at the Farnsworth House on Baltimore Street.

Although they have a relatively scant wine list, I did notice a Sterling Reserve. Since the vintage was not indicated, I asked our server if she could check on it for us. She returned in a few minutes and said it was a 2001. Since hearty dishes were being considered, I felt it would make a decent pairing so we ordered a bottle.

This is where it gets interesting:

In a few minutes she presented the bottle, adorned nicely with a delicately tied dinner napkin partially covering the label. I pulled the napkin down slightly and found the bottle to be a 2003, not the 2001 I ordered. When I pointed out the discrepancy, she looked genuinely surprised and said the manager told her to, "Tell them it is a 2001".

What struck me first was the blatant attempt to hoodwink by lying, compounded by hiding the vintage beneath the napkin. Apparently the manager understood enough about wine to know the reputation of several 2001 Cali cabs and felt purporting it as a 2001 could "make the sale".

In most cases I would have immediately walked, but the circumstances surrounding the dinner, the late hour, and the difficulty of getting another table at one of the few other restaurants in Gettysburg made leaving all but impossible. (Had we walked, McDonald's was practically the only other choice.)

Who was responsible?

Had the server concocted a scheme to pass off the bottle, she could easily say she misread the vintage date and no one would have been the wiser. The fact that when questioned, she "spilled the beans" about the manager rings truer to someone who has dealt with arsonists for over twenty years.

The server certainly bears culpability for perpetuating the attempted fraud, however due to her very youthful (and obvious) inexperience; the manager had placed her in a difficult position. Hopefully, she will make better decisions in the future when giving information to customers.

As for asking to speak to the manager, I quickly realized that would accomplish nothing more than satisfying my urge to let them know my feelings. In the long run, I think communicating to the owners will have a slightly better chance for lasting effect.

Mistakes happen; each and everyday. Mistakes are frustrating, but deliberate attempts to deceive are another story altogether. Be wary folks!

So, how much tip did you leave?

2003 shouldn't have been that bad of a bottle, but I agree it was a chickensh-t move. After tipping the waitress normally, I'd give the manager a penny for the "Sommelier" service and make a sarcastic remark to that manager on the way out.

I would have spoken to the manager, Gf. Gently.... as I know that you can, but the conversation was needed. Knowing your peaceful nature, I'm not surprised that you avoided the potential confrontation.

Based on the response from the manager, a communication with the owner would have been required afterward. The content of that communication would have been a function of the manager's response to your concerns. Who knows, your message to the owner could have been quite positive, although I have my doubts.

Remember, "All that is needed for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing."

PH

quote:

Originally posted by irwin:
So, how much tip did you leave?

Next time, drive 10-15 miles south to Taneytown, Maryland and have dinner at Antrim.

quote:

Originally posted by ronmc2:
I'd give the manager a penny for the "Sommelier" service and make a sarcastic remark to that manager on the way out.

that'd teach 'em.

seriously, without at least speaking up, all is failed. next time, speak up. COMPLAIN!

Did you drink it or send it back?

Update:

I am awaiting a response to correspondence with ownership. (I neglected to mention the bottle was sent back specifically because of the deception.)

Regarding the tip, zero was left on the charge card; I gave the server an “adequate” amount in cash with specific instructions to share with no one.

Since it appeared the manager was behind this, I felt it extremely unlikely any satisfaction would be achieved from someone who had already demonstrated dishonesty. Besides, any conversation with the manager by me, no matter how calm, might give them a good chuckle but also a hint that I am far from finished. So, rather than satisfy my initial “urge” to complain and tell the manager the charade didn’t work, I prefer to convey to ownership that if they employ someone in authority who is willing to “cheat” a customer in such a conniving manner, what other things might they may be up to internally? If this is the sole example of such a complaint, I am certain it will be dismissed. If however, a pattern has emerged, who knows? The next bottle he recommends may be in the glass case at the 7-11.

Frankly, I guess life is pretty darn good if this tweaks my nose.

Keep us updated when (if) you hear from the owner.

Probably just as well that you didn't speak with the manager.
He probably would've taken it out on the poor waitress for telling you the truth.

don't make them mad before you get the food

after you eat, then it's safer

I would have eaten and left without paying

that'll teach 'im

Wow, such a big deal over nothing...
Maybe they used to have the '01 but it's now gone and they are on the '03?
A wine list without vintage is usually a good indication that none of the staff has any clue about wine.
But yeah, have the poor guy fired...

fired?

it'll probably be the best thing to happen to him

put light in his eyes and get a clown to force his confession of the fraudulent trick

I had a similar experience in St Louis. They had the balls to open it first. I sent the wine back. Let them drink it. The 2003 Sterling reserve is selling for 80 bucks and is no where near the 2001. I would get on Zagat and trash the place which I did at the St Louis dump. Screw them.

get over it