Brasserie L'école | Victoria | 1715 Government St.
#21
Posted 04 September 2009 - 05:49 AM
#22
Posted 04 September 2009 - 06:37 AM
#23
Posted 04 September 2009 - 10:02 AM
Bistro derives from the Russian meaning "quickly" or fast.
#24
Posted 04 September 2009 - 10:19 AM
Exactly. From the last few times I have tried to make reservations there, I believe their calendar has become more complex than a airline booking system.
It is, I took a peek at it last time I was there...
#25
Posted 04 September 2009 - 02:50 PM
If you have to wait for a Grade 9 dropout does it make you more grateful for the culinary masterpieces awaiting?
#26
Posted 04 September 2009 - 08:56 PM
If its a bistro then it should be walk-in and not like booking a dentist appointment.
Bistro derives from the Russian meaning "quickly" or fast.
Actually, it's a brasserie.
From wikipedia
In France and the francophone world, a brasserie is a type of restaurant with a relaxed, upscale setting, which serves single dishes and other meals. The word 'brasserie' is also French for brewery and, by extension, "the brewing business". A brasserie can be expected to have professional service and printed menus (unlike a bistro which may have neither). Typically, a brasserie is open every day of the week and serves the same menu all day.
A little lost in translation in Canada. Nothing about reservations. And damn, I wish Brasserie was open all day, like Le Pichet in Seattle.
#27
Posted 08 September 2009 - 12:48 PM
And damn, I wish Brasserie was open all day, like Le Pichet in Seattle.
After visiting Le Pichet in Seattle I wished the Brasserie was more casual. Brasserie L'ecole certainly blurs the line between a casual bistro and a more formal dining room. Hopefully the dropping of the reservations will help make it a bit more casual. Booking three weeks in advance for steak & fries doesn't really make sense.
#28
Posted 08 September 2009 - 01:02 PM
They will really need to eduate their clients about the changes unless they have a really regular client base. Because of the previous reservation policy, I am sure lots of people would never think of just showing up at the door so they run the risk of being light the first little while. Secondly, they cater to a clientelle that doesn't wait in line. You don't get larger groups and who wants to hang out with the junkies in the rain?
I hope it works for them as I quite like the restaurant.
#29
Posted 08 September 2009 - 01:04 PM
#30
Posted 08 September 2009 - 02:00 PM
That said, you walk in and sit down, no nonsense about wait here or that section is closed. L'ecole is actually more a bistro, its too small to be a brasserie.
#31
Posted 02 November 2009 - 02:51 PM
#32
Posted 02 November 2009 - 03:01 PM
walked by this place today and they had furniture inside...not sure if it is open for business
Their website says that they are open for business; and they are no longer taking reservations.
#33
Posted 02 November 2009 - 07:23 PM
Basically the best that can happen with a table is 3 sittings. 5,7, and 9 PM. Most tables however get 2 rotations 6 and 8 PM......... 7 and 9 PM as not a lot of people like to eat at 5:00 PM. If a party does not show up for a reservation you basically loose 1/2 the income from that table. The other issue is when you are known for reservations only, there is a potential loss if the customers eat quickly and go to a movie. The table could have had another sitting if walk ins are the norm.
Relying on walk ins instead of reservations however can be a bit hit and miss. Too many or not enough happens more often than "just the right amount."
The problem that I see even with this downtown location is that it is not a very nice part of town for evening strolling in the winter if you are on a wait list. The web site suggests you could "go across the street" for a cocktail, but where would that be? the stripper bar?
I wish this restaurant every success. They probably are the best in the business.
#34
Posted 02 November 2009 - 08:29 PM
#35
Posted 03 November 2009 - 08:36 AM
The other issue is when you are known for reservations only, there is a potential loss if the customers eat quickly and go to a movie. The table could have had another sitting if walk ins are the norm.
Relying on walk ins instead of reservations however can be a bit hit and miss. Too many or not enough happens more often than "just the right amount."
While I have nothing but respect for the Brasserie folks (despite my shame of having not yet dined there), I am a bit confused by their new policy.
Most places have a hybrid system: that is, a certain percentage of tables are allocated for reservations, and when that quota has been hit, reservations for the evening are closed. Those who call for resos but can't get one are still encouraged to try walking in. That still allows for a walk-by/walk-in business, and if ther resos don't fill or there are no shows, the walk-ins can take their place.
#36
Posted 04 November 2009 - 12:09 AM
While I have nothing but respect for the Brasserie folks (despite my shame of having not yet dined there), I am a bit confused by their new policy.
Most places have a hybrid system: that is, a certain percentage of tables are allocated for reservations, and when that quota has been hit, reservations for the evening are closed. Those who call for resos but can't get one are still encouraged to try walking in. That still allows for a walk-by/walk-in business, and if ther resos don't fill or there are no shows, the walk-ins can take their place.
A hybrid system was considered but the restaurant is just too small with only 12 tables: Capacity for reservations is reached but the Bob Fugger calls and we all know he leaves 30% so gets a reservation. Then the accountant calls and he gets a table. The couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary plead for a reservation and are successful.
It's much easier (and more fair) to make a blanket "no reservation" rule that applies to everyone.
#37
Posted 04 November 2009 - 12:10 AM
or Veneto or Up After Dark or even Canoe.^ I think they mean Solomons.
#38
Posted 04 November 2009 - 06:20 AM
#39
Posted 05 December 2009 - 03:55 PM
BUT we ALWAYS default to the steak and frites fancy... would love to hear what ELSE other people get there that they love!
#40
Posted 24 August 2010 - 11:58 AM
Then the no reservation issue came up. This is another case of the few (no-shows) spoiling it for the many!! We make reservations and honour them. Period. As we have a little one at home now, we don't have the luxury of waiting in line for an undetermined amount of time and not to mention the fact that I don't do so well with line ups.
It has consistently been busy there and we've not been able to 'walk-up' so we've had to take it off the list as our favourite.
I don't blame the owners as I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with reservations not being honoured.
I'm sure we will try to go again in the future but we'll consider it a lucky day if we can actually get seated.
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