If you have any doubt that we’ve become a nation of debtors, take note of some type on the menu at Cuatro, a nuevo Latino restaurant in the South Loop: “Limit of 3 credit cards per table.”
The rule was put in place about six months ago, after the plastic situation at the restaurant got out of hand.
“We found that more often than not with larger parties, they would want to split the check 10 ways” and put it on as many credit cards, said co-owner Sara Navarro Elias.
“Two couples splitting a check with two credit cards is common and no big deal,” she said. But things get crazy when a server is expected to split the check several ways, punch in a multitude of long numbers, put each bill in its own check presenter and figure out which check and card go to which diner.
Such bookkeeping can “tie up a server for a good 10 minutes trying to close out tables, and slow up service,” she said. So the three-card limit was born.
Now, large parties are informed of the limit when they make a reservation. And Cuatro has a backup: an ATM conveniently located near the restrooms.
That takes the cake!
Our waiter scored points during a recent birthday dinner out when he asked whether we were celebrating a special occasion. But he just as soon lost them when he rushed to bring us his favorite dessert (we would have opted for the chocolate cake) and then charged us for it!
That got us thinking: Do restaurants usually charge guests for a celebratory dessert? While some clearly do (shame on them), we found a slew that will happily provide a free dessert to those marking a special occasion.
Lettuce Entertain You’s Shaw’s Crab House will bring out a free slice of raspberry or key lime pie (or other dessert, if requested in advance) with Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc., written on the plate with chocolate sauce, said Geoff Alexander, vice president and supervising partner. At its Vong’s Thai Kitchen, guests receive a mini Valrhona chocolate cake with a similar inscription.
“We like having celebrations,” Alexander said. “If we find out someone just got engaged, we’ll send over a bottle of Champagne.”
Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro in North Center will provide a reveler with a free Irish Creme bread pudding, Guinness chocolate cake or other dessert, and gussy it up to make it look festive, said marketing manager Sue Pitkin.
At Emilio’s Sunflower Bistro in LaGrange, guests can have a free dessert of their choice, complete with candle (but, thankfully, no singing). A popular option is the flight of three mini cupcakes, said Mary Spagnola, chef-partner.
“We wouldn’t charge for a birthday,” she said. “It’s our way to say thank you for choosing to celebrate your special day with us.”
So, do people ever lie just to get a free dessert?
“Everyone has stories about four ladies, where they’re all having birthdays and they all want a free dessert,” said Lettuce partner Dan McGowan. “But if people take advantage, it’s way more the exception than the rule. And if they’re stretching the truth a bit, that’s OK.”
A perfect pancake
One of the more recent additions to Andersonville’s eclectic dining scene is the Icosium Kafe (5200 N. Clark St.; 773-271-5233), which specializes in Algerian-style crepes. Although the decor could use some work (the checkerboard floor and other remnants of the space’s former occupant don’t quite go with the beaded chandeliers), our savory crepe was delish. Try building your own with mixed greens, veggies and choice of cheese, fresh herbs, nuts or raisins, and dressing for $8.50 (includes a cup of soup). Sweet crepes, omelets and salads are also available.
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atplay@tribune.com
