Helium balloons in restaurants
Discussion
I've just encountered something quite unexpected.
Very much accustomed to, when booking hotels, seeing a range of add-ons suggested: flowers, chocolates, champagne etc. Nothing unusual there.
However, in the process of booking a restaurant and was a bit surprised to see a range of add-ons also offered. Glass of champagne, celebration cake*... all OK so far, but then we get to the helium balloon, described thus "add personal wording to suit any occasion to a single helium navy balloon", and at a very accessible price (cheaper than the aforementioned glass of champagne).
The reason for the surprise? This is a Michelin starred restaurant.
Options:
1) Run the risk that it might be like walking into TGIFridays
2) Go elsewhere to avoid the TGI risk
3) Embrace it and order one to see the look on my guest's face (it is not a special occasion and the wording would need to be quite random).
What would you do?
*I have not clarified whether delivery of this involves the staff singing/strippers/a Mariachi band
Very much accustomed to, when booking hotels, seeing a range of add-ons suggested: flowers, chocolates, champagne etc. Nothing unusual there.
However, in the process of booking a restaurant and was a bit surprised to see a range of add-ons also offered. Glass of champagne, celebration cake*... all OK so far, but then we get to the helium balloon, described thus "add personal wording to suit any occasion to a single helium navy balloon", and at a very accessible price (cheaper than the aforementioned glass of champagne).
The reason for the surprise? This is a Michelin starred restaurant.
Options:
1) Run the risk that it might be like walking into TGIFridays
2) Go elsewhere to avoid the TGI risk
3) Embrace it and order one to see the look on my guest's face (it is not a special occasion and the wording would need to be quite random).
What would you do?
*I have not clarified whether delivery of this involves the staff singing/strippers/a Mariachi band
It does seem like a very strange thing to offer but, as it's not in London, other nearby options are limited and most have already been tried by at least one of the party - we want somewhere new, and it has a much better wine list than the alternatives, so are going to risk it. I just need to decide what message best goes with a balloon...
If it's terrible then I'll console myself with the knowledge that I only have a couple of weeks to wait before a booking at somewhere reliably excellent comes around...
If it's terrible then I'll console myself with the knowledge that I only have a couple of weeks to wait before a booking at somewhere reliably excellent comes around...
LooneyTunes said:
I've just encountered something quite unexpected.
Very much accustomed to, when booking hotels, seeing a range of add-ons suggested: flowers, chocolates, champagne etc. Nothing unusual there.
However, in the process of booking a restaurant and was a bit surprised to see a range of add-ons also offered. Glass of champagne, celebration cake*... all OK so far, but then we get to the helium balloon, described thus "add personal wording to suit any occasion to a single helium navy balloon", and at a very accessible price (cheaper than the aforementioned glass of champagne).
The reason for the surprise? This is a Michelin starred restaurant.
Options:
1) Run the risk that it might be like walking into TGIFridays
2) Go elsewhere to avoid the TGI risk
3) Embrace it and order one to see the look on my guest's face (it is not a special occasion and the wording would need to be quite random).
What would you do?
*I have not clarified whether delivery of this involves the staff singing/strippers/a Mariachi band
Michelin star or Michelin guide, sure there is no issue with you naming the restaurant……………Very much accustomed to, when booking hotels, seeing a range of add-ons suggested: flowers, chocolates, champagne etc. Nothing unusual there.
However, in the process of booking a restaurant and was a bit surprised to see a range of add-ons also offered. Glass of champagne, celebration cake*... all OK so far, but then we get to the helium balloon, described thus "add personal wording to suit any occasion to a single helium navy balloon", and at a very accessible price (cheaper than the aforementioned glass of champagne).
The reason for the surprise? This is a Michelin starred restaurant.
Options:
1) Run the risk that it might be like walking into TGIFridays
2) Go elsewhere to avoid the TGI risk
3) Embrace it and order one to see the look on my guest's face (it is not a special occasion and the wording would need to be quite random).
What would you do?
*I have not clarified whether delivery of this involves the staff singing/strippers/a Mariachi band
Tighnamara said:
Michelin star or Michelin guide, sure there is no issue with you naming the restaurant
Would prefer not to: anyone booking will see the message and be able to decide what they want to do.CHLEMCBC said:
Mark V GTD said:
Beat me to it!I look forward to the video/news report/RAF being scrambled to deal with a Foo Fighter!
Honestly I would go for option 3. A navy balloon with some completely random wording is harmless fun, and it is the cheapest thing on that add-on menu, which makes it even better. If it turns out to be cringe you can just leave it behind on the table for the next poor sod. Either way it gives you and your guest a story to tell afterwards.
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