My friend and I went to Jack London Square for kayaking and then BBQ at the well known E&J BBQ. We were really looking forward to having dinner there as I work on a TV show where we featured them as a favorite place to eat ribs.
When we arrived, we were made to wait for a table though there were many open tables available. When we were finally seated, those who came after us (who were black) were already eating what they ordered. Not only that, they didn't come for our drink order till we were sitting about half an hour. When the young waitress took our drink orders, she rolled her eyes and left the table before we finished talking and still didn't deliver our drinks after 15 minutes. The restaurant wasn't that busy...many empty tables...So we walked out.
My friend and I are White and Latin. I couldn't think of any reason why others were treated ok, while we were not. Only one explanation: racism.
We were finely dressed, we were hungry, we have money, we weren't rude. They obviously have problems.
I am ashamed for them and sorry I helped promote them on our food show.
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