Be prepared to bring change on your next visit to Bottino. Apparently, it is Bottino's policy not to provide exchange.\r
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During a recent afternoon visit, I stopped in for a cup of tea. After a few hours of walking around Chelsea, visiting art galleries, it was very satisfying to have a cup of tea.\r
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When I asked for the check, it was for $2.71. I handed the waiter a 20-dollar bill. In return, I received $17.00 in change.\r
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The discrepancy was only 29 cents, but I asked the waiter about it. He replied, ""The restaurant does not provide coins."" I was astounded and asked him to repeat his reply. The waiter reiterated, ""The restaurant does not provide coins,"" and he smugly added, ""Sorry.""\r
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For gallery-goers, Bottino is a conveniently located venue. For those who don't happen to be in Chelsea at the moment, it's an above-average venue and not a destination worth crossing town for.\r
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I've been in worse venues with waiters and managers and owners who have conducted themselves with greater arrogance, perhaps the kind of noble arrogance that can be admired. For sure, I've been in superior venues, and the service was exemplary.\r
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However, I've never been in a venue with a waiter who declares that it is restaurant policy to conduct petty thievery.
Cons: Dishonest change policy
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