Originally Posted by
whackyjacky
I've been in the restaurant biz virtually my whole life and I think the corked-corkage charge would be within the rights of the restaurant. I can't imagine it ever being applied however. It would be 'bad business' and could easily cause everyone in the party to never return. Since your bringing one from your cellar - you're probably a local as well. I too, find that both 'bring one - buy one and tasting the waiter or sommelier frequently gets the corkage waved. 2 bottles - 2 fees, however, some places with extensive lists won't allow 2. I tend to 'bring one - buy one', it has to be something exceptional, and if it's on the list - it stays in the bag. wj
I agree with pretty much everything you say and your last comment brings to mind a restaurant called
The Restaurant in Cape Town- I don't think it is still operating. BYO corkage charges are ridiculously cheap in South Africa typically $2-$3/bottle. The Restaurant was no exception unless you brought a bottle that was on their winelist in which case the corkage was the list price of the wine - you paid the restaurant their price to drink your own wine. I had no argument with the philosophy! Nor do I have any problem paying $20,$30 or even $40 corkage depending on the quality of the restaurant. At upwards of $40/bottle I'd probably be considering a change of venue.