Not sure why you are sounding surprised with some of the service issues e.g., 5th Ave Andaz. They are well known and reported on in the master threads of these properties. The 5th Avenue one, at this point, has been open almost a year and is still undergoing same service problems. I would think they would be beyond "teething" issues at this point. Also, if the restaurant is filled there isn't anywhere to place you so I would have just taken the in-room option if you didn't have the time to wait 40 minutes (it's usually less). I believe you can make reservations for the previous evening for the breakfast time that works for you.