Thanks for sharing your similar experience, Jeff.

I had forgotten all about this post, but seeing it bumped reminded me. A couple of months ago (which was a couple of months after the meal in question) I got a call out of the blue from the manager of Maestro. The whole thing was kind of strange, as he didn't identify himself right away (I had to pry out of him who he was and who he represented) and his English was very poor. He asked what was wrong with my meal and, although he listened politely, he pointed out that he hadn't gotten any complaints from any of the other guests at the private party, that he ran one of the top-rated restaurants in the area, etc., etc. It was a pretty poor apology, as I can't even recall if the word "sorry" was ever used. He also seemed surprised to find out that I was not the host of the event (you would think he would have had this information straight before calling me), because he had been planning to extend some financial recompense. I had the distinct impression he though the only reason I was complaining was to get money back. In any event, since he couldn't refund me money I hadn't spent, he said that he "made a note in my record" so that they could do something special for me the next time I dine there.

Based on the surreal nature of the whole call, I don't know whether to take that as a good thing or not!