Getting a table at the last minute... strategies?

[kuan]

Does anyone have a good strategy for getting a table at hot restaurants? I was thinking of calling and name dropping. Say...

"Hi! This is L. Tim Ryan's assistant calling. I was wondering if you had a table at Alinea tonight for..."

[shroomgirl]

Kaun, I think there's no waiting in Hannibal,Mo. unless you go on seafood buffet nite.....

[nofifi]

I don't know Shroomgirl, I heard you have to slip $1.00 to the hostess at the door in Hannibal if the buffet is busy that night, lol

[cheflayne]

If a "hot" restaurant tells that there are no tables available, ask them if they would have a table for _________ (Dalia Lama, Bono, Paul Bocuse, whoever's name you want to use) if they show up. When they say yes, say well they are not coming tonight so you can give me their table.

[Ishbel]

Kuan
I have had success on this side of the Atlantic by using London & UK restaurant booking, reviews, recommendations - toptable.co.uk They often have last minute cancellations at some of the hottest restaurants in the country.

Mind you, I recently (couple weeks ago) wanted to book a meal at Martin Wishart's restaurant in Edinburgh (he's a Michelin starred chef)... I was told, in a rather sniffy manner, that giving them 3 months notice wasn't enough.... they are now taking bookings for 4 months hence... Ho hum, the pretentiousness of restrateurs is becoming amost too much to bear!
Needless to say, I booked elsewhere. Who knows if one would still be alive, 4 months from now?!

[KYHeirloomer]

I just wait a year. By then the place has either closed, or the crowds have moved on to the next "in" place.

[Ishbel]

Martin Wishart's place has been going for at least 4 years.... no let up in demand yet....

[shel]

Originally Posted by cheflayne

If a "hot" restaurant tells that there are no tables available, ask them if they would have a table for _________ (Dalia Lama,

I recognize the other names in your post, but who is Dalia Lama?

Shel

[nofifi]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems.

His Holiness has travelled to more than 62 countries spanning 6 continents. He has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. He has held dialogues with the heads of different religions and many well-known scientists.

Since 1959 His Holiness has received over 84 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, etc., in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. His Holiness has also authored more than 72 books.

His Holiness describes himself as “a simple Buddhist monk”.

[shel]

Originally Posted by nofifi

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace [...] His Holiness describes himself as “a simple Buddhist monk”.

Yes, I know who tha Dalai Lama is, but the poster mentioned Dalia Lama and some celebrities , and I thought Dalia Lama was some celebrity that I didn't know.
scb