A while back, I stumbled upon an article titled ‘Why New York Restaurants Are Going Members-Only’ on The New Yorker site. It shined a light on the rise of so-called ‘members-only’ restaurants in New York, which are notoriously hard for the general public to book.
Take 4 Charles in the West Village for example, where most tables are reserved for loyal patrons. Meanwhile, the trendy new spot Frog Club is nearly impossible for regular folks to snag a reservation. This members-only trend is booming because, in the wake of the pandemic, facing inflation and sky-high rents, it’s more effective to focus on 600 paying members rather than the masses.
When only regulars book, no-shows drop to zero.
Chef Deshmukh’s words carry weight, yet securing a clientele of loyal high-rollers isn’t a walk in the park. Quality food is a given, but trust is built over time with unwavering service. Time never betrays, but it does come with a hefty price. Only those who embrace it and take each step can bask in the rewards. 🌟
But times are changing. Thanks to digital apps like Resy and Dorsia, transcending time and service is now possible. These services add a premium touch by managing memberships and cancellation fees. Gone are the days when diners had to scour for the best spots. The exclusive family-owned restaurant is now just a relic from a Kazuo Ishiguro novel. 📚
While digital advances, pandemics, and inflation bring about negative byproducts, the fading value of time hits me the hardest. Time, since the dawn of the universe, has never had its worth questioned. Enduring a dreary winter is the only way to witness the vibrant bloom of spring, and braving the scorching summer is needed to feel the cool breeze through the windows. Michelangelo spent four years painting the Sistine Chapel, and James Joyce took eight years to pen Ulysses amid war, financial woes, and health struggles. ⏳
In today’s world, where high-definition videos can be crafted in minutes, is investing time still a worthwhile endeavor for humanity? While I know it’s inevitable, I’m saddened by this shift. 💔
This morning, I’m reminded of the old man crafting a fine bat in Yoon Oh-young’s essay, ‘The Old Man Who Carved a Bat.’
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