Operation: Snag a Table at Carbone - A Guide for the Determined (and Slightly Desperate)
Ah, Carbone. The land of garlicky goodness, Rao's marinara dreams, and reservations harder to get than a front-row seat at a Beyonce concert. Fear not, fellow gourmands, for with a little know-how and a dash of cunning, you too can dine in this temple of Italian-American fare.
Step 1: Embrace the Hunger Games
This, my friends, is not your average online reservation situation. Reservations are released 30 days in advance on a platform called Resy. Mark your calendars, set alarms, carve reminders into your pet goldfish. Procrastination is the enemy here. You'll be battling it out with a legion of carb-craving New Yorkers, all vying for a taste of those legendary meatballs.
Step 2: Be a Resy Ninja
Here's where things get interesting. While the release time is supposedly 10 am sharp, some reports suggest it can be a bit of a moving target. Be prepared to refresh like a maniac and have your fingers hovering over those reservation slots. Remember, speed is key.
Step 3: The Notify Me List - Your Friend (Maybe)
Didn't manage to snag a table in the digital reservation dustup? Don't despair! Resy offers a "notify me" list. Add your name, pray to the pasta gods, and hope for the best. Just be aware, this list is basically the waiting list for Willy Wonka's chocolate factory – you might be waiting a while.
Step 4: Befriend Someone "In the Know"
Do you have a friend who's a regular at Carbone? Clutch that friendship like a life raft. Sometimes, restaurants hold back a few tables for their VIPs (Very Important Pastapals?). A shameless name drop might just be your golden ticket. (Just be prepared to repay the favor...heavily)
Step 5: Consider Alternative Tactics (Not Recommended, But We Desperate)
We're entering the realm of legend here, but some folks swear by showing up right when Carbone opens and pleading your case to the maitre d'. This strategy is highly unlikely to work, but hey, if you're feeling particularly bold (or hangry), who are we to judge?
Important Note: Do not attempt to bribe the maitre d' with your firstborn child or a lifetime supply of Rao's. It won't end well.
Congratulations! You've (Hopefully) Secured a Table!
Now that you've conquered the Carbone reservation system, pat yourself on the back and prepare for a feast. Just remember to loosen your belt a notch (or two) beforehand.
Carbone Reservation FAQs:
How to get a reservation at Carbone?
Use Resy 30 days in advance, be fast, and pray to the pasta gods.
How far in advance can you make a reservation at Carbone?
Reservations are released 30 days in advance.
Is there a waitlist for Carbone?
Yes, there's a "notify me" list on Resy, but spots might be hard to come by.
Can you walk in to Carbone without a reservation?
It's highly unlikely, but some have tried (with limited success).
How much does it cost to eat at Carbone?
Carbone is on the pricier side, so be prepared to spend a pretty penny on your pasta pilgrimage.
