Rao's: The Holy Grail of Reservations
You Want In? Good Luck, Pal.
So, you want to eat at Rao’s, huh? You’re not alone. This little Italian joint in East Harlem has achieved a mythical status that makes getting a table at the hottest new restaurant feel like winning a free trip to Mars. It's like trying to get a unicorn to agree to a playdate.
The Rao’s Reservation Mythos
Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as a “Rao’s reservation”. It’s more like a coveted lottery ticket, or perhaps a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory. People have been known to trade their firstborn child for a table there. Kidding... mostly.
How it works (or doesn’t):
- The Waiting List: This is as elusive as Bigfoot. Some say it exists, others claim it's a urban legend.
- The Regulars: These are the people who hold the real power. They've been going to Rao’s since before you were born, and their tables are passed down through generations like a family heirloom.
- The Connections: Knowing someone who knows someone who knows someone who might possibly know someone who can get you a table is your best bet. It's like playing six degrees of Kevin Bacon, but with pasta.
Tips for the Desperate
If you’re still determined to try your luck, here are a few Hail Mary passes:
- Be Prepared to Wait: Decades, possibly.
- Learn Italian: It might help. Or not.
- Make Friends with a Mobster: Just kidding, don't do that.
In Conclusion
Getting a table at Rao’s is a feat of epic proportions. It’s like climbing Mount Everest without oxygen, or finding a four-leaf clover on the moon. But hey, dreams are free, right? So keep dreaming, and maybe, just maybe, one day you'll be slurping up spaghetti carbonara at that legendary red-sauce joint.
How To... Rao’s Edition
- How to increase your chances of getting a table at Rao’s: Win the lottery, become best friends with a long-time regular, or time travel back to the 1950s.
- How to dress for Rao’s: Smart casual is usually the way to go. But if you have a suit made of pasta, by all means, wear it.
- How to behave at Rao’s: Remember, you’re a guest in someone else’s home. Don’t be a jerk.
- How to order at Rao’s: Trust the waiter. They know what they’re doing.
- How to enjoy Rao’s: Relax, savor the moment, and appreciate the fact that you’re actually there.
