I know that they have to be careful with special diets and allergies, but that was over the top.
OK, this is a little off topic here because it was a different restaurant. I just got back from a dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. One member of our group is lactose intolerant and told the server. She was great about it and said she would get rid of the cream-based topping for his steak.
We got our meal and more than 15 minutes later, the server returned. She said, "I know you can't have dairy, so I had them put the sauce on the side."
"What????" my friend asks, "I told you I couldn't have dairy, and you put it on my plate? Then left me alone with the food for 15 minutes without explaining?"
She insisted on sending the manager (even though we told her it wasn't necessary). The manager looked truly horrified. She explained that she was allergic to dairy herself and looked legitimately furious with the server.
She also sent the Chef out. We essentially told him that it wasn't his fault and that his food was great.
Ultimately, the manager comped the entire meal. We didn't ask for it and really weren't that upset by the whole situation... but she insisted.
Anyway, my point... the servers seem trained to send the manager (and the chef) at any conflict.
