A birthday gift, seated at the chef's table and while the food was excellent, the service let the experience down.
During our fourth course, when the chef presented the dish, I took a short video out of admiration. At that point, I received a disapproving look from the chef, and shortly after, our table host came to ask about our meal but directed her questions only to my cousin, before walking away abruptly and closing the shutter. The manner in which this happened came across as cold and dismissive, and it significantly disrupted what had been a wonderful evening. I still unsure of the actual problem.
I want to be clear: I had no intention of causing offence, and had I been told directly that video recording was not permitted or discouraged, I would have immediately apologised and respected that request. What was not acceptable, however, was being made to feel shunned instead of simply being spoken to. Respectful communication should always take precedence over coldness or exclusion.
The next day, management confirmed that photos and videos are absolutely fine, but glossed over the behaviour I raised, which felt contradictory and as though they weren’t truly bothered. The manager offered champagne and snacks at the bar, but I’d rather avoid restaurants that don’t treat guests with grace.
Service alone, I would not recommend, though the food is impeccable. So each to their own. Hopefully the staff do better moving forward - Chef included.