Reservation Via Postcard Only

I spent my Thanksgiving with family in Maine. Being family, they have all finally understood the concept that mail and postal-related things are of interest to me, and they well-meaningly pass on every little article to me they can find. While there, they mentioned that there is a restaurant in the middle of nowhere Maine that takes reservations only through postcards. Quirky, I thought, and then I didn't think anything about it again... until everyone under the sun started forwarding me articles about The Lost Kitchen. 

After receiving tens of thousands of phone calls from people attempting to make reservations to eat at the in-demand restaurant, they decided they would try something new. They would only accept reservation requests on 3 x 5 note cards postmarked between March 31 and April 10. They would then draw cards at random and award reservations on a lottery basis. They expected around 8,000 cards. They received over 20,000 postcards.

What's more, they discovered that the cards weren't just names and phone numbers. Many of the cards came personalized and decorated. The staff would get to know each night's diners by looking through their cards for that evening. I, of course, love this idea. The restaurant's owner, when asked by the Washington Post about people who might think the tactic "pretentious" said: “There are certain people who have very short fuses and don’t have much patience. And I don’t think those people would enjoy being here.” 

Applause to The Lost Kitchen for making this digital universe back into something real and tangible that works for them. If you're looking to make a reservation this year, details will be posted on March 10th. Perhaps they'll still use postcards. I hope so.

Comments

[Cynthia]

Oh yes, another reason to visit Maine!
Their Apple and Pear Fall Slaw
recipe has become a winter staple for me.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/10-minute-recipe-apple-and-pear-fall-slaw-with-hazelnuts-and-blue-cheese-1507220983

[Cynthia]

Thanks for the Maine reminder Donovan! I just booked a flight to Bangor June 30-July 5. Using my United miles, it cost me just $12.50! If anyone wants to fly to Maine this summer, book now!
My brother has a summer place in Ellsworth and we love it there.

[JJalltheway]

My beloved daughter who lives in Maine told me about this restaurant. She hasn't eaten there yet because there seems to be about 19,999 other people interested as well! I wish some of the restaurants in my town would go for this method.

[PamelaArtsinSF]

Reservations by postcard? That is a riot. I love mail as we all know but I think that is over the top....