"Over the past weekend, we made reservations at Sfoglina as part of my husband birthday celebration. We were both excited about trying this restaurant for dinner. Prior to dinner, we were having a fantastic time visiting and hanging out in DC with friends. We arrived at the restaurant for our 7 pm reservations. The host confirmed our reservation and inquired who was having the birthday and we pointed out that it was my husbands celebration. We were then escorted to our seat mid-way of the back of the restaurant next to where they keep the silverware, and waiters supplies/equipment. Our waiter came to greet us, and took our drink order and bread request. About 10 mins into the experience the restaurant manager, Steven Sullivan approached our table and begin to inquire if everything was okay. We responded yes, and why do you ask? He stated that he noticed that we were quiet and it didn't seem that we were hanging a good time, and no one had come to our table. We responded that we were fine, and had no issues whatsoever. We looked at each other puzzled, not understanding what just happened. Finally, as we were ending the meal, the waiter came again and gave us a dessert menu and walked away. Two minutes later, Mr. Sullivan returned to our table and again asked if everything was okay, and I asked him why he felt it was necessary to return to our table when we didn't make any request for a manager. Mr. Sullivan continued by saying well his senses were high and he felt that we were not having a good experience. Again, I stated to him that our experience was fine until he returned to our table again unsolicited which made us feel extremely uncomfortable and at the point of harassment. When looking around the restaurant we noticed that we were the only blacks in the restaurant, and that didn't bother us at all. We were there to have a great experience and to see what all the rave was about the pasta they are famous for. I stated to him that we didn't have any problems and was celebrating my husbands birthday, when he replied and said he wanted to give us some dessert and birthday card. We told him that wasn't necessary, but he then insisted. He then gave us the check and pointed out that he had removed the cost for the sparkling water and bread. Sir, I didn't need you to remove anything from our bill because we were able to pay for whatever we purchased, and this felt very insulting. And in fact, if you wanted to do us a favor, first, stay away from our table, we never requested you, let alone you came twice to harass us. Second, if you want to pay for anything, pay for the bourbon I returned because the glass I was served in was chipped, and when it was returned, it had less bourbon than the original glass. Thirdly, my husband was never recognized by our waiter for his birthday. So, with that said, whomever is coaching you with your intuition or high senses you need to get your money back because you were completely wrong. Leave black people alone and let them enjoy their evening out, just as you do with your white patrons!"
