August 28, 1986
The Grant Grill in the U.S. Grant Hotel is a San Diego institution. It opened in 1954 and for many years was one of the finest places to dine. But in 1986, according to our Unknown Eater, some had said it was not the grand old dining room it once was. So as was the eater way, he went with his wife to try it out for himself. The Beef Wellington was impressive. Mrs. Eater enjoyed the salmon, but Jim (the Unknown Eater) thought it was weak. Service was what one would expect at a fancy restaurant—complete with the guy who wipes crumbs off tables—and a French waiter Mr. and Mrs. Eater couldn’t understand. Their bill was $92 dollars including tax and tip—a steep price in 1986. But not to worry—all he had to do was give his expense account to Ray Wilson and he would take care of it. Ray said, “forget it.”