Alright folks, gather ’round. Today’s adventure? Actually getting dinner booked at that place everyone whispers about – The Secret Garden in Moorpark. Heard the hype, figured it was time to see what’s what.
Just Figured I’d Wing It… Yeah, Right.
Totally thought this would be a breeze. Grabbed my phone, tapped in “The Secret Garden Restaurant Moorpark“. Boom, website pops up nice and easy. Felt pretty smug. Scrolled down looking for the magic words: “Hours” or “Book a Table“.
Took longer than I wanted, honestly. Finally spotted “Hours” tucked away. Clicked. Saw:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Whoops. Guess strolling up on a Tuesday was never happening. Good thing I looked!
The Booking Fumble
Okay, Wednesday it is. Clicked back, hunted for “Reservations” or “Book Now“. Found a button finally. Felt a small victory. Clicked it… and nothing happened. Just sat there. Tapped it three times like a moron. Still nada. Noticed a tiny line way at the bottom: “For reservations, please call.“
Called me a massive moron. Website’s pretty, but apparently allergic to online bookings. Saved the number they listed. Pro tip right here: save yourself the headache and just CALL.
Phone Saves the Day (Eventually)
Dialed the number. Rang… and rang… and rang. Started sweating a little. Were they open? Was the number wrong? Just as I was about to hang up, someone answered. Felt a wave of relief!
Lady on the phone sounded nice, kinda busy. Asked for a table for two around 7:30 PM this Wednesday.
- “Wednesday? Sure thing honey,” she says.
- Asked if I needed the patio or inside. Patio sounded nice.
- She said “Great, we got space. Booked you in.“
Took my name, number, and that was that. Simple once you actually talk to a human. She mentioned weekends book up fast, sometimes weeks ahead. Good intel.
Lesson Learned & Reality Check
So yeah, the whole “planning” bit? Doesn’t involve much fancy tech with this place.
- Check Hours Religiously: Closed two days! Easy to miss.
- Forget Online Booking: Pretty website trap. You must call.
- Call Early, Especially Weekends: Got mine Wednesday easy, but weekend slots? Gold dust. Book way ahead.
- Patience with the Phone: Took a buncha rings. Chill out, someone’ll answer.
Practice complete. Dinner mission initiated. Wednesday night, patio table, locked in. Feels good, but man, more effort than I figured for a plate of pasta! Will report back on if the food lives up to the booking saga. Later!
