After at least ten visits, I've learned my lesson.
The restaurant is tucked away in a nameless part of Manhattan that is more reminiscent of the West Village than nearby Soho and TriBeCa. As you cross Sixth Avenue on Broome and the street gets a little sketchy, you know you’re almost there. It will get darker but you will hear a murmur in the distance; it is the sound of people congregating outside of your destination.
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When you get there, you wish they had a reservation policy. But no worries, that same charming voice lets you know that you can wait outside or opt to go to the Monkey Temple, a bar next door (my favorite option) where he will retrieve you when something opens up. About a half hour later, you have a drink or two in you and your date is already starting to look a bit better.
Always at around this time the friendly voice comes in and lets you know that your table is ready. You happily tote over the drink in your hand and the bottle(s) of wine you brought with you in your bag (Ivo & Lulu is a no-corkage fee BYOB). The friendly voice is now also a big smile as he brings you to your table which is slightly-too-tight for complete comfort, but is in a low-lit and romantic room. You notice he is answering the phone, serving people, showing them to their tables and helping out in the kitchen.
