Would you pay $255 for meat scraps? No, you wouldn’t. A lawsuit filed in New York alleges many Asians and Upper West Siders may have unknowingly done just that at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare in New York City (photo from Brooklyn Fare).
According to the New York Post, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Cesar Ramirez, the chef at Chef’s Table by several former employees for withholding tips, not paying overtime and racial discrimination.
On the more serious allegation of racial discrimination, one of the plaintiffs, Emi Howard who is Asian American claims Ramirez disliked Asians and routinely referred to them as “shit people.” Howard says Ramirez would instruct the staff to serve meat scraps to Asians and to some Upper West Siders. Howard claims she once received a verbal lashing from Ramirez when an Asian customer was seated too close to his spot at the kitchen counter.
Also named in the lawsuit for the similar allegations is Moe Issa, the proprietor of Chef’s Table.
“We pride ourselves on the diversity of our staff,” Issa’s statement read. “And we welcome everyone who comes through our doors.”
Ramierez did not offer any comments.
Have you ever eaten at Chef’s Table? Have you experienced any form discrimination at a restaurant before? Share your story with us.
