David's Dumpling & Noodle Bar

On June 20, I worked with staff for a private party. Due to a miscommunication confirmed by staff, I was overcharged $700 in excess food preparation.On June 20, I worked with the staff of David's Dumplings on a private party. During the previous week, in e-mail correspondence, I was informed that it would be a set menu. My interpretation of set menu was that guests would have a limited menu to chose from, (dictionary definition). I informed staff that "about 40 people" would attend to confirm that we did not overshoot the maximum allowable space of 50.The establishment never provided a contract for me to sign, that clearly stated what the process would be for the night.On the evening of June 20, approximately 20+ people arrived. To my surprise, food had already been prepared and was served for 40 guests.At the end of the evening, the establishment charged me $470 for excess food and labor preparation. Approximately $250 was covered by a friend. Total charges were for $720.The owner did not cover the costs and labor for excess food preparation. He did allow for excess food to be taken home by guests and also gave me a $100 gift certificate, which is appreciated.Nevertheless, I/our friend was overcharged by $720 and this is a major financial burden.On June 21, I e-mailed David's Dumplings staff, who took full responsibility for the miscommunication. They also stated they were less detailed in their communication with me than normal. I affirmed that my interpretation of our agreement was the dictionary definition of "set menu" in which guests would order off of a limited menu upon arrival. Staff were empathetic and stated they would work with the owner to resolve the issue. This is appreciated.On June 25, I left voicemail for the owner requesting a call back to discuss the issue by 4:00 p.m. I did not receive a response from the owner.I am very willing to give back the $100 gift certificate. I feel as if I approached the situation in good faith, and that there was no contract nor detailed information provided by the establishment stating that food for 40 people was being pre-cooked, and that I would be financially responsible.I would not be pursuing this matter if I didn't think it was a genuine miscommunication and that my initial interpretation was justified. It is a financial burden on my young family.We have been loyal customers of this establishment for some time.Desired SettlementI would like for the $720 to be refunded to my credit card and my friend's credit card. If I had known that this was the true process, I would have called in actuals prior to the party. Had there been a contract between the establishment and me, I would have known that their definition of "set menu" varied from my interpretation. A contract would have also indicated my liability, which I was unaware of throughout the process.I do not want to speak to the media nor describe this complaint on social media. I would like the issue resolved. I am happy to give back the $100 gift certificate, as I am seeking to recoup the $720 cash overcharge.I would like to be a continued customer of this establishment once resolved.THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED. The business owner came to an agreement with me to share the cost of the misunderstanding. This is a fair and equitable solution from my perspective. Today, 7/7/15 I picked up a check from the establishment and I also returned the $100 gift certificate the owner provided me on the night of the event. The diligence of the establishment in working through this issue is appreciated. The Revdex.com is also appreciated for its support with this issue.