Want Tickets for Next? What if They Cost $3000?
By Anthony Todd in Food on Apr 7, 2011 7:20PM
The ticket frenzy for Next started yesterday. First, their system had trouble kicking out tickets, as it was incompatible with Internet Explorer. Then, people had trouble getting through to the Next website! We can attest to the fact that some people did get in, and others made reservations - we'll be headed there very very soon. But, what if you didn't sign up in advance or you don't want to wait till May? AV Club reports that some tickets are going on Craigslist for up to $3000. We've got some tips so that you don't get burned.
These aren't just any tickets - these are tickets for the coveted "Chef's Table" - a 6-person, 16 course mess o' insanity. Normally, it costs $165 - if you buy the tickets from the restaurant. Standard tickets are going for $5-600. Next restaurant is not responsible if you get gouged - or if the tickets you buy don't actually exist! Be very very careful - and be wary of fakes. They are very clear about this on the website: "Any tickets purchased on the secondary market are at the purchaser’s risk. We will not be held responsible for forgeries or misrepresentations."
The restaurant has no problem with re-sales - and we expect there will be a ton of them in the coming days, just because so many people will be unable to either find the money or commit to the available dates. Don't pay a fortune, people - just wait your turn. If you do decide to take a resold ticket, here are a few tips. 1) "Anyone purporting to have more tickets to sell is likely unscrupulous," according to Next - since they have capped the number of seats any one person can buy. If you see someone with 100 tickets for sale, don't believe it. 2) Check on the actual options you are buying. Did they reserve wine? Did they already mention dietary restrictions? If the tickets you are paying so much for aren't what you want, then why waste the money? 3) Only buy from someone you trust, and work out how to transfer the money in advance.
Remember, even if you don't have tickets, Next will be selling day-of tickets if the restaurant doesn't sell out - and there were same-day tickets sold yesterday. Check the website for more information. They will also be reserving one ticket every day for someone who follows their twitter feed.