Yes, yes. We all know boldfaced names often get preferential treatment, and we know that loyal regulars do, too. So it's no particularly great surprise that when Charlie Rose waltzes into a neighborhood joint in the West Village, he'll be favored and flattered a bit. But recently, Rose went a step further, "accidentally" receiving nearly immediately upon his arrival a roasted chicken destined for — and long-ago ordered by — other diners. Here's the truly delicious part: The patrons whose dinner he droit du seigneured were none other than New York's Underground Gourmets, Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld. At Grub Street, read their tale of woe — and remember that the pen is always mightier than a fawning maître d'.

Charlie Rose, Chicken Thief [Grub Street]