Calling restaurants during busy hours is a common enough no-no, but I’ve

Calling restaurants during busy hours is a common enough no-no, but I’ve been sassed more than a few times of late for calling to check basic facts. Huffs, and puffs, and tones that clearly said “annoyed,” and this is after I identify myself as a member of the press, writing about the place. Uh, hello? Bees? Honey? Gee, I would have liked to get any information I could off your website, dear restaurant, but I can’t trust any of it. You’ve got a menu from 2005, and according to you it’s spring and nettles are in season. And it says you’re open for brunch, but it’s a lie.When I tried to go to breakfast last minute this Labor Day, though, I really came up against it. If you’re going to have a website (really, it’s absolutely required), update it for chrissake. I visited websites and called so many restaurants that had no answering message, or an out of date one, it was insane. I’d list the offenders, but I prefer presenting solutions. For your consideration:1. Forgo the flashy flash and get a website that’s easily owner-updated. One, flash splash is sooo 2003, and two, it makes updating as easy as pie.2. Clearly note the date of your last update on the home page. That way, a customer knows the information is current.3. Do not hide the information people want most: hours, corkage fees, parking, etc.4. Always update changes in service hours! Lazily closing for breakfast on a federal Monday holiday? Post it! This will save you so many phone calls. Add it to your voice mail message while you’re at it.5. If you post menus, make them current. It might not make a difference to you, but it is a courtesy to your guests. If you cannot keep up, at least post a disclaimer, “sample menu,” or some such thing.6. A Google map is required content. That way Eastsiders don’t call you, baffled as to what you may think is an easy downtown location.I know what it’s like to field inane phone calls on a busy night. So don’t! Help us help you, restaurants, talk to your tech guy, and reduce what you might deem “stupid phone calls” (oh yes, I heard you, she who doesn’t know how to use the hold button) by as much as 50%. And increase customer satisfaction while you’re at it.