1. Truth. Not conventional, but go in a few nights before, around 5ish and tell them its your anniversary. Ask to see the Manager/Owner. Pick your table, and state even though others have reported a few issues, plus you do have choices elsewhere, you want them to make it special for you and your partner for obvious reasons. The food is mostly good at Moulin Fou but the service can be "off" and impersonal depending who looks after you.

2. White lie(ahem). Failing that and here where it does get unconventional. You are doing a write up(aren't you ) for a leading food magazine/paper(which actually was what I professionally did for many years) and heard good things, so prove it. Just take plenty of pics, frown a lot, feel if the plate has been heated, dunk nose into food, swill the glass, etc, it looks more convincing(plus we can see those pics). That should do it and might get a free cake and candles

3. Its your special day. No disappointments allowed. Do what it takes to make it perfect, not always easy but achievable........tongue in cheek here for any purists, but hope you get the pic.