The positive... Our server was an absolute sweetheart and was quick to rectify things when the wrong sandwich was brought out. She even took care of my BF's sandwich when he forgot to ask for crispy bacon and it came out rubbery. The hostess and other servers who jumped in to help out our server were pleasant. The food came out quite fast.
The bad? I became violently ill 30 minutes after eating. I ordered pineapple juice and had a few sips before finding a piece of blue paper floating in it (see photo). Since I was seated so close to the bar, I decided to just ask the bartender for a replacement. The bartender was nowhere to be found, but the hostess came over to see if she could help. I explained the issue and she took the drink and told me she would have a new one sent over. A few minutes later, she came to our table to tell me the bartender had still not returned to the bar and to ask if I might like something different. I preferred to wait for the pineapple juice.
Our server came over to let me know she had heard there was an issue with my drink and that she would be bringing a new one. She followed through and we continued our meal. I didn't sip much from the second cup and asked if I could have a to-go cup. Our server brought a lid for the cup my drink was in and we settled the tab so we could leave.
On the ride home, my stomach began cramping badly. I made it home before the nausea hit and spent the better part of the next hour vomiting and dry-heaving. I rested a bit and thought it best to sip vitamin water for the remainder of the evening. I decided to pour out the pineapple juice and, to my disgust and surprise, found the same piece of blue paper that was floating in my original cup of juice. I was literally given back the exact same cup of juice... the open cup of juice that was taken by the hostess, left on the counter in full spitting distance of all the patrons at the bar, presumably handled by the bartender, and brought back to me by our server.
I called the restaurant and spoke to Katelyn, the manager. I explained the situation and asked if she would speak with whomever was responsible and make them aware that this is simply not ok. Katelyn was apologetic and ensured me she would speak with her team.
My sense is that this is common practice for this restaurant. The manager wasn't even surprised or in disbelief. She speculated that the drink was left on the counter by the hostess and that the server came and picked it up thinking it was the new one. The trouble with this excuse is that there was a straw in my original cup, bearing my very pink lipstick.
I won't go back unless I have an overwhelming urge to spend my evening alternately cramping or vomiting, and I feel certain that will be in Neveruary.
My advice? If your body can handle drinking river water in a third world country, stop on by. If you care about what happens to your food behind the scenes, keep on driving by. read more