GOOD FOOD, QUESTIONABLE FOODHANDLING PRACTICE
I recently visited For the Win with my friends. It's a small burger joint located in Glendale, CA. However, my experience at this establishment left much to be desired. Despite a promising menu and the anticipation of a delicious triple patty smashburger, the overall experience fell short due to a notable service mishap.
Upon entering the restaurant, it was evident that the interior was still undergoing maintenance. While this didn't entirely impact my visit, it did give the impression of an establishment in transition. Nevertheless, I went for a triple patty smashburger with a side of fries and a soda.
The food-handling practice in question: upon arrival, my friend requested his burger without pickles. After a little wait, the cashier brought out our order, and my friend's burger had pickles in it. The cashier then realized the mistake, offered to fix the situation, and asked "Do you want me to take the pickles out?" to which my friend gave the go-ahead.
And we assumed he would maybe go to the back and bring back a pickle-less burger, or perhaps the kitchen would create an entirely new burger. Well, not the case at all: the cashier (no gloves, mind you) grabbed the bun off the top and proceeded to barehandedly dig the pickles out from their grave of cheese that was meltingly hugging them. We sat in silence while the man performed this chore.
As I watched this, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Mild shock, even. I've never seen someone do that. Really, I haven't. The removal of the pickles went on longer than I had liked, requiring the cashier to pry and dig them out, resulting in a less than appetizing sight. It seemed to have gone on for a minute. He was riding the struggle bus as he scraped the pickles out with his nails. A pickle would drop back on the bed of cheese, it was torture. Then he popped the bun back on the burger, smiled and said, "Enjoy, guys." There wasn't a hint of malice in this guy's attitude. I don't think he was having a bad day, and that the pickle incident was his last straw. I really think he believed he was offering genuine service.
Witnessing this, I couldn't help but question the sanitary practices in the establishment. It was really off-putting to see the cashier discard the pickles directly into the trash can without taking further steps to ensure cleanliness.
Unfortunately, this incident left a lasting impression on my dining experience. The lack of attention to detail and unhygienic handling of food overshadowed my eating experience. I ate my burger, of course, but with each bite, I wondered what they would do behind kitchen doors if that was the kind of service they provided in FRONT of customers. This very questionable food handling practice detracted from what could have been an enjoyable meal.
While it is possible that this was an isolated incident or a result of the establishment's ongoing renovations, it is crucial for any eatery to prioritize food safety and customer satisfaction. I hope that For the Win addresses these concerns and takes appropriate measures to improve the overall dining experience.
Overall, based on my personal encounter, I cannot recommend For the Win in its current state. Be careful, everyone. It is my sincere hope that the establishment learns from this experience and takes the necessary steps to enhance its operations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience for its customers. read more