My husband surprised me with a dinner reservation for my birthday a year or two ago after having extensively searched for steakhouses similar to what was my (and quickly became our) favorite haunts: Ruth's Chris and Morton's the Steakhouse. The establishment was a bit of a drive, from Arnhem to Amsterdam during rush hour (it's a slow and painful death), but I was in high spirits due to birthday festivities and whetting my palate with American style steak. Parking wasn't an issue as there is a garage located within walking distance (normal inflated city pricing). When we entered the establishment, it was quite vacant as this was an early dinner, no more than 2 other tables being occupied at the time. We were sat at the far most left handed corner (if you are facing with your back toward the entry) next to the window. It was late April, no complaint in regards to temperature due to window seating and the weather was a pleasant spring day, perfect for gazing out at the city. That's perhaps wear the pleasantries stop.
A middle aged, tall, and sticky gentleman introduced himself as our waiter. After our drinks were ordered and received, the matters of food were naturally discussed. We opted out of apps since we were planning on steaks and a few sides to split. I inquired as to how the steaks are prepared and seasoned, making it blatantly clear that I am NOT a fan of salt. When I was informed that they were seasoned with butter, I kindly inquired if the waiter knew if it was salted butter to which he replied that he did not know but offered to bring the steak butter to accompany our bread basket selection to see if it was agreeable with my preference. I appreciatively accepted his offer and we proceeded in placing our orders, I ordered a rare, dry aged Rib Eye with no salt and pending my decision regarding the steak butter while my husband ordered the NY strip, creamed spinach and fries. The waiter promptly brought the steak butter for the bread. Whilst noshing on the bread, I decided to request a light use of the butter since they had no non salted butter and it wasn't offensive, but was interrupted in that thought bubble with our steaks being placed on the table. Aside from the issue that the waiter NEVER checked in on the great butter debate, but my steak was encrusted with coarsely ground rock salt. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. I immediately brought this up with the waiter. I stated that from our first tango, that I had made it clear I'm not an avid sodium fan, forget the butter issue, but there was a blatant disregard for the customer in the heavy handed salt on my cut. I was greeted with an aggressive attitude and accused of being the negligent one as I "didn't ask about the seasonings used". Uh... what? Their menu simply states that "All steaks and chops are served with steak butter and caramelized onions", no listing of any type of seasonings and despite my #1 question of the evening.
I'm a New Jersey native, I'm used to blunt, I'm used to that infamous Jersey attitude, but I'm also used to food service personnel or heck, ANY employee of a customer service based institution, knowing the motto "the customer is always right". Yes, to an extent and I believe I was quite reasonable and not outlandish or discourteous in behavior or tone throughout our stay to that point. I was taken aback by his audacious manner and reply and quickly "Jerseyed" up, cutting him off in his lengthy tirade to remind him that I AM THE PAYING CUSTOMER and in no way was it warranted that he act in such a manner, I simply wanted a resolution to the mix up. I can honestly say that after he had taken my plate, I don't recall the verdict of the replacement as the whole mood had soured. We additionally opted out of desserts, digestifs, and coffee for not wanting to spend another second or 5 cents in an eatery that would condone such behavior by staff. read more