Understandably.....busy Friday night....But...... Arrived as a walk-in, stood at the counter for over 10 minutes. During this time the people that were seated and waiting for meals were served with their take away meals, and the phone-ins thought it was appropriate to jump the Que to receive their meals. A few families walked in and, although there were people waiting, just jumped the people waiting and proceeded to place orders. This was very clear to the counter staff, and just given a shrug. Despite the number of staff present, I would have expected a lot better service. Unfortunately I can not comment on the quality of the food, as after a 20 minute wait to order, I retreated to the Pizza shop next door. After 25 years of setting up kitchens and restaurants in South Africa I was not expecting a 5 star restaurant, but a quick, awesome feed. Sadly this was not the case. I called the take away some 20 minutes later and left my name and number, as explained to me that the manager/ owner was not available. Not sure what has happened here as the reviews were quiet good, the reason for my visit. As a restaurateur, HASAP Adviser,CCCP Adviser and International Chef, I would recommend staff training on customer service,(regardless of whether a small business or Michelin Star restaurant ) All in all I was looking forward to trying the food here, sadly this business was let down by it's lack of customer care, and service.
To be fair I re-visited the place some hour later, no customers in the shop. Ordered a seafood double, a basic fish and chips for 2. I noticed one of the food handlers/ cashier walking from the back and wiping her hands on her apron, then assisting the deep fryer cook with my order. Really......hand washing procedures..... all the while fixing hair and drinking at the counter. Received my order in a timely manner as I was the only customer in the shop. Did notice that the fish, at a guess I would say, frozen Hoki, skin on, was in a bain and was not floured before going through the batter, which explained the soggy batter falling off the fish. Temp check unknown as I did not notice any staff taking temp checks of produce. I did notice 1 staff member removing a seafood salad from the cold well, cling filming it and storing it, again no temperature monitoring. after receiving my order, i went home, some 5 minutes down the road, temp checked the food, well under the safe zone of over 65 degrees. Fish was still raw in the thicker parts. Calamari was overcooked, obviously a pre-bought in and frozen product. the biggest disappointment was the prawns. pre-crumbed and frozen with raw mush.
Nothing like the pictures shown, and would have thought that the owner/ manager would have called back.
I do not recommend this food server as from my observations, staff are in a big need of HACCP training as per Australian standards, ans customer service. No Food Safe handling gloves, or hand washing facilities noticed either. No obvious temperature control monitoring either read more
