I have eaten at Outback Steakhouses all around the world and the meal I had tonight was the worst. My wife and I stopped in after doing some shopping, still early and no wait to be seated, still happy hour to be exact. The person that seated us asked for drink orders and I was going to have a large Foster's because it was part of the Happy Hour Special, my wife got her Walla Be Darned and I ended up with a small glass of flat something other than Fosters, tasted like a light beer of some sort.
The waiter said "Sorry about that", but did not offer to bring me me the correct item. I finally asked him to take it away and bring me a glass of wine.
They brought the usual loaf of bread, however, I had to ask our waiter for some bread plates. He said "Sorry about that" went and got two plates that were still dripping wet, when he noticed I was using my napkin to wipe them off, he said... wait for it... "Sorry about that", however, did add that "it was only water!".
My wife had her usual Sirloin Steak and sides, however, trying to be more healthy I asked our waiter if the fish dishes were as good as the pictures looked (see Picture 1 in the photo gallery for example) he said "pretty close". I should have known then that that was not the way to go but hey Grilled Mahi, how hard can it be, with a few steamed vegetables on the side. I was ready for a good healthy meal.
The fish was so over cooked when it was brought the to the table you could see heat rising from the fish, but not steam. It was so dry that when I took a bite it sucked the moisture out of my mouth... wow, never have I had fish this overcooked. When the waiter came by and asked the requisite "How is everything?" I told him the vegetables were great, however, the fish was way over done. He said "Sorry about that" and left. I was thinking surly he is going to get a manager or someone to authorize him to have my order remade... nope. A few minutes later he came by again and asked "How is everything?" and I responded veggies are great, fish is inedible. He said "Sorry about that".
My wife finished her meal and I ate my veggies but left the whole piece of fish on my plate except for the 1 or 2 bites where I tried to find edible bits. The waiter came to clear the plates and said "are you finished" I said "yes" he said "I apologize for the meal not being to your liking, I really am sorry about that". No mention of a manager coming over or "would you like to speak to someone" and I know I should have asked... but I really wanted to see if the meal would be on my check. WOW!!! $16 worth of veggies.
I did hear him mention to another table that this was his first week, but really if that is how they train their wait staff, to be so nonchalant, insensitive to what is going on around their tables and not have the initiative to try to make something right then it is a management issue from the top down.
I know, blame me for getting fish at a steak place, but really, Aussies do know how to cook fish, and if they can't here then take it off the menu.
Please train the wait staff to ensure good customer service and if they have to say "Sorry about that" then they should take an action to fix the problem. read more