On my most recent Puppies In Flight jaunt (Palm Springs to Milwaukee), and after tendering my charge, I had about 45 minutes before boarding my return flight to Phoenix. Apparently, since Terminal D is being "reconfigured" (Southwest is moving to Terminal C and US Airways wants to expand in Terminal D), the only businesses I saw open were a coffee stop and this place.
While I did not know the history of Usingers before my stop, I have since become aware. It did not look or feel like a Chili's Too or other chain, so I had high hopes of a good experience. The 1-star rating is for BOTH food and service. Sorry, Carrie; I cannot say that you presented your employer in the best manner. Probably the best message for you:You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
4 PM I sat down at a table in Carrie's main path at 4:00 PM and opened a menu. Carrie walked past me with a food order, then with empty hands and once again with a beverage order. 4:05, she came to my table and asked if I wanted a beverage. In asking what was on tap, I could identify Sam Adams and a Berry Shandy in her listing. I asked for the Shandy; she nodded and walked away.
Over the course of the next 5 minutes, Carrie walked by my table 3 times, empty hands every time. At 4:10, Carrie returned to my table and asked if I was ready to order. OK...usually the beverage arrives before the request for an order...but when in the Midwest, behave as the requests are made. I ordered the Reuben Panini with a side salad with italian dressing and asked about my beverage. As she walked away, Carrie replied that it should not be much longer.
A minute later, a beverage is delivered to the table. On tasting, it is beer with a berry juice or soda. Not bad...it is the highlight of my experience at this restaurant. With only paid internet available in the airport, it was time to check email, etc through the cellphone. Working through the messages and enjoying the beverage, I finished the 20 ounce glass just as my sandwich was delivered (4:20 PM). Carrie put my order on the table and turned to walk away. I called after, asking for another beverage. She turned and said it would be out in a bit.
Hmmm...plastic plate, plastic utensils...not exactly what I am anticipating for a $9 sandwich presentation but maybe it is because of the 'realignment'. The sandwich and salad, however, were absolutely NOT what I was anticipating for a panini and side salad.
The sandwich was on sliced bread, which at some point had been toasted. The corned beef was too perfect, no marbling or color difference in the meat. The sauerkraut (about a tablespoon) was clumped in the middle of the bottom slice of bread, and it was on top of a smear of what should be thousand island dressing. The single slice of swiss cheese was not melted, but simply laid on top of the meat. This sandwich was never in a panini press, so why call it a panini?
The side salad...not on the side but served on the same plate as a bed for the sandwich. 2 ounces of cut lettuce, 1 medium-sized ring of red onion, maybe an ounce of shredded American process cheese and 1 thin slice of tomato along with a 2-ounce container of bottled Italian oil and vinegar dressing. The lettuce was obviously cut, and the consistency of pieces was not beneficial to the presentation.
As I finished what I wanted from the sandwich (4:30 pm), another beverage was brought. I took a drink and the taste of this beverage was not the same as the original beverage. OK...I set the drink down and attempted to enjoy the side salad. After eating the tomato and onion ring, Carrie came by the table. She grabbed the beverage she had put down and said she had brought me the wrong one. She put down another glass and walked away. This version tasted more like the first beverage.
Regarding the salad, I had gotten down to lettuce and cheese. Since it was scooping with the fork, I decided I was done. There is a bottle of Fiji water on each table along with the condiments. I opened the bottle and took a sip. Carrie came by and asked if I wanted anything else. I asked for a check. 4:40 PM, the check was presented. On observing $25+, I pulled out the plastic, figured out my tip and caught Carrie's eye. She came and picked up the folio. On returning the folio, I got my plastic and stood to leave. I picked up the Fiji water and headed to my gate.
In my perception, this restaurant just does not suit me. read more