-- Good Intentions, Poor Execution…read more
Let me start by saying I wanted to like Don P's. Friday lunch, only three other tables occupied, and a menu that had real potential. Unfortunately, the experience fell short from the moment we walked in until we tracked someone down just to pay and leave.
________________________________________
First Impressions
No greeting. No hostess. We stood at the entrance long enough to feel awkward before walking up to the counter ourselves to ask the basics -- do we seat ourselves? Is there table service? They clearly saw us, but ignored us. Not a great start for a sit-down restaurant.
________________________________________
Atmosphere & Presentation
The décor is trying to do something, but it lands closer to glitzy-cheap than charming. More noticeable: the food arrived in takeout containers with plastic utensils, and drinks came in disposable cups. At a table-service restaurant. At lunch. No aprons, no uniforms on the staff -- nothing that signals "we take this seriously."
________________________________________
The Food
OG Gumbo -- 3/10 I've driven hours out of my way for great gumbo. This wasn't it. Okra, andouille, chicken, shrimp -- the ingredients were there, but the broth was thin and watery in a way I've genuinely never experienced before. It's not the worst gumbo I've ever had (chain restaurants hold that title), but it was very substandard, a real disappointment.
Cajun Pasta -- 2/10 This one was rough. Overcooked pasta, bordering on paste, and salted so aggressively it tasted almost intentional -- like Cajun seasoning AND an extra round of salt was added separately. Nearly inedible, and I don't use that word lightly.
________________________________________
Service
Virtually nonexistent. We were ignored for most of the meal and had to physically hunt down our server to get the check -- so we could leave and go eat somewhere else. That about sums it up.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts
Don P's isn't without potential -- the concept is there, and the food came out hot and fast. But hot and fast doesn't cover watery gumbo, over-seasoned pasta, disposable everything, and a staff that seemed indifferent to our presence. With some serious attention to food quality, service standards, and basic dining room professionalism, this place could be something. Right now, it's not.
Would I return? No. Would I recommend it? Not yet.
