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Gringal

Aug 25, 2005, 7:42 AM

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How bad was it?

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A discussion of good restaurant experiences deserves its counterpart: bad restaurant experiences. Granted, this is about as subjective as it gets; but most of us do know what well-prepared food with quality ingredients should taste like. I'd like to hear examples of over-praised, overpriced and under-enjoyed food; lousy attitudes on the part of restauranteurs; and all the other things that shouldn't happen when we're plunking down good dinero to dine out. I've already been "had" by believing the local guidebooks. Palomares' disappointing Reuben sandwich experience recounted in the previous thread is a good example of how we can do each other a favor by putting this information out there.

I'll start: Harry's restaurant in SMA, much praised hereabouts as a great treat. Three of us went there on Monday for lunch to celebrate our friend's good fortune. We ordered different kinds of steak. Big bucks, for us. I ordered a petit filet, cooked medium. When it arrived, it was barely brown on top but evenly pink throughout. No juice whatsoever and the telltale saltiness of meat tenderizer permeated a piece of meat that still required the heavy-duty steak knife to saw it. I'm pretty sure I know what happened, since I've done this number myself under pressure: they NUKED my steak. My spouse had the arrachera; he's had better at Ole Ole for much less money. The friend's steak looked about like mine did. I've been there before and haven't been thrilled, but I don't eat deep fry or desserts, so maybe they do a better job on other foods. In their favor: very good service and pleasant environment.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Aug 25, 2005, 7:55 AM)

jennifer rose

Aug 25, 2005, 8:00 AM

Post #2 of 7 (1076 views)

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Re: [Gringal] How bad was it?

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Great idea, Gringal, but let's all keep in mind libel issues when we respond to this thread.

Here's a bizarre Morelia restaurant experience that sticks in my craw. An upscale restaurant, now fortunately closed. When the waiter brought my salad, he took away the fork and gave me a steak knife. Requesting a fork did me no good; I had to steal one from another table. When my steak arrived, the waiter brought me a fork and took away the steak knife. For dessert, I ordered baklava and was brought cheesecake, the waiter insisted that this was the way it was served in Italy. The coffee was degrees under room temperature, and when I asked for hot coffee, the water brought another cup, carefully adding the second cup to the bill. There were about six of us attempting to dine together, and everyone's experience was more than bizarre. We summoned the manager away from making out with his girlfriend, only to be told that patrons in San Miguel never complained, and besides "This is how it's done in Italy." I never went back to that restaurant, somewhat relieved when an expat of Italian extraction living in Patzcuaro related that he'd experienced the same treatment.

At yet another upscale restaurant in Morelia, a favorite of locals for its American-sized portions, my bill included about six beers and a couple of tequilas, a surprise to me since I don't drink. When I brought it to the attention of the waiter, obviously a new kid on the block, he deleted the charges, adding "Most gringos don't complain." I never darkened that restaurant's doors again.

Chumley

Aug 25, 2005, 8:35 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] How bad was it?

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Let's go to the other end of the scale. McDonalds in Queretaro. Everytime we go to shop at the big box stores and Superama, I must have my McDonalds fix. The last three times, regardless of how carefully I try to place my order, I never receive what I ask for. Now we all know that McDonalds has signage that separates the types of orders by number, for instance a hamburger with cheese might be a #5. But when I order a # 5, but ask for three burgers, one medium fry and one medium coke, I usually get three burgers, three fries, and three cokes. The last time this happened, I finally asked why they gave me three of everything, and they pointed out that on top of the signage was the statement that "fries and drink included." And since I ordered three burgers, I would get three of everything. Ni modo.

Gringal

Aug 25, 2005, 9:12 AM

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Re: [Chumley] How bad was it?

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Same need for McD fix here: Same sorts of problemos until we discovered that one must ask for "solo" if you just want the burger, no extras. Sometimes they ask again about drinks, etc. Then you say "no bebidas, no papas" and usually this gets you what you wanted. This only works in the face to face indoor line. That McNifica isn't bad at all!

Gringal

Aug 25, 2005, 9:17 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] How bad was it?

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I agree that we are treading on slippery ground, so my watchword is "post like a good food critic" i.e. what happened and where without getting into "terrible" and such as adjectives. A little praise for what's done right should be thrown in if deserved. And no name-calling or knocking the other guys' taste. Are we safe there?

(This post was edited by Gringal on Aug 25, 2005, 9:21 AM)

johnv

Aug 25, 2005, 4:58 PM

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Re: [Chumley] How bad was it?

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I never want to see a McDonalds again in my life. The place is a scourge. The taste of their food is so bad, that I immediately have to spit it out. I'll eat a burger anywhere, but I just don't like McDonald's food.

MG Rabon

Aug 25, 2005, 10:12 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] How bad was it?

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Quote

"Most gringos don't complain."

Haha, I've experienced almost exactly the same thing, and got the same reply. Mine happened at a place on the beach in Pie de la Cuesta, decent food, good service. Apparently the staff has a round of drinks on the tab of gringo customers, most I guess as he said don't complain, or don't catch it. Well I did, I had thought it to be an honest mistake, so I brought it to their attention. I went back the following week and couldn't get served, I guess the mistake wasn't so honest after all.

Compórtate bien, y si no puedes, invítame!
MG Rabon