Available: One Food Critic
Ryan and I tend to be pretty picky about the food we are served in restaurants. To be more exact, we’re picky about our restaurants in general. And really, why shouldn’t you be? A night out at a nice restaurant can cost an arm and a leg, so why shouldn’t you expect greatness?
We were so excited when we saw that an actual wine bar and bistro was going up near our house. (which is relative because really NOTHING is necessarily ‘near’ our house) For our private graduation celebration, Ryan planned a date to the new place. Even while keeping an open mind because the restaurant is new, I was pretty disappointed with my food. The bruschetta we ordered was DROWING in balsamic vinagrette. When my panini came for the entree the chicken was disappointingly so charbroiled that it completely overcame the yummy dill spread that accompanied it. On the side I ordered fresh fruit and was disappointing when the pineapples were not only hard, but completely tasteless.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a problem keeping my mouth zipped. And really they GAVE me a comment card, so how could I not give them some friendly suggestions? You know… purely to help them out in their new venture.
I know, I’m a food snob. I was very fair in my comments, and not at all judgemental, but I still felt a little guilty after we left. But just now I opened my email and there was one with the subject line “Bruschetta”. Intrigued, I opened it and this is what it said:
“Thank you very much for your insight on the balsamic with the traditional
bruschetta. I noticed the same thing just yesterday morning and harped on
the kitchen to fix it. At least now they know someone else out there sees
the same. AND your exactly right on the pineapple. I don’t think we can
get a decent pineapple at the perfect ripeness so we plan on pulling it off
and replacing with something else.
Thanks again for the comments and I hope we meet ALL of your expectations
next time in.”
Now THIS is a restaurant that I will be visiting again. (D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro on Power and McDowell in Mesa. Plug. Plug.)
Haha… too bad they didn\t offer a little discount to go along with the next meal *winks*
Congrats on graduating, again!
hey, thats cool. see, they actually want constructive criticism =)
funny u should post on this. i was just telling some of my classmates yesterday when we went to lunch after cutting up HUMAN BRAINS!!! that im a food snob.
Wow….I am impressed that they actually wrote you about your concerns….they couldnt throw in a gift card or something, though? I would try the place again. Firm believer in second chances
Dude - this reminds me of marketing class. Remember the rule about listening to criticism and how that pays off? I need to get away from school.
If you havent been there already I implore you to visit Postino at 40th St / Campbell. Worth the drive, the bruschetta is magical and if you go on a Monday they serve amazing pizza that the waitresses from La Grande Orange bring over (pizza/bakery/grocer next door). Worth the drive.