BBQ Fish
Senior Cook
I've been quite busy helping a friend with his wedding for quite sometime now, and it's finally over.
However, let me explain a little of what happened.
Weeks prior, my friend had called a few banquet halls and requested samples with prices (like normal) from these places. Well, what i didn't know he was saying is that he was having a chef accompany him (implying me) to test the foods as well.
Ok, to jump ahead (because we'd be here forever) the last place we had went to had pretty good main dishes. Selected was prime rib (although off bone to save costs, aprox. size would be three, seven rib roasts), stuffed chicken breasts, and stuffed shells, which after tasting, the gentleman turns to me and says, "I hear you are familiar with the kitchen....so, how long have you been in the business"? I darn well near choked, and figured what my friend must have said to them, so i only replied "a couple years, give or take 5 or 10".
Soon thereafter, we decided to go with them, and after the exchanging a few words with my friend, he now knows not to do that again. However, i did understand he wanted good food for his wedding, so i just asked if he wouldn't have me 'put on the spot' again because i'll give him honest answers anyway.
Ok, the reception.
Everything looked great, well presented, and organized and finally it was time to eat. I went straight to the rib with a creamy horseradish sauce, then got the rest.
Well, the prime rib did NOT what so ever taste, nor have a slight crust like the original and was dry, (it was held in a warming oven prior to arrival) the shells were somewhat dry and the chicken was about the only decent thing!
I confronted the hall manager with my friend, and was told "hmm, maybe your taste is different from the wine, because it tastes fine to me".
Now i'm severely angry, but everybody else has to eat, and have a good time for hours to come, so i told them....Ok, i am not drinking tonight, so that's out of the question, and furthermore i will not ruin any further what is supposed to be a great evening, so i will be here with the people who paid for this tomorrow morning, and want some reimbursement for them. Then the smart a$$ said we'll see!
I got a hold of the head waitress and asked for the head manager or owner to speak to, and promptly, i actually did! I explained my concern and soon there after with further investigation, we were the wrong party for that style of food!? Although, at least the appropriate people were refunded 60% of the total costs, but it sure as heck was a headache! And trust me when i say we weren't done complaining, but when we were told about the 60% refund, we quickly turned quiet (we were only looking for maybe 25-35%) because everything else and the sides were great.
Finlly, after the food was gone, we did have a good night and now my friend and his wife are off to europe!
I just thought i'd share that fiasco with y'all
However, let me explain a little of what happened.
Weeks prior, my friend had called a few banquet halls and requested samples with prices (like normal) from these places. Well, what i didn't know he was saying is that he was having a chef accompany him (implying me) to test the foods as well.
Ok, to jump ahead (because we'd be here forever) the last place we had went to had pretty good main dishes. Selected was prime rib (although off bone to save costs, aprox. size would be three, seven rib roasts), stuffed chicken breasts, and stuffed shells, which after tasting, the gentleman turns to me and says, "I hear you are familiar with the kitchen....so, how long have you been in the business"? I darn well near choked, and figured what my friend must have said to them, so i only replied "a couple years, give or take 5 or 10".
Soon thereafter, we decided to go with them, and after the exchanging a few words with my friend, he now knows not to do that again. However, i did understand he wanted good food for his wedding, so i just asked if he wouldn't have me 'put on the spot' again because i'll give him honest answers anyway.Ok, the reception.
Everything looked great, well presented, and organized and finally it was time to eat. I went straight to the rib with a creamy horseradish sauce, then got the rest.
Well, the prime rib did NOT what so ever taste, nor have a slight crust like the original and was dry, (it was held in a warming oven prior to arrival) the shells were somewhat dry and the chicken was about the only decent thing!
I confronted the hall manager with my friend, and was told "hmm, maybe your taste is different from the wine, because it tastes fine to me".
Now i'm severely angry, but everybody else has to eat, and have a good time for hours to come, so i told them....Ok, i am not drinking tonight, so that's out of the question, and furthermore i will not ruin any further what is supposed to be a great evening, so i will be here with the people who paid for this tomorrow morning, and want some reimbursement for them. Then the smart a$$ said we'll see!
I got a hold of the head waitress and asked for the head manager or owner to speak to, and promptly, i actually did! I explained my concern and soon there after with further investigation, we were the wrong party for that style of food!? Although, at least the appropriate people were refunded 60% of the total costs, but it sure as heck was a headache! And trust me when i say we weren't done complaining, but when we were told about the 60% refund, we quickly turned quiet (we were only looking for maybe 25-35%) because everything else and the sides were great.
Finlly, after the food was gone, we did have a good night and now my friend and his wife are off to europe!
I just thought i'd share that fiasco with y'all
; but I'm SO glad you spoke up. I'd also maybe write an editorial in the paper to ward off other unsuspecting souls.
