darcol
Well-Known Member
We went to California Grill at around 8 o'clock, (so we had no rush, and could view the fireworks) for Thanksgiving this year. We took our extended American family with us, we were a table of six. We were seated promptly, our drinks order taken, and we were given time to peruse the menu. Our drinks arrived, the alcoholic ones came within five minutes, then the cokes for the young ones, and then my glass of water, some five minutes later. Our starter and entree orders were taken, we had asked for a few changes to the starters, nothing major, no sauce, things like that, and asked for three all white meat entrees and one with no gravy or cranberry, all minor changes. We chatted for approx fifteen minutes, until our server decided to produce the bread service, swiftly followed by three other waiting staff putting our starters in front of us. In fact our OG server was barged out of the way to allow them to put the food on the table. We also at that time asked for two coke refills and another water. Three of the starters were wrong, two that were requested with sauce on the side, came drenched in sauce, and one dish completely wrong. When the table was cleared, we still had not had refills or water, we asked again. We did not receive our refills until just before entrees arrived, and three of entrees came out wrong. We were asked once if we would like more drinks, only after two of the three alcoholic beverages had been drunk, we never got asked again. The desserts did come in a timely manner and correct, as did the tea and coffee, but only after commenting on the tardy nature of the service.
Now my reason for this detailed explanation. Sat two tables from us, was a table of four, the neighbours of our extended family, and they had the same server. We asked them how their service was. Their bread service came just before the drinks, their refills were replaced without request, the food was all correct, they to asked for changes to starters and entrees.
This is not the first time this has happened either, and mostly at a signature. We were a table of six at Mama Melrose one year and had fantastic service. I personally find the service i have received, for the most part, better in non signature restaurants.
It seemed to us, that because we had and automatic gratuity added to our $620 bill, they weren't that bothered to give the same level of service, compared to a table that can pick and choose there tip amount.
I really love California Grill, but the service this time round has left a bitter taste in my mouth, even more so than the Beverly, which is delicious by the way.
Now my reason for this detailed explanation. Sat two tables from us, was a table of four, the neighbours of our extended family, and they had the same server. We asked them how their service was. Their bread service came just before the drinks, their refills were replaced without request, the food was all correct, they to asked for changes to starters and entrees.
This is not the first time this has happened either, and mostly at a signature. We were a table of six at Mama Melrose one year and had fantastic service. I personally find the service i have received, for the most part, better in non signature restaurants.
It seemed to us, that because we had and automatic gratuity added to our $620 bill, they weren't that bothered to give the same level of service, compared to a table that can pick and choose there tip amount.
I really love California Grill, but the service this time round has left a bitter taste in my mouth, even more so than the Beverly, which is delicious by the way.