The Bad and the Ugly

I've had this blog entry in my mind all week and have written it in my head so many times that it feels like I already wrote it down.  Last weekend we went to Frederick and had an enjoyable evening walking around the First Saturday event. But now that a week has passed since the unusual restaurant episode, I have begun to rethink my original feelings on the evening.  Yes, we tried a new restaurant.  Anne's Steakhouse in Frederick looked great.  Nice atmostphere and a promising menu.  But after waiting 2 hours for our order to be served, I realize that there were many red flags along the way to the end point.  The waitress, while sweet and polite, did not seem to know what was going on.  She did continually tell us that it wouldn't be too much longer.  After such a long wait, we just kept hoping she was correct.  I didn't understand why some customers who came in after us, seemed to be receiving their dinners, while we kept waiting.  But yet, we continued to wait.  Finally, dinner arrived.  Now mind you, we did not order anything fancy.  I really could have put this dinner together in 20 minutes.  Steak and broiled fish, with a side order of garlic mashed potatoes.  When I cut into my steak, it was raw, not medium.  My husbands fish was wet  and mushy.  Looked more baked(underbaked) than grilled.  The potatoes resembled instant, with a lot less flavor.  Apparently, more than just being short a couple of cooks was going on at Anne's.   

I have worked in a number of restaurants in my life, and I do know that many things can go very wrong. Especially on a busy Saturday evening.  Waitresses and chefs and cooks get sick or don't show up.  But even in the worse case scenario, honesty is the best policy.  And two hours is too long to wait for dinner. Anywhere.

The manager asked if there was anything she could do to make things right.  Really?  No.  She insisted on giving me a $25 gift card for a return visit.  There won't be a return visit.  Thanks but no thanks.

I am sympathetic.  I know you can't please all of the customers all of the time.  But after such a horrible experience in dining,  I really doubt that I will willingly try this restaurant again.