Frank
Chairman of the Board
I've been to Asahi a number of times - most of the time, my experiences have been pretty good. In fact, I took my girlfriend there on her birthday a few weeks ago, and it was excellent. But I'm pretty certain after last night, I do not intend to ever go there again.
Most of you know what Japanese restaurants are like - an entire table is seated, and your meal is cooked in front of you, and part of the experience is the entertainment of it all. Having done that several times, unlike the other patrons, I chose to order sushi instead. Raw fish, right? *Should* be like ordering a salad at a restaurant. ## boy.
We got our drinks - and then our soup - and then our salad - as always. The chef came out and began his 'show'. As usual, he didn't disappoint. But as he got closer to completion, I began to wonder - where the hell is MY dinner?
He cooked the rice, the vegetables, the meat - everyone ate - including appetizers - he cleaned the stove. Now at this point - even the CHILDREN have finished their meals, and are busy playing at their seats waiting for their parents to get the check.
Nothing.
I comment on this, to our wait person (whom I was later informed - was part owner). She says my order will be coming out soon.
By this time - everyone is completely finished. Nothing. Geez, I've been there almost forty-five minutes to an hour - nothing. Finally it arrives - as everyone is getting ready to LEAVE - and heck, I can see our chef already making with the show at another table.
FINALLY it arrives. Well, I'm furious - and those of you who know me know for certain - this rarely happens. Our waitress makes no apologies - except for one lame excuse -
"Sushi is a little slow tonight because we only have one sushi chef on"
Now, don't TWO things come to mind?
1. WHY didn't she mention this at any time within the previous HOUR? Why not when I ordered? Why not sometime while we were waiting?
2. The patrons AT the sushi bar had NO wait, for their food - apparently, customers at tables get last priority.
After this atrocious service - I sent the food back. I had lost my appetite. My girlfriend went to speak to a manager, because I really didn't think I could be polite about it.
Their solution? Oh - I didn't have to PAY for the food I sent back.
How thoughtful. They just shrugged it off. Sorry. We're idiots, clods and provide awful service - but you know, too bad. What do you want from us?
You know, I've been to greasy spoons before that offered a free meal for impolite service or so much as a dirty fork. I didn't even get an apology, except from the manager who basically said, sorry, I can't do anything about it.
I can't say every night at Asahi will be like that - prior to last night - it had always been at least favorable. But I'm voting with my feet now.
No more. I'll go to Monterey. It's not as though St. Mary's is lacking in good restaurants with good service.
Most of you know what Japanese restaurants are like - an entire table is seated, and your meal is cooked in front of you, and part of the experience is the entertainment of it all. Having done that several times, unlike the other patrons, I chose to order sushi instead. Raw fish, right? *Should* be like ordering a salad at a restaurant. ## boy.
We got our drinks - and then our soup - and then our salad - as always. The chef came out and began his 'show'. As usual, he didn't disappoint. But as he got closer to completion, I began to wonder - where the hell is MY dinner?
He cooked the rice, the vegetables, the meat - everyone ate - including appetizers - he cleaned the stove. Now at this point - even the CHILDREN have finished their meals, and are busy playing at their seats waiting for their parents to get the check.
Nothing.
I comment on this, to our wait person (whom I was later informed - was part owner). She says my order will be coming out soon.
By this time - everyone is completely finished. Nothing. Geez, I've been there almost forty-five minutes to an hour - nothing. Finally it arrives - as everyone is getting ready to LEAVE - and heck, I can see our chef already making with the show at another table.
FINALLY it arrives. Well, I'm furious - and those of you who know me know for certain - this rarely happens. Our waitress makes no apologies - except for one lame excuse -
"Sushi is a little slow tonight because we only have one sushi chef on"
Now, don't TWO things come to mind?
1. WHY didn't she mention this at any time within the previous HOUR? Why not when I ordered? Why not sometime while we were waiting?
2. The patrons AT the sushi bar had NO wait, for their food - apparently, customers at tables get last priority.
After this atrocious service - I sent the food back. I had lost my appetite. My girlfriend went to speak to a manager, because I really didn't think I could be polite about it.
Their solution? Oh - I didn't have to PAY for the food I sent back.
How thoughtful. They just shrugged it off. Sorry. We're idiots, clods and provide awful service - but you know, too bad. What do you want from us?
You know, I've been to greasy spoons before that offered a free meal for impolite service or so much as a dirty fork. I didn't even get an apology, except from the manager who basically said, sorry, I can't do anything about it.
I can't say every night at Asahi will be like that - prior to last night - it had always been at least favorable. But I'm voting with my feet now.
No more. I'll go to Monterey. It's not as though St. Mary's is lacking in good restaurants with good service.