EVER BEEN PICK POCKETED BY A RESTAURANT? I haven't either till last Saturday night at Girasole Grill.
Story
We went there with 12 people for a joint birthday dinner for my mom, brother and myself. My cousin brought a Chinese birthday cake (something they do not make). After appetizers, drinks and entrees (over $300 for dinner), the server, Michelle, asked if we would like them to bring out the cake. Little did I know there would be a charge or how BIG a charge this would be, $23.95.
How did they come up with $23.95 to serve cake to 12 people? Well, we used two Entertainment cards that gave us a discount of $24 on the dinner, so after the $1.995833/per person "Cakage Fee" our discount was 5 cents. Coincidence...don't think so. I also believe they put the price under $24, so that with a large bill, I would not notice, which I didn't until I got home. $2 per person to serve cake on plates is over the top!! Especially for a dessert they cannot make nor have on the menu.
The server did not inform us of a "Cakage Fee" nor inform us that there would be a 18% gratuity added to the bill. Just inform me and then let me decide if I want to have the cake there or at home.
All my family is never going to go to Girasole Grill or their sister establishment, Buckhorn Grill in San Ramon. They lost 12 customers for life and only gained $23.95. Was it worth it Girasole Grill?
Food
So, why two stars? The food was actually fairly good. Of the food I tasted, the calamari was good but not great. The Chicken Cordon Bleu was kinda bland. I had better from a frozen entree. My Veal Scaloppini was too sweet for my taste and the side Asiago potatoes were not cooked enough. My wife's Salmon Provencal was the very good with a nice white/brown sauce.
Too bad we are never going back. Be honest and don't slip in extra charges into a bill. That is not a way to do business.
Pros: Food was decent
Cons: Put extra charges on the bill that were not authorized or approved
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