When we arrived at Va de Vi last night the only seats were at the bar. It took a while to get attention, but once we ordered drinks, it then took more time to get the food menu from the two male bartenders who were cocky and pretentious. Finally we ordered and while the food came fast, it was OK-not fabulous, with too little sauce on the duck meatballs, and the lobster bisque shooters were just warm.\r
\r
The thing that was shocking was that the bartenders, along with the waitresses and the food runner were busy having their own party at the end of the bar with group toasts and shots ! And not just once, but several times during our dinner. When I asked if they always drank on the job, one of the bartenders said: ""you want me to be happy, right?"". And he was SO happy that he was swearing at the top of his lungs like a sailor with one of the ""regulars"" sitting next to us, and bragging to us about his longevity at his job! The bartenders clearly had their favorites of both the customers and the staff. \r
\r
Having a culinary management degree myself, I was saddened for the owners who must be losing a ton of juice to the staff every night, in addition to offended customers like me. Maybe this if reflective of the prices?? Serious poor management issues that if corrected could make this a fabulous venue in Walnut Creek.
Pros: Fun place, great decor
Cons: Staff needs managing!
more