On our way to Gulfstream racetrack we stopped in for a late lunch. We arrived to find the patio was full so we decided to wait for a table and were given a buzzer to alert us when one became available. (we were the only ones on the wait list and the inside was only 40% full if that) As we were sitting in the outdoor waiting area we had full view of the patio and noticed several tables leaving. Then the tables were cleared and still we sat waiting...and waiting. Finally I approached the hostess to ask her if we were able to be seated yet as tables were available. I was informed no tables were ready yet and sent back out to wait. We watched the empty tables for another 10 minutes and decided we would just leave as this place did not seem interested in seating us. Just as we were about to hand in our buzzer we were called to be seated !\r
We were shown our coveted patio table and seated. Our waiter came fairly quickly taking our water and soft drink orders. We ordered 3 appetizers to share: Spicy Shrimp & Eggplant, Beef Carpaccio and Chicken Calbrese Flat-bread. Food came fairly quickly and was served on ginormous platters like family style Italian. While the sizes were impressive as well as the presentation the food fell a little short. The Beef Carpaccio meat was bland but drizzled with aoili that was too heavy/ greasy for the dish. The flat-bread was a little dry could have used more onion marmalade and cheese. The shrimp & eggplant dish was nicely done we thought and original but the eggplant was deep-fried.\r
It took a while for our table to get cleared and we stated we wanted to order a couple more appetizers. After a while our waiter came back and we ordered two more dishes. After yet another long while our waiter returned and informed us that it was shift change in the kitchen and the dishes we ordered had been over-cooked...at that point we just cancelled the order as we were ready to head to the track. The good thing to come out of it was that our waiter had the manager authorize a 25% discount to our bill for the inconvenience.\r
I did enjoy the complimentary sourdough bread with butter and seasoned flat crisps served before our appetizers. Just wish the attentiveness of the staff could have been picked up a few notches as well as some of the food flavours.
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