I love hiking at Chautauqua, so I want to love their dining hall just as much. Unfortunately, I can't say that I do. It's too bad, because their food is above average and very fresh. Their outdoor patio is very pretty and comfortable, so it should be a great treat to eat there.
But the service makes it not so. I've been there several times and I always get the feeling that I am an intrusion on their day. Once time I arrived early to meet with someone. Since I had few minutes to spare, I asked for a piece of cake. The darn thing took so long to arrive (15 minutes ) that I just receive it when my meeting folks arrived and I had to wolf it down so as to not have to eat in front of them. I had to ask for it three times before I received it. It was just cake and a cup of tea. At another lunch with clients, it was the same thing--our waitress looked put out as she brought us to our table and had the habit of disappearing for long stretches of time. When performing weddings there, I've heard the staff make it VERY clear to guests that they are not to congregate in certain spots that might impede the progress of staff getting from the dining room to the kitchen.
Ah! If they only had a clue and smile!
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