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Review content:
Having lived and worked in the area for the last 5 years, this became a regular spot for me, both for business lunches and for weekend dinners where we wanted something simple and comfortable, and maybe a cocktail or two. The food has always been consistent and pretty good, and I've always been impressed with the prawns (fresh, meaty, cooked well).
The place was packed with a 45 minute wait. I ordered off the festival of prawn menu based on my multiple previous good experiences, and imagine my suprise when the order arrived 10 minutes later (remember, the place is packed), before I could even finish my appetizer! Except my prawn were visably overcooked--curled tightly and wrinkled around the edges, and my mashed potatoes even looked a little crusty(!), like the edges were dried out. I took a few bites off a few prawns, and sure enough, they were tough, chewy, and no flavor. Had they been sitting under a heat lamp?
I flagged down my waiter and sent it back, requesting a replacement. The manager came out about 10 minutes later, asked me if I wanted the same dish (yes, as I'd already told the waiter), and then asking if I wanted it to go! When I said no, he arrived IMMEDIATELY afterwards with my new meal. The prawns were better (but not as good as the grilled ones usually are), and this time the potatoes were very creamy and fresh, a distinctly different texture from what I'd gotten before.
I can only think that since the place was so busy, they had meals waiting to go (either that or someone made an extra order by mistake, and they tried to pawn it off on me). And it was pretty obvious that the manager was trying to shoo me out the door, and that my replacement order was already up when he thought he would see if he could get me out quicker with a to go box. Thankfully they did comp my meal, but still. I was really disappointed in both of these tactics, and won't be going back soon.
Cons: Overcooked or reheated food, poor managerial skills
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