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| - Where to start... Ok, well let's just start from the beginning.
The last time we ate at this Olive Garden it was a horrendous nightmare. My husband ordered soup and I ordered salad. We were not offered another round of soup or salad any time soon, despite many attempts to get our server's attention. We were starving! It took close to 15 minutes (post-asking our waitress) to get our second servings of unlimited soup and salad.
When our entrées finally did come out, 40 minutes later, we noticed that the table beside us had already gotten their food, even though they sat down after us. Our waitress must have noticed that WE noticed, because she came up to us and explained that the MANAGER wanted her to let us know that "your raviolis need to be re-tossed in the sauce because they're still cold, so it will just be a few more minutes"... who openly and willingly admits this?!?!
The breadsticks were stale and not prepared to our liking. It tasted like a frozen breadstick that was zapped in the microwave, then placed in a basket with a white linen cloth over top, to make it look like they are fresh out of the oven. In reality, whatever "garlic-powder-oil" concoction that they are supposed to brush on top (you know, to make it actual garlic bread), was not done better than my one-year-old niece could have done.
Meal was horrible. I wish I could lie to you folks, but I simply can't. The lobster ravioli was so salty that there is really nothing I could say or do to extract any more excitement about this matter. On a scale from 1 to Salty, it tasted like the cooks caught a lobster straight from the Atlantic and stick it right on plate without rinsing it off. Needless to say neither me or my husband, who ordered the same dish, could finish our meals. It tasted SO BAD. Do I even have to tell you that the lobster ravioli was mostly void of lobster, too?
Before we left, I attempted to evaluate our experience on the electronic key pads that they now have attached to the tables. The only problem was, our waitress distracted me (which I'm convinced was intentional) by sharing with us the way to make the "best brownies ever" by using the Olive Garden chocolate candies. She tried to excite me by this recipe so much, that the electronic computer timed out in the middle of my survey completion, and I was unable to rate our experience.
So instead, I wrote a letter to the store manager. I hope your experience is better than ours was. I guess we have to go back now, since we landed a coupon... Unless anyone wants it? ;)
"I am writing to apologize for the poor experience that you had at our restaurant. You are a valued guest to us, great food and great service is something we pride ourselves on. We unfortunately failed during your most recent visit and for that I apologize. I will follow up with our management staff, the server and the line cooks on duty to ensure something like this does not happen again. I am going to have guest relations send you a gift card for 40$ and would like to invite you back so that we can give you the great dining experience that you deserve from the Olive Garden. If you have a chance please reach out to me at the restaurant so I can make a connection with you and let you know that we truly value your business and feedback! Have a Happy New Year!"
--General Manager response to complaint letter
UPDATED REVIEW-
We went here to use the coupon we received here the last time. I have to say, it was an absolutely amazing experience. Our server (who's name I can't remember, although it started with a K) was outstanding. The meals were hot and prompt and our server checked back constantly (but not in an annoying way) to ensure we had everything we needed. We were unable to make room for dessert, but we got 2 apps, waters to drink, and 2 entrees for less than $40! Lots for your money, I think, and when it's awesome service, the full experience can't be beat. Happy with our turn-around experience, for sure.
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