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| - Expensive but VERY tasty breakfast buffet. Debbie was our server, but I felt she was cold - she was overly direct in her communication style and lacked warmth (which I expect from all servers). I used to be a server, and have admittedly high expectations for service. She abruptly asked (almost barked) for breakfast vouchers "if we had them..." for all she knew we were locals. She did the thing where you hurriedly hold your hand out and bend your fingers as if to say "gimme, hurry." The problem was we had a stack of $10 vouchers, and didn't know the total. We asked for the amount and she said "I don't know," almost annoyed. We had to tell her, ok... So go give us the total... She then tallied it up and told us the total over the railing. It was weird, and rude!
I am convinced she pegged us as resort guests from the start, which we were, and just expected vouchers and an insufficient tip. We tipped her the full/standard amount on the total (pre-voucher price), but had she smiled, slowed down and showed some warmth, it would have made a huge difference and I MAY have given this 4-5 stars on Yelp. However, most of the overall experience when dining out is the service. As such, Rico's is left with a 3-star-rating from me. It's important to note we were one of three tables at 9:15am on a weekday - so it's not like she was in the weeds. I will add, to her credit, we lingered after paying and she checked back with us - and we asked for to-go cups for coffee, which she obliged.
So... Let's talk about the details of the restaurant and the food. This is on the edge of The Squaw Peak Hilton Resort, and it's actually a mid-tier modern Mexican restaurant. It's nicely appointed and we were promptly greeted and seated by a nice young man. The menu was limited but had great options! Most entrees are $13, plus coffee and drinks are $3/each, while the buffet is just under $17. So if you get a drink, you may as well get the buffet because it includes your drinks.
The buffet was nicely laid out with great FRESH fruit, yogurts, cottage cheese, etc. they have fresh squeezed juices, and cereal. Across from that there is an omelet station with a friendly omelet chef (not sure what else to call him.) I ordered an egg white omelet with veggies and very light oil, and asked for light cheese. He was great in accommodating my requests - sadly I had several pieces of egg shell, but spit them out and it wasn't a huge deal. I sort of appreciate knowing it was made with real eggs - but would naturally prefer no shells...
They have hot syrup, fresh fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, etc. All of it frankly was fresh and perfectly prepared. They had the most incredible oatmeal - it had all kinds of stuff in it (oats, grains, quinoa, etc.). Add some honey, brown sugar and golden raisins and it's perfect! Oddly, it was SUPER tasty (I'm not usually an oatmeal person). They serve tasty Starbucks coffee - which I loved. Just check your cup... My first cup had a solid teaspoon of grains at the bottom! I dumped it in my water glass before she refilled me and it was fine after that. Then, there's the pastry station - yum! Super high quality and tasty muffins, croissants, and other carb-a-licious treats (plus fruit preserves). One person in our party had the eggs Benedict, and it was frankly delicious!
Net, breakfast breakfast was great (but pricy at nearly $17/pp), and our server was attentive/took great care of us, but wasn't welcoming/warm. The advice I would give Debbie is to simply smile, slow down, and exude some warmth and compassion. It would make for a better experience and probably increase her tips.
If my review and photos were helpful, please let me know with the voting buttons... It encourages me to take the time to write these reviews.
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