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| - A LONG OVERDUE REVIEW...
The Service:
Arrived at this location recently on a busy evening about an hour until the mall closed. I saw that there were people waiting, so asked the hostess how long the wait time would be specifically for a booth in the bar area. Was informed that it would only be about 15-20 minutes.
I decided to spend some time shopping around and wait for my friend to arrive before putting my name down as I was in no hurry at that point (about 8pm). We went back a little more than a half hour later and find that the wait times have not changed. Gave my name, got a buzzer - we should be seated by 9.
It's a quarter past 9, and still nothing. I go back to ask and am told by the manager that we are next on the list and will be seated shortly. I'm starting to get hungry! She apologizes for the wait and thanks us for our patience as she walks us over to the dining area. Hang on, I specifically asked for a booth in the bar area twice (we want to watch the highlights and some privacy).
So she says sorry, and walks us to the bar side, hoping to find us a booth. She eyes one open towards the back, but as we approach, it's given away by the same hostess that I spoke to twice (she said no problem, absolutely!).
The manager (luckily) apologizes once more and says that she can seat us at a table and move us to a booth as soon as one is available. At this point, I can clearly see that all of this could have been avoided by better communication between staff (particularly that one hostess who seemed to be in her own world that whole night). But it's 9:35 and I'm definitely hungry hungry! She can see our frustration as we contemplate going elsewhere, then gives us a very genuine apology, just as before, along with an offer to cover our whole meal, anything we'd like. Whaaat? Appetizers, dinner, desserts, drinks (nonalcoholic), you can get whatever you want, she says. "I'll make sure it's all taken care of, because we really do apologize but would like to reward your patience and for you to continue returning."
Okie doke then.
Although there was still a long wait to be served, and I did get a bit hangry, it was totally worth it. Spent our extra cash on beers, it was awesome!
The Food:
- Buffalo chicken wings with honey garlic sauce: big juicy and crispy wings, finger-licking sauce. Got eight big ones served with carrots, celery and dip.
- Sweet potato fries: plentiful and super crispy! Tasted so good with the flavoured mayo dip.
- Maple glazed salmon: which was cooked so nicely with nuts and veggies. Very delicious, moist, sweet and beautiful presentation.
- Peppercorn New York strip loin: cooked medium rare, with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, peppercorn gravy and starter salad (caesar). Steak was very tender, cooked just perfectly and tasted good enough to be my last meal. They forgot to give mashed potatoes, so they gave an extra when I asked. Gravy was the only thing that didn't taste too special. Veggies are plain, however I personally enjoy them simple. And my friend did not like the extra butter in the potatoes.
Is there room for dessert? Almost always yes (especially if it's on the house). - asked for the mini dessert sampler, picked out a key lime pie, peanut butter and I really wanted the tiramisu but it wasn't there. The server came back a few minutes later with two! They all tasted alright to me, seemed like too much flavour in one little glass. But I'd definitely get the tiramisu again and maybe try the triple mousse one.
Drinks - water, iced tea and a few of their big mugs of Keith's pale ale ($7 each).
Overall:
Great menu options, everything from standard pub fare to amazing lo-cal/gluten free items and wonderful all day breakfast. Works with every budget, you can get a great meal starting at around $10 to $30. Or even just get a few apps, lots to choose from.
I keep coming back for the service though! Even when it is lacking a bit (usually just wait times), they have always always made it up! Yes, their staff could be better, but no place is perfect 100% of the time. And like I've tried to emphasize, if you aren't satisfied with anything pertaining to the food or service, management always will offer you a free meal. Or if you thought you'd get more sweet potato fries with your burger (because you were hoping to share, like me), here's another basket with twice the amount on your plate already. Or if you thought the steak was just a bit overdone, it's on the house. And we'll make you another one if you want too.
I'm not saying that you should always find things to complain about. They do try hard to meet your expectations though, whatever they may be, and I enjoy giving them my continued business because there's great food for every mood and a nice atmosphere.
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