My wife and I were meeting a friend's family for dinner to celebrate an occasion. I ordered a half dozen steamed oysters and a half pound of steamed shrimp as my meal. The shrimp came out way too early, long before any of the other orders. The shrimp were grossly undercooked, and the shells were still quite attached to the meat. As I attempted to peel the 2nd shrimp I got halfway and decided to leave it and ask for a re-order. The shrimp I attempted to peel had lost its tail and was pretty mangled from my peel try. When the plate came back, I noticed that it was the exact same order I sent back, mangled tailless shrimp included. I then asked to speak to a mgr., who was apologetic and promised a new order that he would personally observe being prepared. I explained to him that a properly cooked shrimp should slip easily from it's shell, which neither order so far had. He profusely apologized and offered a 3rd order at no charge. I also explained to him that a good chef should be aware of the 'doneness' of the foods he serves. He said that they cook by use of timers, and he would review with his staff their procedures. I replied that a real cook must often test dishes for degree of doneness by testing; much like throwing a spaghetti noodle against a wall to see if it sticks. When they arrived (by now I was neither hungry nor in the mood and everyone else had long since finished their meals) they were only slightly more done than the first 2 orders. I pushed the plate away and we continued our conversations until we parted ways. Never. Again, Hickory Tavern. Worst. Shrimp. EVER.