I haven't had to do one of these in a long long time. I'm just going to be honest: this was worst restaurant experience I've had in years.
Spoiler alert. I never even got to eat a meal.
Let's start with getting my table. I saw many tables available, and the hostess said sorry we're full. "You can sit at the bar." I saw a second hostess and asked her the same thing. She said there's a table. I waited several minutes at the front. The reason? They couldn't find a menu. (Or were out of menus). I said I don't need a menu after I found out the reason for the holdup. They promptly handed me a take out pamphlet and sat me.
Here's what happened after I sat down:
NOTHING.
I was next to that kitchen and I must've been passed 40 times by staff.
21 minutes after sitting down, I got my first "have you been helped". I said no, and asked to speak to the manager.
Here's what happened after I asked for the manager:
NOTHING
11 minutes later the manager approached , looked at me and then proceeded to take the next tables order!!!
After the manager took the order for the table of six, he walked by me again, and came back a few minutes later.
I really think he just hoped I would leave.
Nope. Sorry.
38 minutes In: the conversation finally starts with the manager. His name is Christo. I told him everything. He explained that they are understaffed. And that he himself isn't just running this restaurant. He's busy with the hotel buffet and another restaurant. And he apologized. I told him the truth, that this was one of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had. And I told him I need to give people a heads up. That I'm going to write my first review in a long time. At this point in the conversation, his attitude changed to be much nicer, more caring. Showed empathy when he didn't before. He offered me a free meal. And extended his hand. I shook it. And left.