My wife and daughters decided to treat me to a special Father's Day dinner at the Capital Grille today. We arrived on time for our reservation and were seated in a comfortable spot. I loved the ambience. Very old school refined steak house and I was excited for our meal.
My wife ordered the salmon and I asked for the Kona rubbed strip, medium. The food comes out and when I cut in to my steak it is well done. The managing partner, Armin, happens to be right there and I signal him to make him aware of what is going on. He immediately takes it back and has the chef start a new steak for me. As I'm waiting, I try my wife's salmon and it is absolutely delicious. Armin asks if I would like some lobster bisque as I wait and I decline as I had already had the delicious sweet corn soup.
The new steak comes out and...it's rare and chewy to the point that I can't eat it. I tell my waiter and say I've lost my appetite. Clearly the staff is not happy and it's clear they are taking this personally. Armin personally brings out a tray with three delicious desserts, comps our entire meal and hands me his business card saying he wants me back and to call him before I do so he can personally oversee to my experience.
Every restaurant has a bad night, it's how they resolve the situation that truly matters to me. They staff was tremendously gracious and I am excited to go back as I know they'll knock my socks off next time. Good job, gentlemen.