Don't Sit in the Side Room. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Used to be one of my favorites in Cornelius but last Christmas, I had to give it a two rating because of service issues.
This Christmas we tried it again to see if it had improved. Unfortunately the downward spiral continues.
We caught a movie in Birkdale and got here around 2:30. Seating in the main dining area was pretty much full so they seated us in the side room in front of the Sushi Bar.
I should have followed the advise I've given to so many people over the years and refused the side room and waited for a table in the main room to open up. When you end up in the side rooms, you're out of sight and particularly if they are short staffed, they can very easily forget about you.
This was the case today.
I came in first while my wife was parking the car and was escorted to a table in the side room by the hostess who also gave us to menus. My wife came in and about 5 minutes later, our server came by and took our beverage order. She wanted Plum Wine and I went with my favorite Hot Green Tea.
I know it takes awhile to brew fresh tea but recognizing this, they could have at least taken our order.
In the end, my wife ordered a Spring Roll, Salad and Hibachi Scallops.
I ordered Hot and Sour Soup along with Salt and Pepper Seafood Double which is spicy Shrimp and Scallops.
Wife enjoyed her Spring Roll but did not like the dressing on the Salad so did not eat it. I tasted it and seemed to be bit strong on Wasabi.
She did enjoy her Hibachi Scallops.
As for mine, the Hot and Sour Soup was excellent with the proper balance of hot and sour.
Should have stopped there. When the brought my wife's lunch, they announced that it would be another 5 to 10 minutes on mine. At this point in time, it had been over 30 minutes before we had place our orders and prep and cooking time in considerably less than this.
When my Seafood Double can out, the meal was cold. Texture of the Shrimp and Scallops left one questioning which was which and aside from an occasional piece of jalapeno, not spicy at all.
Will give them high marks on presentation but it stops there. Poor or no service and in my case, less than first quality cuisine.