samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
Jun 27, 2014 19:06:19 GMT
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Post by samantha25 on Nov 16, 2022 0:48:50 GMT
My kids and I went to a breakfast restaurant to celebrate their wonderful well-visit and doing great in school and was so disappointed in the food. The waitress asked how things were and I asked- "Are these real eggs?" and she said "At restaurants when ordering, I should ask for shell eggs as these were liquid eggs and they could remake my order with shell eggs." (I declined). Yikes. I did not know this was a thing and shouldn't the menu say that these are liquid eggs? They were weird. My sausage patties were reheated frozen patties, as my DD pointed out as she had the same.
My DS got fried chicken and waffles, presented as a big tower of skewered waffle/chicken strip/waffle/chicken strip... the waffle was ok, but the chicken was weird, coating looked strange and dry. My DS eats almost all chicken strips, but he did not eat these. I told the waitress that something was off with the chicken and she asked if it was dry, and I said yes and then she said she would tell the manager. I felt like I should be like Chef Ramsay asking- would you eat this, try it?
And the diet Coke was flat at $3.50. What a waste of food and why are the portions huge? Even if the food was good, who can eat so much food? The manager did not come over and no discount given. We paid the full price, $60 ($10 tip) and left. Won't be back. I guess that's my vent of the day.
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Post by ameslou on Nov 16, 2022 1:45:01 GMT
Was this at a large chain restaurant or an independent? Sorry it was a disappointing meal.
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Post by catmom on Nov 16, 2022 2:17:55 GMT
Ew. Liquid eggs and sausage patties - that sounds so gross! I'm sure that wasn't the celebration breakfast you had in mind. Sorry you had such a disappointing experience.
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garcia5050
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,733
Location: So. Calif.
Jun 25, 2014 23:22:29 GMT
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Post by garcia5050 on Nov 16, 2022 2:22:34 GMT
The only place I assume it’s not real eggs is a cafeteria. Otherwise I would completely expect real eggs. It wouldn’t occur to me to ask for that at a sit down restaurant. Then again, I always get my eggs over easy.
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samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
Jun 27, 2014 19:06:19 GMT
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Post by samantha25 on Nov 16, 2022 2:35:28 GMT
Was this at a large chain restaurant or an independent? Sorry it was a disappointing meal. The restaurant used to be an Egg and I (which I think was independent and pretty good) and now it's a Morning Story, which I'm not sure if it's a chain.
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Post by leannec on Nov 16, 2022 2:38:22 GMT
Aww! That sucks! I go for breakfast every Sunday with my mum to my local Denny's ... they know us now there! The food is excellent and the eggs are real! I wouldn't consider them to be anything else unless it was a hotel free breakfast ... I would make a call or write an email to the restaurant detailing your disappointing experience ...
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Post by bc2ca on Nov 16, 2022 3:06:59 GMT
I'm grossed out at the idea of liquid eggs but not the least bit surprised that a sausage patty would be a frozen product at chain places. And a quick google search says most places like Denny's and IHOP use powdered or liquid eggs by default for scrambled and omelets. I'll stick to eggs Benny when going for breakfast to ensure I'm getting my eggs straight out of the shell.
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,958
Location: Colorado
Apr 26, 2017 6:14:47 GMT
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Post by snyder on Nov 16, 2022 3:18:25 GMT
We have found that as the prices increase, the quality has gone downhill big time. I have a whole collection of pics I have snapped this past year as proof if I do a review and they want photos.
Sorry the meal was so disappointing, especially since it was to be a celebratory and fun meal out.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Nov 16, 2022 3:20:17 GMT
Contact corporate office directly. Consider leaving a Google review.
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Post by beaglemom on Nov 16, 2022 7:06:23 GMT
We sent back margaritas recently. It was a new to us restaurant. We take our margaritas seriously and love that we can order skinny margaritas - they are supposed to be tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave. What we got was definitely not that. It almost tasted like there was some sort of almond flavor in it. They came back out and tasted exactly the same. We could not drink them. The food was subpar as well. We paid and tipped, but will never go back.
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Post by sunnyd on Nov 16, 2022 7:43:19 GMT
That is SO disappointing. We go out to eat very rarely and it's a huge treat when we do. So we expect the food to taste good. It's almost not worth it because of similar experiences.
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Post by Zee on Nov 16, 2022 8:03:52 GMT
I'm not the type to complain about stuff like that, I just won't go back. It would probably be better if I did tell them why I won't be back but I just don't feel like making a fuss (still scarred by my younger years in food service, I imagine, lol)
Lots of chain restaurants are like that. I can heat up food too--I'm not going to spend money on that crap. I totally get what you mean feeling like Chef Ramsay when you see a giant menu and know that means none of it is going to be fresh or good. I might as well save some time and money and go to McDs.
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Post by Rainy_Day_Woman on Nov 16, 2022 12:55:41 GMT
That's annoying, and disappointing has been my experience too lately.
DH and I stopped for lunch at the local pub. We had a beer, glass of wine, french fries and a french onion soup. The drinks were normal but the French fries were both soggy AND burnt (lol, how?) and the soup tasted like a salt lick. It was $80!!!! I just can't anymore- those weren't even meals, just 2 drinks and appetizers.
We usually eat at vegan restaurants, and the food is usually excellent, but $$$. We just can't afford to eat out anymore. Dinner for 4 is usually $200, and it's just not do-able on the regular.
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Post by mikklynn on Nov 16, 2022 13:06:42 GMT
I think with the cost of eggs, many restaurants are using liquid eggs. I've gone to 2 local restaurants recently and ordered scrambled egg whites, only to be told they can't do that! Of course they can. They serve fried eggs.
I'd rather pay a bit more and get fresh, in shell eggs.
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Post by bbkeef on Nov 16, 2022 14:24:59 GMT
Going out to eat is usually a disappointment for us in the past few (Covid) years. We've actually had the best luck at chain restaurants like Applebee's. At least they are consistent. We went to a local place the other night and it was extremely disappointing. DH ordered a cheesesteak that was pretty sad...the meat didn't go to the ends of the hoagie. We've had better sandwiches at Arby's. I had butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sauce and candied walnuts. The ravioli were almost dry on the outside. I mean even a teaspoon more butter would have been ok. Two drinks and dinner $50 (not bad-but not good food).
A couple weeks ago we went to Applebees and spent $40 on lunch. I got 3 meals out of chicken alfredo fettucine and DH got 2 meals out of his riblets platter. Consistent quality, decent tasting and huge portions.
DH has told me for years that I make better food at home. It's so hard to want to cook all the time though.
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Post by faithoverfear on Nov 16, 2022 14:30:14 GMT
That must have been so disappointing. And it's not like it was a cheap meal, either. My restaurant vent is this: Pretty much every time I go out to eat anymore, there are so many things they say they don't have that is on the menu. On Sunday, a friend and I went to a new to us restaurant. We both wanted the same thing, and they were out of it. The next thing I wanted, they were also out of. The waiter finally told us all the things on the menu they were out of, it and it was a lot. Why are restaurants having so many supply issues right now? It's frustrating.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 14:40:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2022 14:40:33 GMT
DH has high expectations of food in restaurants. He expects them to wow him. I keep telling him to lower his expectations a little and focus on the service. That's what we're paying for, the ability to go out, get food and not have to make it or clean up afterwards. I want drinks to be brought out quickly. I want my order taken in a timely manner. I want my food hot and cooked to order. I want the waiter to be friendly, responsive, and not forget about us. I don't expect amazing food, especially breakfast.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,618
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Nov 16, 2022 14:49:03 GMT
Our favorite restaurant has recently gone downhill. It's really disappointing. I believe the owners sold it (last time we went the owner wasn't behind the register) and I don't think the new owners run it as carefully.
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Post by disneypal on Nov 16, 2022 15:00:31 GMT
That is disappointing. A waitress at IHOP once told me they use liquid eggs (like Eggbeaters) unless you specifically say shell eggs. I never knew this before but usually Eggbeaters taste fine to me.
But when you pay that much for food - it should be edible and enjoyable. I don't drink sodas but will occasionally order an iced tea. Since COVID, I don't eat out that often anymore, so I was shocked when my iced tea was $3.50. My sis, who eats out often, said that is normal for drinks now - good thing I drink water 99% of the time.
Maybe you can take your kids out for ice cream or a place just for desserts to give them and extra treat.
My vent is that restaurant hours are so inconsistent. I understand if they are short staffed or something but at least put up signs if you closed early or whatever. In the past 2 weeks, I stopped by a Waffle House near my house 3 times. They are supposed to be a 24 hour operation. The sign on their doors say open 24/7. One day when I went (about 7 pm), the doors were locked and there was one employee inside sitting in a booth playing with her phone. She didn't even look up once. There was no sign on the door indicating they were closed. Another day I went and the doors were locked (about 5 pm) and there was one employee inside sweeping the floor and another employee back the back door, with it opened and he was smoking pot. I asked him if they were open and he said "no" - that was it. A few days later, I stopped by and this time the doors were unlocked. I went in and there were 2 employees (not unusual for this location). I was going to get a to-go order and one of the employees said "We are not serving food until the next shift arrives" - I said, when is that? She said 9 pm - It was 5:45pm at the time. I said...so you are not serving anything for 3 more hours? The other guy (appeared to be the cook) said...yep. Needless to say...that was my last attempt. This used to the best Waffle House in the area but no more. I won't be attempting to go there ever again. Frankly, I expect them to close the location any day.
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Post by workingclassdog on Nov 16, 2022 15:14:22 GMT
Going out to eat is usually a disappointment for us in the past few (Covid) years. We've actually had the best luck at chain restaurants like Applebee's. At least they are consistent. We went to a local place the other night and it was extremely disappointing. DH ordered a cheesesteak that was pretty sad...the meat didn't go to the ends of the hoagie. We've had better sandwiches at Arby's. I had butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sauce and candied walnuts. The ravioli were almost dry on the outside. I mean even a teaspoon more butter would have been ok. Two drinks and dinner $50 (not bad-but not good food). A couple weeks ago we went to Applebees and spent $40 on lunch. I got 3 meals out of chicken alfredo fettucine and DH got 2 meals out of his riblets platter. Consistent quality, decent tasting and huge portions. DH has told me for years that I make better food at home. It's so hard to want to cook all the time though. Friends and I just went to Applebee's and it was awesome.. even better than normal.. which is normally okay.. not over the top or anything.. but our last visit was 10 out of 10. Surprising! We shared the trio appetizer and margaritas and oh my so good.. it was a holiday one... But I agree about quality going down.. fancy or not so fancy. Regarding the eggs.. I guess I never noticed because I only get over easy eggs.. those don't come from a box.
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 16, 2022 15:25:25 GMT
I've definitely run the course with restaurants with weird hours. I swear our favorite Italian place is a money laundering operation. It's got stated hours online and on the doors, but it's a crap shoot. When it IS open, it's packed. The food is incredible, the prices are reasonable, and the wait staff is the best. But you can't plan to go there, because invariably it will be closed. We were talking with our server the other night and they said the owners (family owned and operated for several generations) is committed to only the best food and service, and if they don't feel they can meet expectations, the doors don't open. I don't know whether to be thankful or annoyed!
The rest though, are just a bunch of excuses at this time. I saw a succinct way of putting it the other day: A person quits. MGMT: We are all a team, let's pull together and make a massive effort and make it up til we replace the person! MGMT (to themselves): Hehehehe I only have to pay 5 to do the job of 6! This is nice! Public and employees: When are you hiring someone? Someone else just quit, now service sucks and 4 are doing the job of 6! MGMT: Golly.. no one wants to work anymore!! See, the sign? We ARE hiring. Applicant: Hey, I'd like a job. I'd also like to pay my rent and have lights? Food may be nice? MGMT: Dang people so entitled. Sorry, you aren't the candidate we are looking for. Public and employees: How's the hiring going? MGMNT: Points to sign... no one wants to work. By the way, you should be happy you have jobs and that we are open to serve food etc. Rinse. Repeat.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Nov 16, 2022 15:37:30 GMT
I feel like restaurant quality is finally getting better. Prices are crazy - but at least staffing seems to have normalized around here. Sorry your breakfast was such a disappointment!
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Post by tuva42 on Nov 16, 2022 15:38:21 GMT
I would never expect liquid eggs in a sit down restaurant. And I would never go back if they served me that! How crazy that they think they could get away with it.
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Nov 16, 2022 20:48:53 GMT
That sounds disappointing. We received undercooked fried pickles last night, and just as we were about to say something, the waitress asked us if they were bad because another table had complained about theirs. When we said they were undercooked, she didn't even hesitate - just said she would be back with another order. It sounds like it was night and day from your experience!
ETA We share a meal in this place, and apparently, the portions are so big that it is common. Despite sharing a meal, we still had leftovers. It seems like everyone has huge portions now!
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 16, 2022 21:04:32 GMT
I'm sorry your experience was disappointing. When we are in Europe, huge breakfast buffets are part of the deal. Now that everyone is talking about liquid eggs, I'm guessing that is powered eggs that water or milk is added to. The scrambled eggs we had at every hotel were superb but I'm thinking they would almost have to be liquid eggs to feed the masses.
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Post by femalebusiness on Nov 16, 2022 21:05:31 GMT
You must have ordered scrambled eggs.
I always order my eggs over medium and they are always real eggs.
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Post by bc2ca on Nov 16, 2022 21:12:21 GMT
Contact corporate office directly. Consider leaving a Google review. I would never expect liquid eggs in a sit down restaurant. And I would never go back if they served me that! How crazy that they think they could get away with it. Honestly, it is the norm for chains. The waitress gave her a good, honest answer when asked about the eggs. They aren't trying to get away with anything. Corporate control, reducing costs and essentially production/reheating components are part of the way things are done in many restaurants. I also except the DS's chicken strips were frozen and maybe even the waffles.
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Post by papersilly on Nov 16, 2022 21:23:42 GMT
we went to the Cheesecake Factory the other day and were very disappointed. they have always been good but their quality these past few times has been very off. they are the last of the chain restaurants we thought we could still count on. no more. i think we'll stick with the indies from now on.
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Post by Merge on Nov 17, 2022 0:59:08 GMT
Yeah, we don’t eat out too much any more, and when we do, it’s usually a family-owned ethnic place. We went to a local middle eastern place (local chain) last night and the food was excellent and the portions enormous. Same with the ramen we had last week.
Large scale chains don’t pay well enough to attract the best workers and they don’t always produce the best food, unfortunately. Keeping costs down in mass production means that corners get cut.
If I’m going to get frozen or microwaved food, I’d rather just get it from the prepared food aisle in the grocery store and heat it up myself.
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Post by hop2 on Nov 17, 2022 2:11:50 GMT
The only place I assume it’s not real eggs is a cafeteria. Otherwise I would completely expect real eggs. It wouldn’t occur to me to ask for that at a sit down restaurant. Then again, I always get my eggs over easy. I do assume it’s from a carton if I order an egg white omelette. I doubt restaurants are just separating real eggs for egg white omelettes.
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