While out of town for Labor Day, my husband and I dined at "The Restaurant" in Fort Bragg, CA. I had researched places that would be accommodating for my special dietary concerns (gluten-free), and I received a somewhat positive response from the staff, so we went. I did not get sick from the food, however the positives end there.The waitress thought gluten free meant no flour, but it's so much more than that. So, I asked to speak with the chef regarding what was in the sauce, as I didn't think that it would be a huge inconvenience since the place was pretty empty. What came next was absolutely jaw-dropping. A frail, gaunt old man hobbled out of the kitchen, hunched over our table, rattled off the ingredients in the sauce and then hobbled away. Despite the shaky impression the cook left, I felt 75% confident about the food, so we ordered.
I had lemon shrimp over rice pilaf, with green beans on the side, and my
husband ordered filet migon wrapped in bacon with a Bearnaise sauce on top. My meal left me wanting more... I didn't feel full at the end of the meal, and the flavor was on the bland side. On the flavor front, I would like to quote my husband, who said "this steak tastes like a wet dog smells." I tried it, and have to say--he was right.We were seated at the window. While many people came and looked at the menu hanging outside near the door, they eventually moved on. Hardly anyone came in while we were there and I think we now know why. In fact, one couple even opened the door and took three steps in before realizing the restaurant was almost entirely empty, and quickly stepped out before the waitress was able to walk halfway across the room to greet them.
A waitress (not our main waitress but another one--there were three on duty and only about two tables in use) did however fulfill her duties of keeping our smaller-than-usual water glasses full. $55 later, we walked off laughing about the not-so-pleasant experience, and ended up at Starbucks to satisfy our taste buds with a little after dinner coffee accompanied by a card game.
On a scale of 1 out of 100, 100 being the "best ever" meal, I gave this place a 72 and my husband gave it a 66. In other words, don't waste your time or money.
3 comments:
It looks like you had an amazing trip! I am so jealous of your get up and go attitude! Preston says I plan way too much and he is right, but with little ones, long car trips, hikes, and leisurely days in the sun are a thing of the past! We are now fully consumed with running, playing, non stop snacking, indiscriminate napping (the only really great part for Mom and Dad), and lots of laughs. Wouldn't change a thing, but I would like just one weekend a year to enjoy my husband, a nice dinner, and some beautiful scenery!
Bummer! Don't you hate putting down the bucks for things that leave you just going..well, that was dinner...yep, it was... hummmm. And if it is pricey it just ticks me off cause I feel like Ive been cheated., duped and tricked. It's hard enough eating out as a regular person but when you are also gluten free it seems more like a dis to their clients and on their own products! We are gluten free because we have to be, not by choice. We aren't trying to bother the staff we are trying to educate them...or just get a simple dinner we can actually eat and NOT taste like a wet dog. They should be a bit embarrassed and maybe rethink their approach.
Great post as for me. I'd like to read more about this matter. Thnx for posting this material.
Joan Stepsen
Gadgets and gifts
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