Dopey "chefs" that can't do a simple order. Complain more or just boycott the restaurant?

Question

I go to a few local restaurants, but like(d) one in particular as it's friendly & the food is normally excellent.

BUT, the last three times I've been there they've screwed up my order. I like my steaks medium rare, so here's the story so far:

Arrived well done (ruined) - mentioned when paying for meal.

Arrived rare - mentioned when waitress came over (but I didn't want to wait as with other guests)

Arrived medium/well - edible.

Last night arrived VERY rare (mooing) - sent back, came back VERY well done, on same plate - utterly disgusting.

So, should I write to the manager & get some free stuff. Silently remove my custom. Or complain bitterly on Yahoo! Answers & never go back?

Answer 1

Just boycott the restaurant. It is obvious that they can't get it right.

Answer 2

you need to watch the movie called "waiting".  after you watch it you will realize to never send your food back or complain, you either eat what you get or boycott it.

Answer 3

OK. You have a predicament- you obviously like the restaurant and you obviosly like steak. The first thing I would do is go in again, and when ordering mention your previous discrepencies to the waitress and say exactly how you would like the steak. In a way be quite blunt- instead of just saying 'medium rare' say 'medium rare- so i want it cooked but still bloody/juicy'. When the steak arrives i'd examine it, and if the produc isn't satisfactory i would then make an official complaint give my contact details, refuse to pay and leave. Following this I would find a new place to eat

Answer 4

complain all the way sounds like the chef or staff aint capable of following instructions

Answer 5

If you complain. don't go back! I once dated a restauranteur who told me that if most people knew what happened to your food when you complain or send it back, they'd never eat out again!

Answer 6

Don't bother complaining.  They'll do something disgusting to your food if you do.  You're also telling the managers that they f*cked up by hiring these guys.  Nobody is ever responsible for anything in today's world, don't waste your breath.  Go somewhere else.

Answer 7

even if you boycott then nothing will happen to them, complain, complain complain until they get it right, and you will probably get free meals too

Answer 8

Show your disgust and vote with your feet and never go back but tell them why and whilst having a moan, get in contact with your Trading Standards Office and tell the restaurant that you are going to do this.  The threat of that always works wonders, and if you live in a tourist area, complain to the local Tourist Board.

I wouldn't go back there though as once you have complained they will probably spit on your food or something equally dispicable.

Answer 9

You can explain your concerns without complaining.  Best results are often achieved using a sandwich technique.  (alternate goo, bad, good)

I love to come to this restaurant.  Up until three visits ago it was great because ____________

Over the last 3 visits I was disappointed because

1) _____________

2) ____________

3) _______________

If there's anyway the concerns can be addressed and corrected, I'd love coming back more often with my friends.

If they are open to your concerns then give them another chance.  If not, let them know they've lost a customer.

Answer 10

hi im a chef an u need to complain, if the food isnt how u ordered it then u hav a right to complain after all youre paying for it!!!

Answer 11

Once bitten, twice shy.  Don't use the d**n place!

Answer 12

Write to the manager as his staff obviously arnt listening. Maybe even food standards too if they arnt cooking the steak properly.

Answer 13

Some chefs will deliberately overcook meat or will burn the outside if you complain that the meat is undercooked.

If your complaints to the manager don't work, you can always go somewhere else.

Answer 14

I was in the catering business and was told by a chef to do the following when ordering;

Order your steak and tell them how you want it and at the same time tell the waiter/ess that if it is'nt right you will return it . The one thing that puts a chef on his toes is the thought of a discerning customer out there. When the food is delivered to the table ask the waiter/ess to wait whilst you cut into it.If it's wrong send it back and also everyone elses meal in your party as well because you have come out to eat together, not separately.

I can't stand it when they take back just one meal and the rest of  the party are eating and you're not or vice versa.

Answer 15

hi ya i am a chef you need to complain and make sure the chefs know i am not saying be arrogant about it just tell them the situation normally it is good but recently it has not been. Maybe they have a new chef!!! Complain or just mention it to the manager or shift manager. Good luck

P.S I would certainly want to know if my food wasn't up to scratch if the chefs don't then they are not real chefs just glorified cooks!!!!!!!!!!