All Day Breakfast At The Bedrock Bistro – A Review.
We’ve been going for all-day breakfast atĀ The Bedrock Bistro for a number of years now, so it was…
Brunch At Papa Leo’s Restaurant, Hamilton.
Twitter, you bastard! I’ll be honest and confess that I don’t pay much attention to what’s trending on Twitter (to much hate, shaming, look how ‘cool’ my life is and a platform for general nonsense). However, when you notice the people you respect in the culinary worldĀ gushing about a restaurant, your first inclination is to give that spot a test-drive. And so after getting Tehya from her early shift Ā at work, we decided that Papa Leo’s restaurant would be the latest episode of #Gallivanting. I’m starting to really enjoy this Sunday brunch thing!
Papa Leo’s Restaurant
638 Concession Street
Hamilton, ON L8V 1B5
http://www.papaleosrestaurant.com/
twitter: @papa_leos
p. 289.389.7227
Always a plus when the metered parking on Concession Street is free on a Sunday and you score a spot a couple meters away from your destination. We were immediately seated and proceeded to work through the menu. Everything sounded delicious and though I came with the intention to try the “Uptown Crab Cake Benny” (succulent cakes topped with poached eggs and a chipotle & cheese sauce, served with pan fried potatoes)Ā I had to almost pry intell from our server as to what was the most popular item on the menu.
I ended up with one of the most delicious cups of coffee and…
PAPAāS EGGS:Ā Two poached eggs served on a fresh avocado and your choice of sweet chorizo sausage, smoked salmon, smoked bacon or roasted red pepper, topped with a cheddar and cilantro sauce.served with fresh cut pan fried potatoes and toast. $13
While Tehya was torn between the Steak and Eggs andĀ Huevos Rancheros.. the latter took precedent after a gentle encouragement from me (I wanted to sample).
HUEVOS RANCHEROS: Fresh corn tortilla, refried beans and two sunny side eggs, topped with Jensen cheddar, sweet chorizo, avocado,Ā fresh mango salsa and cilantro $12
Let’s look at positives and (unfortunately) some negatives of our dining experience at Papa Leo’s Restaurant, as we normally do in these review type posts.
- best decaf coffee I’ve had in quite some time and the refill came just at the right time
- perfectly cooked and seasoned potatoes
- Sweet and Fresh fruits (mango and pineapple)
- the salsa on Tehya’s Huevos was brilliant.. fresh with that lovely cilantro undertone
- food came relatively quick from the time we ordered (and hot)
- large portion (see additional comment below)
- perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs (Tehya)
- always a plus when there’s hotsauce as a condiment
- bright and very clean space (you’ll notice that I don’t normally comment on the ‘space’ as I much prefer to speak about the food, atmosphere and overall dining experience)
- while Tehya’s eggsĀ were perfectly cooked as mentioned above, the poached eggs I received were a bit overdone to MY liking
- while I noticed the heaping portionsĀ on Tehya’s and the ladies sitting next to us plates, unfortunately (the video does not highlight this) I cannot say the same about mine. There was ample on my plate (keep in mind I’m training to climb Kilimanjaro) but I think there should be some level of consistency.
- while the avocado on my plate was near perfect, it was discolored and nasty looking on Tehya’s plate (watch the video for more on this)
- VERY loud as it got busy
- the way the chef treated the Chorizo was a bit disappointing
- other than the lack of engaged customer service as I mentioned in the video, I found that I disliked having a stranger share a table with me, without letting me know first. We felt crowded and trapped against the wall and what was already a loud setting, got worse when the ladies started to chat. I’m sure we were also a distraction for them as well.
- felt hurried (I do understand it’s a businessĀ whichĀ dependsĀ on covers) as it got busy
- with the line of people at the door you almost got the feeling that you had someone looking over your shoulder. I do realize that there’s no way around this for Papa Leo’s as the overall space is small and unlike bigger restaurants where there’s a defined foyer.
I find it very difficult to speak negatively about businesses and restaurants in particular, as I much prefer to find the positives and give my readers an opportunity to visit and judge for themselves. However I think we have a moral obligation to speak about the less than perfect issues, with hopes that the restaurant will make suitable corrections or at least be aware of customer’s gripe. I will not be like many of the people who publish review type features and be the chorus boy singing praise to sound good. You see it too often where people on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube just want to be ‘friends’ with a chef/restaurant and don’t really speak with honesty.Ā That sort of approach is not good for the next diner nor the restaurant themselves.
Have you dined at Papa Leo’s? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
106 comments
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Thought you did an honest review! Nothing to be ashamed of! I would much rather know in advance than be disappointed!
Chris. I thank you for an honest review , and I feel that it was wrong of them to seat strangers at your table Inless it were an Advertised Open Seating, Family style restaurant. Keep Being You.
Feedback is vital to a successful business, more positives than negatives in your comments, which is super, a few small issues need tweaking in this establishment, management take note! I am loving your book Chris, though I waited a year for delivery to Ireland, it is one of the most expensive and prized cookery books in my possession, aside from my Naparima Girls High School Diamond Jubilee cookbook, love Trini & Tobago, Ann
Thank you for your honesty, I agree with you 110% if you are going to do a review it should be done in your honest opinion . If the restaurant owners are concerned about what they are serving and how their customers are being treated they will appreciate your honest opinion also and will take action to correct these issues so their restaurant will remain in business and in good standing.
Chris i always say honesty is the best policy, plus yuh know we Carribean folks doea talk we mind. continue what you doing. God bless
Here’s how I see it;
If I am providing a good or service to you, I want you to tell me what you REALLY think. It doesn’t do me any good if there are problems with my product or service and I don’t know about it. And, as a diner, I want to know the places I should try, and the places I should avoid. As the old saying goes, honesty is the best policy.
Hi Chris: I agree with you, you did the right thing, you actually did them a favour as now they have something to actually work on to improve their food, their service, their consistency, their friendliness…..what you did was “constructive feedback” nothing wrong with that.
Cheers!
I live in Va. So cat say I have sirry
It should read I live in Va. I can’t say I have, sorry
No I have not dined at the restaurant, however you absolutely did the right thing!! Honesty is always the best policy!!
Your review was fine. About the family style seating, it is up to setting expectations. One of my favorite places has family seating at tables that are little more than picnic tables, but if you know that is what you are getting ….
I think you did the right thing. Much better to tell the truth then have people go there expecting great things and be disappointed. You were not being cruel you were being honest, which is the point of such reviews. I don’t like the idea of seating people at my table either and if I did go to this place I would know now to ask them to sit me at a smaller table
Without an honest review, the restaurant would assume they were perfect. They need to know that there s room for improvement. You did it right.
You did an honest review ion my opinion . A lot of restaurants in the United States have the same problem not so friendly staff, not paying attention to detail.
You called it like you saw it Chris. It’s your opinion and no one can fault you for that. Papa Leo’s need to accept constructive criticism when they hear it, it’s that simple.
Chris, I am in Trinidad and never dined at Papa Leo’s but I read your review and it was honest but not a bashing. You definitely did the right thing.
Sounds like an honest evaluation to me. You weren’t catty or nasty as I’ve known some to be. I should think a restaurant would rather know what their customers’ experience is so that they can improve.
Hi Chris, I believe you did the right thing, if they are true to their craft, they will appreciate your comments and make the proper adjustments to keep their customers Happy……..
I think U gave an honest review ….
You did the right thing. It tells us that your mother brought you up right. We all RESPECT your views and comments.
It would be good but the time may be an issue, this is a logistic that would have to be researched.
Could it be the rave reviews have caused a rush on the place? With more volume the quality control goes down. If it has just opened it make time to adjust to the popularity. But the overall review was positive, and seemed fair.
Sounds like you were being a food critic which is great. People like me check out the ratings then read the reviews before deciding to check out a place with a nice menu. The last thing you want is overcrowded and elbow-to-elbow with other patrons. That takes a huge comfort away from enjoying your dish no matter how unique and good it is. You might feel bad but what have the other food critics wrote about this same place? That’ll be interesting to read. You did a favor for me.
I think I’m the only one who will say this. I think if I was critiquing a restaurant I would tell the owner or manager of the problems and give them a chance to rectifythem first . But that’s just me. It seems the problem is manly lack of organization and management.
I do agree with you. Also ,I think Chris ,you being int the “cooking,resto biz” may have thought about being so open with the comments as they pertained to seating. As to serving size,color of one particular item of food ,texture of another etc,that’s just your expectation and it probably because of how you would cook them. Was your review solicited or was it gratuitous. Either way,not every thing can be expected to be perfect. However,was it HONEST, YES IT WAS.
you were right. You did not slam the eatery you gave them critical feedback.
Nothing Wrong you were honest, refreshing! And overall it was a helpful review, people going there get your honest opinion. The establishment should Thank You for the feedback that will help them make a great place even better!
Hi Chris,
you did the right thing with your comments. A review has to be trustworthy and not a “polished” inaccurate report. There are so many so-called “Customer Reviews” which are void of actual facts just to please the establishment and hope to get something for free. Furthermore, a critical review will ultimately benefit the owner/operator to know about their shortcomings and hopefully will improve on them.
I think all of your comments are fair and when you go into the restaurant trade you have to keep striving for perfection , it seems that someone in the management has taken their eye off the ball. You are actually helping them. I would want to know anything bad about my business before I hear praise. The later will follow, when you get the former right. I think you are alsocorrect you should return for another visit, and be just as honest then too. Every restaurant has a bad day for whatever reason.
I so appreciate your honesty. I use a lot of your cooking recipes on YouTube and have come to trust your judgment on cooking styles, recipes and ingredients (flavors). It would be awful if I took your suggestion on a restaurant that you, yourself do not have full faith in. So, if you’re going to be a critic you have to be a honest one otherwise you’re just advertising this person’s business. Moreover, if I were to go to a restaurant that you advertised as being good/5 stars; and find service and food is really off, I would think you were just trying to make money for this person and would question your character. So I say to you, Great Job!!! Love ya…
I found nothing wrong with being honest with what you had to say about the place. I fine all you said very refreshing.
Hi
You did the right thing. Good job
You went out if your way to look for the positive but I would be far more disappointed to hear you give accolades where they are undeserved.
Sometimes the best you could say is what is left unsaid.
Saying something like the decaf was good and little else would have said it all…
Hi Chris I live in the UK so I’ve never had a meal at the said restaurant but you did the right thing by giving constructive criticism
Honestly I wouldn’t have needed to hear your review – just looking at the food was not very appetizing in my eyes. It sort of grossed me out.
After hearing the review, it just reinforced that I would never go to papa’s.
It is what it is – I would not worry about it – you are a better person than myself – I would not go back. Serving black avocados says enough about how much they care
This was an honest review of your experience in my opinion. You did not say anything that was rude or mean. No one should be upset by your comments.
I live in Washington state and have not been to the restaurant. I’m from the southern part of the USA and I like spicy food and lots of flavor. I have vacationed in the Caribbean more than any where else and love the food. Your comments make me want to visit and try some of the meals you described. To me, a very good review. Do it again!!!
An honest review of your experience. You did the right thing, Chris….great review.
It was a balanced restaurant review, you mentioned a couple things which could have really spoiled the meal for me like the extra table companion and I’ve seen larger servings given to men sometimes by servers in restaurants so I relate to how you feel about the unequal sized portions for the same meal and price. You also said many good things. I prefer your candor.
You gave your honest review at that time. (Was this a new or old establishment?) If knowing you were planning on returning to that establishment I feel you could of waited to publish a review. I do agree with you on the seating issue.
I do appreciate your honesty. I would prefer your truth to having to be disappointed if I were to visit this restaurant. You did good.
Hey Chris, well in my opinion you were spot on! that being said I haven’t eaten there as I live in Scarborough but I do get out to Hamilton often. As for your thoughts expressed in your outing at that Restaurant well remember you’re the Paying customer! and it seems that this Restaurant needs to remember that, I was in that profession for years so I know of what you speak… Service is key and consistency of food is so important. Servers should put ALL CUSTOMERS in the highest regard or it won’t be long before the Restaurant is on the chopping block(Pun intended) It seems that the Back of the House needs to have somebody checking the food before it goes out to ensure that the quality, presentation are worthy of representing that establishment. There is no room in the Hospitality industry for bad days, as there are a lot of Restaurants trying to get your dollar. Most of the time when people are not satisfied they won’t go back!
Elaine hit the nail on the head I also, mainly due to that I live in Australia, that I have not dined at the restaurant, however you absolutely did the right thing!! Honesty is always the best policy!!
Restaurants expect reviews from diners. That allows them to correct mistakes or improve their service. I do not care for family style dining unless it’s my family or friends dining with me. That was an awkward situation. However, I do not think you should’ve filmed the other guests unless you had their permission. At least not their faces. Overall you had the right as a customer to voice your opinion. I would’ve.
You had to be honest. If you had not think of how many ppl might have gone because you said it was good, we went and then did not enjoy it.
Hi chris, you absolutely did the right thing, honesty is the best policy, and it will help them get their act together.
Honesty is best. You did the best thing.
I think you did everything right. I would not enjoy having people being seated with us without asking my permission first. If the food, avocado was off, I probably would complain. I think that having worked in a restaurant for many years, if somebody’s experience was not very good, I would hope they would tell me about it first and if I can’t remedy it I would want my manager to know about it as he would want to make things better and have you try again maybe with a nice coupon.
By the way I love your recipes, not terribly Hot but a nice mild hot.
Hello Chris
I think your review of Papa Leo’s has shows your integrity. Reviews should reflect your true feeling not just say something was great when it really wasn’t.
Hello Chris, thanks for being interested in what your supporters have to say. Thank you again for being “bold”, something I have found lacking in Canada (Canada’s culture). Most people hide behind “smiles and hugs” really being deceitful ( and don’t want to offend) but are really upset and are afraid to speak up. Speaking up is not necessarily about hurt or embarrassment but its really about how you feel about any given situation.
I am glad that you voiced your opinion. The customers’ experience must be excellent at all times (the industry does not matter). Therefore, you have certainly helped this restaurant to correct things; its not just about the food but about a total experience. We look forward to some changes; if they were not aware,. NOW THEY KNOW!
Honestly I feel that you have the right to review any place of eatery you wish. But with your statue in the culinary world what you say weights very heavily. In looking at the video and reading the review word for word,
I came away with very mixed feelings. 1. It felt as if I was judging the resturant based on you not the resturant. 2. Any resturant deserves the chance to make their guess feel more comfortable by being made aware that there is an issue with their seating or noise level. This was not done. We are all of different character and carry various characteristics. So I felt you lack that communication. Maybe a review that showed your communication with the staff and how it was handled and complaint about the food giving them a chance to correct what was wrong with your meal to see if it was better after giving them the opportunity to make it right. I like that you plan to go back but talk with the owner maybe he/she make need to work on training staff to be more observant of other guess and work with chefs about adding better quality to their food.
I believe you were right, i dont ever eat out again , i had a smilar situration like yours , i spoke to the mananger and she was upset with me for talking out , this was like 10 yrs ago, am sorry my kitchen is never closed and i want to thank you chris for those delicious recipes.
Never been to Canada, but I thought you give an honest review of giving the pro n cons on your visit
You did the right thing. It was good for the restaurant to know what problems to work on.
Hi Chris. I am from Trinidad. Your review on the Papa Leo’s restaurant was an honest one. I think it was good to let people know what to expect. I believe that good customer service is always a plus in any business but especially from diners. Service with a smile, Presentation and Taste must be an all round episode. Keep being the best food critique while galavanting and don’t ever make what you feel and know is right, a struggle. Well done!
Hi Chris, I watched your review, I saw nothing that you said was wrong, you spoke the truth about your dining, you are paying to enjoy the food and atmosphere, if you cannot have that then it will not be an enjoyable event, portions of food should be measured out properly and be consistent.
Was the owner present? If that was my restaurant I would want to know what was going on, speak to the owner and show him your review and ask if he knows what is going on.
Hi Chris,
I live in Whitby, so I have never been to Papa Leo’s. I can see you were having a hard time with this but your review was very honest. You should not feel bad because you were not mean or disrespectful in any way. Let’s hope that when you go back for your second visit, their service will be improved.
Hey Chris,
You gave a balanced review, the critique you provided will enable the restaurant to improve in those areas of customer service and satisfaction. However, in terms of choice maybe a some different next time- the running eggs alone on both plates turned me off. Unfortunately, I haven’t been to the restaurant before as I live in England but who knows where I will venture next. Chris, I salute you!!! Go forth and please continue š
You did the right thing chris if there is issues surely the company would like to know so as they can be rectified and provide a decent service to the public honestly is the best policy chris 100% back you up
The only way for improvements is to leave your review. I absolutely hate sharing tables and they should have asked . I think all of the points you highlighted were necessary, consistency and quality are key when talking about food . Most importantly , if you’re spending your money, you want to walk out satisfied with the service otherwise you will not want to return. Kudos on
A review done in a diplomatic manner.
I think you did the right thing. You lead with the positives, and only after praising what was good and great did you get into what was disappointing or bad. If the restaurant does not get honest feedback, they cannot fix the problem. Many people, myself included, just do not return. With your review, people know where to set their expectations.
I agree about not enjoying my meal as much when a restaurant is too noisy or too busy. I like to enjoy my food, and I tip accordingly to ensure I am not cheating the wait staff by spending too much time. Thank you, Chris. P.S. If you decide to livestream your cooking, I’d love to have at least one show a week happen on Saturdays or Mondays (my days off) so that I can participate. š
You should be honest while keeping in mind “different strokes for different folks,” and I think you were. To report facts is not to judge them. Lots of people are perfectly happy when squeezed in with others, and the louder the better. I do not happen to be among them, so I appreciate knowing what my experience would be like. And you were honest and fair about the food. I think, though, if I experienced the effects of a rush on the restaurant, I would return at a hopefully less busy time to see if the service and food were more spot-on (or not).
You did the right thing. If I was the owner I would like to know what things are not right or need improvement. Your comments should be appreciated.
Honest review., I appreciate that. You have given them an opportunity to correct a few things so that you (and others) will have a better dining experience in the future.
You gave constructive feedback and your tone is respectfull. Nothing wrong with that! Sometimes (busy) restaurants are not aware of things so hopefully they can and will listen to your comments. I as a chef would like to know!
Good luck on the Kilimanjaro preperations!!
I love your honesty and the fact that your still willing to give them another chance at getting it right.
Chris:
I’m all about being honest and you were. Somewhere in the Bible it says “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Anybody could tell it was painful for you to have to give the review, but because of your honesty, although Papa Leo’s may feel a bit hurt for a little while, they will see that your review came as a critique that will better them and is not meant to tear them down. You were open with them – giving them feedback that they can remedy. Others that feel the same way would walk away saying nothing leaving Papa Leo to wonder why the business is not as good as it could be. The honesty is refreshing!
Hi Chris, You are on point, I’m not a fan of restaurants, so when I do go out, I want to know I’m getting great food and great service from a restaurant, when they don’t deliver it is very disappointing and I don’t go back. I appreciate your reviews!!
Chris, your review was honest & fair. I dined at Papa Leo’s recently for the first time – stumbled across it while looking for a place to have brunch. Their menu is unique, which I enjoyed (e.g. Not your everyday bacon & eggs place), but the space is SMALL & although it was clean & bright, I couldn’t get past the “family dining” where you had to share a table with other diners, or the lineup out the door, which made us feel rushed to eat & leave. I also felt that for the price, they could have put a little more food on the plate. Obviously it works for some, because people comtinue to line up to get in, but it wasn’t for me.
Your review was honest and does afford the restaurant a chance to improve its service. As a consumer, I value your honesty.
Hi Chris… First I must say that I enjoy you and your meals very much. Honesty is the best policy. Maybe your response will help this restaurant to improve where they have fallen short and that is to their benefit. Keep up the good, honest, work, and trust how God is leading you. You did the right thing. You called it as you saw it. (Now that is real)
I appreciate honest reviews. I do believe reviews are important tools to help businesses improve and enhance their service. I would feel uncomfortable posting a negative review prior to informing the manager/owner. (In many ways a video review can be more impactful than one that’s written.) Perhaps the details of negative review can reserved for the restaurant (as a consultant service). This may give them an opportunity to redeem themselves quickly. As you continue with your reviews, you may begin to receive invitations to do so. I think that would be preferable to restaurateurs dreading the sight of you.
Chris. Honesty is always the best policy. If what you said is what you thought there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s only wrong when you make it personal, which in this case it’s not. If I was the owner of the restaurant then I need to know these things
I have never been to this restaurant but your review and evaluation of your visit appears to be fair. This seems to be a popular place
to eat but success sometimes make owners forget standards must be maintained. Hopefully the owner will be see the positive side of your observations and move to correct any shortcomings mentioned.
Bro Chris,
Good Friday Blessings to you. Nothing wrong with your review. You are being honest and helping improve the condition of the the restaurant. If I was the owner this is the type of review I would like to have. It is a pity that most folks are not honest like this.
I think that you did the right thing albeit FREEDOM OF SPEECH. However, I am a little concerned about the repercussions it may have on you in terms of defamation. Remember the situation with Oprah and her comment on beef? You be the judge!
Hi Christ: All your recipes look good. Although I am a born Trini I have tried a few, the result is always good. Go for the live cooking. The ‘streaming’ would be fun. I don’t have a Tablet but I can always check you out on my Desk Top. Good Luck to you. Please don’t publish my name.
it was an honest review and they should work on improving what a positive place they have…
Chris a few things. If you have a number of people with you could a reservation be made ahead of time,stating perhaps not conjoined with other tables? I also think the best way to deal with inconsistent portions would be to address your concerns to manager right away,the same thing with the avocado.From negative criticism brings forth awareness that results in a positive direction.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with expressing an honest opinion – to which everyone is entitled .
Just like with movie reviews, I still check things out for myself and more often than not, my own
experience is not the same.
You did your job, end of story !
You absolutely did the right thing. It is helpful to people like me who rarely eat out (2 or 3 times a month) – I have more than enough new restaurants I want to try out. Your review allows me to judge whether I should choose this one. I live in the Hamilton area and would probably now try one or more of your other ‘galivanting’ spots first. Thanks, Chris, as always. Have you tried Calibash on Erin Mills just north of the QEW? Small but great Caribbean food.
I think you did the right thing by letting us know the good and not so good. Your review was fair and allows us to make our own opinions.
Keep up the great work you do!
Brutal honesty is always good. you are a paying customer. how else is the owner going to improve. Say it as it is .
Hi, Chris- Integrity is doing as you believe. I listen to you and have confidence that you mean what you say.
Hi Chris, You didthe right thing.I am inthe business myself and hope that my customers are as honest as you were. Nothing to worry about, they will appreciate honesty. Cheers and keep up the good work and your lovely recipes.
You did the right thing. You’re nicer than me! š keep up the good work.
You did the fight thing Chris, reviews are supposed to be about the negative as well as the positive things you experienced. If it was only positive you would not be helpful to either the restaurants or potential customers.
Your review was precisely that … Your opinion of the restaurant. If you were not truthful in your review, it would not have made the restaurant any better but rather would have made you unreliable as a source of where to go to have a pleasant meal. I think your review was not a put down on the restaurant, you even allowed that you would go back to see if the issues were one time deals.
Chris there is no question about it you did the right thing…..From the time I started following you I see you as a very nice person you are not vindictive or malicious. And all you did was say the truth about what you found positive or negative in a professional manner because you are a professional.
If you didn’t have a struggle saying “I ended up with one of the most delicious cups of coffee..”, then you shouldn’t have a struggle with your other opinions on this place. A review is a review. You gave your honest feedback politely and constructively.
Greetings and Happy Easter from the sunny isles. I think that it was the right thing to do. It was an honest review and Papa Leo should accept i8t as positive criticism and use it as a stepping stone which can be used to asses his situation in going forward.
You did the right thing Chris…honesty and truth…will always win…and I do enjoy your recipes…
Hi Chris…12:02 am, Mar 26/2016
I am reading your experience, the TV news blasting and my eyes kinda 1/2 open…however…from what my memory has…your article was FANTASTIC…did a description, which I was living as I was reading…you were a gentleman , with patience…I have no qualms to say …you carried yourself like the REAL GENTLEMAN your parents have raised . You are a people person, you grasp my attention when I read or listen to, anything concerning you…hope you accept this compliment….
Constructive criticism is beneficial to the restaurant. You did the right thing.
Appreciate the honest opinion. It is so obvious that you want to give a completely positive review. But, it is not always possible in your line of work. Thank for your love of good food, for supporting local business, and, for the wonderful recipes
HI, CHRIS , youy totally did the right thing ,it was constructive criticism not destructive so they should be thanking you.
Chris,
I worked for several manufacturers in my career and to this day, I still do store checks on the products from which I earned my livelihood.
I understand the uneasiness of places to your filming as the owners are very concerned about ‘business espionage’. They do not want the competition knowing and matching their pricing and presentation. Although the law does not permit it, some manufacturers give special ‘deals’ to some outlets and they would rather have that remain a closely guarded secret..
As far as the restaurant is concerned, I hope you did express you dissatisfaction to the management. I certainly do so when I do not get the level of service nor the quality of food that I expected. They NEED me, I do NOT need them.
It was an honest and upfront critique.
CHRIS,
YOU DID THE RIGHT THING IN THAT YOU WERE HONEST.
I haven’t had the pleasure of eating at the restaurant. However I am sure others have the same complaints, I guess they never care enough to make the effort to provide the owner with honest reviews in order to make improvements.
I believe this was a honest review Sir you were polite as well
You gave your honest opinion and I respect you for that!….that restaurant was out of line and I would have gotten up and left…..love your videos and recipes Chris keep up the awesome work!
Chris you did the right thing.
this was very well written and balanced review. I do appreciate being given the heads up that the dining experience/ ambiance may not be the most appropriate for a quiet breakfast for 2.
It is incumbent on the reviewers to be honest and open otherwise you lose credibility with your audience. I trust your review. I am forewarned.
I have to agree with most people on here and say that constructive criticism is the best policy. If customers just go along with the restaurants way of cooking/serving/presentation of the food and do not give feedback how will they know when someone is not entirely satisfied and they will keep making the same mistakes.
Hi Chris, here are my thoughts. You and your daughter decided to drop in for a meal after reading a positive review, and paid for your meal. You were not invited by the owner or chef. I think you gave an honest review just like anyone of us has posted on an establishments FB page or other social media of an experience at any restaurant or service industry organization. I would rather you provide an honest review than risk your credibility as a “foodie” recommending a restaurant and being found to be inconsistent. That being said, maybe after your meal you could probably ask to see the manager or owner and introduce yourself and discuss your experience which would give them an opportunity to consider your feedback for improving service. Thanks for all the lovely articles and videos and for sharing T&T and the Caribbean with the world. All the best, a follower in T&T.