Post #404583 by TikiGardener on Wed, Aug 27, 2008 8:10 PM

I am sorry that you seem to have had nothing but bad service at the Tonga Room.

The last time I was there, my daughter and I went for happy hour. We got there well into happy hour.
The bar was packed. And yet we managed to get three rounds in, the last one taken 5 minutes after
happy hour was over, and yet our server charged us happy hour price.

The previous time we went, we split the spicy tofu plate. Now I'm vegetarian, and that and the
mushroom spring rolls are the only thing I can eat there. I don't mind. Yes it would be nice if
they had more vegetarian fare, and if it was a bit cheaper, but we split the tab and had a grand time with
friendly and attentive service.

My only run in with any service people was when I was taking shots and the main man old me I couldn't
unless my party was in it. And his reason was that the patrons "don't like it". Which means to me that some
people don't like ending up in other peoples pictures. Which I understand. So I just did it on the sly and made
sure if he saw me, it was of the decor and not the patrons.

And who knows, I've yet to ask them to change a drink, as my daughter and I both found them enjoyable and effective!

I like it some don't, and I think thats where it comes down. Just like Black Liquorice, some people think its the
bees knees, while I think it tastes like roofing tar smells on a hot summer day...
TG
http://www.exotic-tiki-gardens.com

And the service thing reminds me of this one waitress at this Mexican food place I like to eat at occassionally.
I had been used to this one very kind and pleasant lady as my server, but one day I got this woman that spilled drinks,
ran into the table more than once and brought me a chicken enchillada when I had asked for cheese. So as each error occurred,
the tip percentage went down in my mind. I had the misfortune to get her a few more times and did the same thing each time. She got
a tip as I know what its like to count on tips, but I knew she had to be getting the same treatment from others, because
the tip is one area of control you have. And sure enough, one day I saw that I had her as my server. Dread filled my heart
as I saw myself having to go through it all again. But she made sure to repeat my order back to me twice, engaged in banter,
and was very pleasant to me and my daughter ( we enjoy dining if you couldn't tell ) , and was amazing. We watched her at her other tables
and sure enough, at each table she did the same. I'd like to think that we had something to do with it, as I think everyone deserves
a few chances. Its that empathy thing. As bad as her service was at the begining, I really felt bad thinking of this woman
losing her source of income.

Dunno. rambling again... But I think I was making some sort of point in there...
And if it were Burrito Central I'd name the place! Its awesome!!!

[ Edited by: TikiGardener 2008-08-27 20:22 ]