So I am on holidays at the moment. As such, I have zero motivation to cook. So we’ve been indulging in the restaurant culture perhaps more so than we usually would. As such, we are getting to see many facets of this service industry.

When I say restaurant culture, the playground and surrounding tables at McDonalds get a Guernsey here right? Totally kidding. Mostly.

No, really, we have been out particularly to places nearby, read: within walking distance that Mum and Dad can still have a bevvie and take the kids home via foot. But lately two places have stood out. And not for the same reasons.

First example:

Stats: Lunchtime

People: 4 Adults, 3 Children.

Place: Restaurant Juliana’s. Paradise Point, QLD. Mostly services Sovereign Island, one of the most expensive real estate sections in Queensland.

Ok, so it wasn’t the food, which was adequate, nor the service, which was semi-fast, it was the attitude we received. I queried the bill. She had in fact overcharged us $50. I knew it. No apology, in fact she told me it was because it was written down wrong on the bill – like it was my fault. I don’t think I am adequately telling you what was wrong here. Out and out, the owner and the one who ended up processing our bill, was just incredibly rude. She was spewing because I was using EFTPOS. She was spewing that we were asking for Take away coffees to be included in the bill we were paying. And this was not my first shite experience. She once told me, when having breakfast and reading the Sunday paper by myself, with not one other customer in the joint, that I would have to move because I was taking up a table for 4. Why did we eat there again? Fuck only knows.

Second example:

Stats: Dinnertime

People: 2 Adults, 3 children

Place: Restaurant Clink, Southport, QLD, Restaurant in a Hotel with a Comedy Club

Last night, we went out for dinner. Even though it was way past the 3 year olds bed time and
even though this usually equates to hell, we gave it a go. Surprisingly it was awesome.

We were greeted with enthusiasm. We were sat at a table that suited us. In short, this restaurant, which is essentially a pub restaurant, gave 5 star service and 6 star food. We asked once, we got it. The food was consumed by every single child and Mum and Dad went home and just passed out (sure fire sign of a fantastic and filling meal). Plus I just happened to indulge in a baileys/vanilla bean panna cotta at the end which kind of sealed the deal.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that, in these economic times, and even these times of just being a bit skint cause it’s after Christmas and we’ve all had a few days off, it’s not often we get to go out and actually indulge. So if we do, we expect to enjoy it.

And look, we are pretty easy going diners. I don’t even send back glasses with obvious lipstick marks on the wine glass.
But rude people shit me.