I am sorry to hear you were disappointed with your evening at Eight Point
Two on Saturday 6th March.
The reservation had been made for 7.30 and Grant had been in during the day
to confirm the reservation and had concerns for the request for an outside
table as the weather was forecast to deteriate.
We set a table inside and outside to cater to the party of 11, and offered
either option on their arrival.
During the time in the bar, including 35 minutes until the last guests
arrived, 2 rounds of drinks were served
During this time Grant decided the preference would be for an outside table.
I consulted with Grant to confirm the outside area for dining before
breaking up the inside table for other diners who subsequently arrived and were seated.
Unfortunately the weather worsened in the next half hour which prompted me
to ask Grant to step outside to check the changing weather conditions, to
see if outside would still be comfortable for his guests.
On deciding to relocate the party of 11 back inside I started to plan for
this and re-organize a table.
This did mean a bit longer in the bar but even once the table was ready not all of the party was not ready to sit down.
Unfortunately when the party did sitdown the original menu choices had diminished but
replacement dishes were offered.
Complimentary side dishes were served x 6 to compensate for the menu
disruptions.
I know it is awkward to choose when there are dishes unavailable and
replacements to consider resulting in a bit longer to take an order and
discuss new options. I realize now it would have been better to reprint the
menu with the replacements.
As for the timing, the entrees were served in very good time, and the call
away for mains was done as soon as the entrees were served as there were
only 4 entrees ordered and bread for all guests. This allowed for quick
delivery of the mains even though one of the guests had only just finished
his starter.
Desserts followed and the birthday cake followed that.
With a large group we are always careful to make sure, especially with
timing, that everything is precise. There are always steps taken to ensure
the evening runs as smoothly as possible. I have been serving Glenda and
Grant for many years going back to the days at Turtle Creek Café in
Takapuna, so I was delighted she chose Eight Point Two for her 50th
Birthday. I was of course disappointed to hear that we were unable to please all of her guests on this occasion.
Feedback is very important to my business and I am constantly trying to improve as a result.