Through some of my sources, I found out that Tutto Gusto is changing up a little bit. It will now become more American food fare and be called Quinlan Park Grill. This supposedly will happen in the next few days. First big change in Steiner Business’. It will be interesting to see the menu and success of this new restaurant. The ownership is not changing, but the menu and concept is.
Rumor Time: Tutto Gusto will become Quinlan Park Grill
January 7th, 2008 · 70 Comments
Tags: Uncategorized
70 responses so far ↓
1 Carrie // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:29 am
It’s true…I actually have the new menu in my kitchen. Hopefully this will add more variety to Steiner Ranch.
2 ARS // Jan 8, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Would you be able to share the menu or give us an idea of what the changes on the menu are like?
3 Carrie // Jan 8, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Not at all. The hostess actually gave me the new menu on Friday night so anyone can pick one up.
Appetizers are the usual: chips/salsa,onion rings,etc.
Soups/Salads
Burgers
Sandwiches
Tacos
Pasta…they actually don’t have spaghetti listed on here.
Nightly Features
Kids Menu
….thats the outline of the menu.
I am curious if the menu is as tasty as it sounds…
4 Jds // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Not sure how this adds more variety as we already have a grill and another next to fion very shortly?
Three grills in Steiner – what variety, goodbye well cooked Italian. What next a McDonalds Grill?
5 ARS // Jan 10, 2008 at 11:42 am
I was told the restauant next to Fion is going to be more of a deli/sandwich shop place.
Does anybody have info on that?
6 Anonymous // Jan 14, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Went there for dinner, Fri night, service just absolutely terrible. Took over 45′ to get seated, then once seated, it was just over 20′ before a waiter even came by. Had to ask for each refill on drinks. Ordered the 1/3 lb burger, I swear it was nothing more than a frozen patty from Costco’s freezer section. Maybe if I had got the 1/2 lb angus burger it might be better…but I’d say Lakeside’s burger is much better.
7 Anonymous // Jan 14, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Went to the “new” Quinlan Park Grill. I guess they just don’t get it. Just as when Tutto Gusto opened, service was horrible. We were promptly seated with our menus then for the next 15 minutes we were ignored (it was not busy, they must of had 10 to 15 empty tables). We have had this type of service before and just sat there and took it. Not this time; we walked out and then were followed by their wait staff apologizing to us. Going out for dinner should be enjoyable, this was not. What ever happened to customer service?
8 Anonymous // Jan 15, 2008 at 9:34 am
We had horrible service too! So, we thought we would be “smart” and just get it to go last night. (we were in a rush and didn’t have time to go anywhere else) so we placed our order at 7:05 and was told by 7:35 it would be ready. Well, at 8:15 it was finally in our hands. By that time the food was soggy. I hope they get it together because we need a good restaurant in Steiner. I’m sticking to Lakeside from now on.
9 Anonymous // Jan 15, 2008 at 10:12 am
We had horrible service as well. My husband was ignored when he tried to place a carry out order. Then we got the food home and for the price there was hardly any food there! We never went back. I was hopeful that they would be changing management, no such luck. They should try changing their staff and not their menu.
10 Anonymous // Jan 15, 2008 at 8:56 pm
New Menu same terrible service. Place was half empty but after 10 minutes no one even took a drink order. We left and went to Lakeside Grill.
The owners and staff, not the menu where always the problem.
11 Anonymous // Jan 15, 2008 at 10:26 pm
We had average service but the new menu stinks in my opinion. They stopped serving the bread with salads. I ordered the grilled chicken caesar salad and the chicken was so over seasoned that I needed three glasses of iced tea to cool my mouth. The salad dressing tasted more like italian than caesar. Don’t bother ordering the twin burgers off the kid’s menu, they are so small it’s a joke. I am so disappointed to have lost the menu from Tutto Gusto, the italian wines and the great jazz music. Also, it would be nice if they would consider some healthy choices like substituting pasta salad or fruit for the french fries when ordering a sandwich.
12 Anonymous // Jan 17, 2008 at 4:15 pm
We ate there, or attempted to, on Monday since there was a new menu. We actually had no complaints with the service and I am surprised that only one person here has complained about the food. The quality is WORSE than when it was Tutto Gusto. We had them to box up our food, left and went to eat Lakeside; much better.
13 Toady // Jan 18, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I haven’t had the pleasure of eating at the new menu restaurant but I never had any issues with the previous menu or service. It was no worse than any “other” steiner restaurant. I agree that it was a shame to lose TG in favor of another burger joint. From the sound of it, they should have improved service and not the menu?!
14 Tom // Jan 18, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Tried the new menu..
We had the ribs and half bbq chicken to-go. It actually didn’t taste too bad,but they did forget to include our sides. Families in Steiner are willing to pay for good food AND good service so why don’t they get it?? Maybe the owner is making the changes…we can hope right?
15 Darlene // Jan 19, 2008 at 12:55 pm
The food is hideous. Gravy on the chicken fried steak was like thousand island dressing and my pecan crusted chicken breast sandwich was burnt to a crisp. We will never go back.
We LOVED Tutto Gusto and were telling as many people about it as possible. I know it takes a while for a restaurant to get going, I think they gave up too soon, and someone apparently gave them bad advice on a name and food selections. Too bad, because the kids play area is brilliant.
16 Disappointed // Jan 20, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Bar food minus the bar. We ate at the “new” Grill tonight and it was sub par at best. The burger my son got was average. I agree with the previous post that it almost seemed like Costco meat. Same went for the “Santa Fe” chicken I ordered. It was basically a chicken sandwich minus the bread…for $12. It was okay, but the cheese wasn’t even melted and the bacon appeared to be almost like “bacon bits.” We really went with an open mind, but left very disappointed. I really do hope they get their act together. It is nice to have convenience, but at these prices and quality, we won’t be returning any time soon.
17 Satisfied // Jan 21, 2008 at 12:00 pm
OK — I’m a food snob, and I readily admit it. So I’m surprised, I suppose, that we have had 2 pretty decent meals at the new QP grill. The food is not high end, but both times our meals were fine. The first time we went, service was slow. We tried it again Saturday night when it was very crowded, and service was actually great. No, it’s not fine dining, but everyone liked their food for what it is. My guess is that, as with any new restaurant, there are going to be consistency issues with the food.
By the way, I had the Angus beef on my hambuger and it was good. Pay the extra dollar.
18 ARS // Jan 22, 2008 at 9:00 am
We tried the new Grill on Sunday. We ordered several appetizers and mac n cheese to go. The food was ready in about 15 minutes and it was pretty good. There is a little tweeking that needs to be done, but that is the same with any “new” restaurant. I just think it’s interesting SO many people were complaining about the Tutto Gusto food being bad then when they change the menu people say they miss the food. So far, I like it much better than Lakeside, which every time I have been there I have had sub-par food and terrible service. Lakeside Grill has lost our order the past two times we went. Let’s face it, neither of these restaurants are going to attract a “world class chef”, they are just two little restaurants trying to make it in a neighborhood setting.
19 To the owners // Jan 22, 2008 at 1:56 pm
My family and I tried the Grill the other night. Service was friendly and everything came out as ordered. The food was very marginal. In my opinion, what a restaurant like this needs is a much smaller menu. Why not specialize in something like AWESOME hamburgers and chicken sandwiches…. then grow as the customers needs grow? Look at Snuffers in Dallas. They started as a neighborhood restaurant with a tiny menu, and everyone in Dallas came to them for the burgers, marinated chicken sandwiches and cheesefries. They are now a Dallas legend and offer a lot more variety on their menu, but only as they have developed the reputation to grow. When I saw the fish on the menu at the Grill, I knew the food would probably not be that great. If you focused on a smaller menu with exceptional/fresh ingredients and a couple of great recipes, I feel like your restaurant would be kept full – people would probably even travel from surrounding areas to come to our perfect little Steiner sandwich or burger grill.
20 ANONYMOUS // Jan 22, 2008 at 5:49 pm
PLEASE, or rather, PER FAVORE bring back Tutto Gusto!!! All will be forgiven if you just bring back the delicious Italian food we came to love! Many would agree I’m sure. We were very frequent visitors — nearly weekly. Yes, service could have been better and maybe some of the prices could have be reevaluated, ie. the kids menu, but overall we were very happy to have such a great restaurant so close to home. And the kid playscape and yard is a big plus! We need the return of the tasty Italian flavor in the neighborhood! In bocca al lupo! (Good luck!)
21 Satisfied // Jan 22, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Though we generally liked the place (see earlier post), I have to agree with Anon that the menu is ALL over the place, and should be refined to focus on the items that you do well and know will sell.
22 Jim // Jan 22, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Sorry to hear the Tutto Gusto menu is gone. We loved the pizza as well as the chicken and mushroom on a bed of spinach – and salads were delicious. Great service also – we were regular customers. New menu won’t entice us to return for an evening meal. No crowd, but not one offer for a drink refill and they brought our bill without even asking us if we wanted dessert. Chicken with spinach casserole and mexican corn was no where close to most decent restaurants. Not hot, not tasty, small servings….Wish you could manage to keep what was there; I assume there was some financial reason for your changing it…it certainly is not an improvement from our viewpoint as customers.
23 QP supporter! // Jan 23, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Personally I like TG better but there are still a few TG items on the new menu, such as the amazing penne chipoltle pesto and the salmon dish. In all my dining experiences the staff have been friendly and inviting and even the head chef took time to check up on us during our dinner! This resturant is a going through a transistion and it takes more than a month before reaching the high standards set by the Steiner Ranch community. I hope initial reviews and disappointments do not turn people away immediatly. this resturant has great potential.
24 Chris // Jan 26, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I have been to the new QPGrill and each time had great service and the hamburger with Angus meat was the best burger I have had in years.
There is a little server by the name or Laura who was amazing.. She kept our tea glasses full and could not have been sweeter. Maybe the resident ’s of Steiner Ranch should give these people a little break and be nicer. Be happy you do not have to drive out of Steiner.
25 Melissa // Jan 27, 2008 at 12:34 pm
My husband picked up a menu yesterday since he was in the shopping center. We were going to try it out last night, until we actually looked at the menu. Lots of deep fried “bar food.” A few salads that sounded very ordinary were some of the very few semi-healthy looking things on the menu, and there was no lo-fat dressing options. We ended up going to Hill Country Pasta House, which was fantastic, as usual.
26 Steve // Jan 28, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I don’t understand all the apparent animosity toward a neighborhood restaurant, especially since they’ve changed concept and are working on an almost entirely new menu. We really enjoyed Tutto, but it was never consistently busy there, and the changes to QPG seem to have been well received based on the increase in traffic. We’ve always gotten good service and good food and will continue to go there. Glad one of the above reviewers had success at Hill Country Pasta House. After the 3rd incident of horrible service, we’re not going back. Waiting for 30 minutes for a check and then having to take it up to the manager after another 15 min to actually get out of there, and another time waiting over 20 minutes with no server, no water, no menus, just a basket of stale bread tossed on the table after 20 minutes with a grunt, but without butter or olive oil. It was too much, or should I say not enough.
27 Steiner Res // Jan 29, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Finally tried the revamped Tutto Gusto…should have heeded the advice on this blog and abstained! Although we did not experience the slow service problems others did (we were seated quickly, drinks were refilled without our having to ask, the server came over to ask if we were ready to order 3 times before we were), our food to an inordinate amount of time to come out of the kitchen. We had the Q Combo appetizer (chips with 2 kinds of salsa and queso) – how does anyone mess up queso??? I don’t know, but they sure did! Also, the salsas were average at best. We had the Philly cheesesteak, which was also average. The 1/3 lb. burger was all right, but the bun tasted awful. Luckily, the french fries were good. The sweet potato fries, however, were definitely not. The “blackened” redfish was not anything close to “blackened” – maybe grilled. And the “sauce” it was served in was terrible – tasted like old melted butter. The server did offer dessert, but we declined. Finally, after leaving a child’s sippy cup on the table and returning to retrieve it only minutes after leaving, they claimed not to have known where it went. The woman who said she personally cleared the table said that she absolutely did not throw it in the trash, and yet it was nowhere to be found. Not going back.
28 Jimmy // Feb 3, 2008 at 11:59 am
I love to see people living out the American Dream. Nothing like a bunch of people moving to Steiner Ranch from California with a few bucks in there pocket and opening up a restaurant. That’s the beauty of running a restaurant…it takes no experience whatsoever. Of course, I’m kidding. But I do feel like the selection of SR eateries is indicitve of being guinea pigs to inexperienced Restaurateurs taking advantage of the apathetic captive audience.
29 Melissa // Feb 3, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I believe the owners are actually locals. They also own Siena and the Brick Oven restaurants.
30 chad // Feb 4, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I have been a faithful customer of Tutto and the new QP Grill I love the staff and the service. The food is not the best ever but look at the price we are paying for it. What do you people want a seven course meal of caviar and truffels for $6.95. You get what you pay for. It is a great atmosphere, great people and so convienent for our neighborhood. Try cooking at home once in a while if you dont like it. Thanks Steiner ranch resident for seven years……
31 BILL // Feb 4, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Just moved into the neighborhood and we loved the QP Grill. Never ate at the other restaurant but our service was great and the food was awesome. I mean it was awesome for grill food. The manager came out and welcomed us to the neighborhood and even gave us some background on austin and the neighborhood. Super nice guy!!!!! Had a little problem with the children that are uncontrolable but not the restaurants fault. We are going back again!!
32 rosco // Feb 4, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I just ordered take out at Quinlan Park Grille,and i have to say it was really great food. I had the angus mushroom burger with fries. I will definatly go back again!
33 TAM // Feb 23, 2008 at 1:37 pm
To say “You get what you pay for” in this case isn’t accurate. They’ve RAISED the price of the most popular Sunny’s salad (one of the few things they kept from the Tutto Gusto menu) and took away the bread!!! The salad alone isn’t enough to fill one up for lunch but the bread helped do just that. WAKE UP MANAGEMENT – We don’t WANT another Pizza, Burger or Mexican restraunt. PLEASE DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! TRULY good food, freshly cooked at reasonable prices would be a nice change!
34 Bob // Apr 14, 2008 at 11:36 am
Food was terrible, Service was great for us.
Reduce the size of the menu & specialize.
Raise the prices a little but INCREASE the food quality.
The wings were disgusting, the mac and cheese was watery and the cola was weak on syrup. The oil that the fries were cooked in was old and clearly too cold based on oiliness of the fries.
I will not let my kid eat that low quality junk.
35 Melissa // Apr 14, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I am not impressed with this place. The service last time was really good, but the food was horrible. Very greasy. The redfish tasted like it had been frozen since 1995. And they charged us $4.95 (I think) for about a tablespoon of guacamole.
36 Anon // Apr 14, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Bring back the bread with the salads, please.
I ordered a pasta dish which was good but way too hot. You cannot assume that everyone will want seasoning that hot. It just does not make sense to me. Spicy is fine, so hot that you have to take a drink after each bite. That’s just not thinking.
Please bring the salad back with the bread and bring back the jazz music.
37 Steiner Res // Apr 16, 2008 at 11:02 am
Anon:
I’m assuming you got the Texatali. When you order a pasta that has “Chipoltle Pesto”, you should think “hot.” Can’t relaly dial doen the heat on chipotle.
That said, I agree with the recent comments. They seem to be trying too hard to have too many things, and the result is inconsistency. Service is good, drinks are good, but the food is up and down. My best luck has been sticking with burgers.
38 anon // Apr 28, 2008 at 7:20 pm
So I’m guessing this place will close down within a year. Just wondering – what do you think would do well there? I was hoping for tex-mex when they reopened last time…
39 abc // Apr 28, 2008 at 7:26 pm
from everyone’s complaints- nothing will be good enough.
40 Victoria // Apr 29, 2008 at 10:27 am
Oh the burgers suck. hockey pucks. not juicy at all. The best item on the menu is the Peacan chicken and Joey’s favorite pasta. Miss the garlic spinach and bread with the pesto oil.
41 Steiner Res // Apr 29, 2008 at 3:58 pm
ABC:
You’re right — I’m not sure what would make it out here. Problem is that none of the local “chains” (Z Tejas, Maudie’s, etc.) are going to build out here because there isn’t enough traffic — they want the high-volume areas. What we will have are “neighborhood” type restaurants. People need to accept them for what they are and temper expectations. Though I agree that the food quality is inconsistent, better to have a place that serves generally decent food than no restaurants.
42 anon. // May 21, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I’ll take somewhat inconsistent but overall decent food over having to put up with a bunch of screaming brats, yes, brats, at Lakeside. I know people will get defensive and claim “kids will be kids” but there is simply no excuse for rude obnoxious brats running wild, other than lazy or inattentive parents.
And unfortunately most of the kids are well behaved and not a problem even when they get excited and boisterous – but it’s the brats you notice.
43 steiner resident // Jun 7, 2008 at 6:29 pm
The food is ok. It’s the fact that no one seems to be RUNNING the place that’s the biggest problem for this restaurant. There are a bunch af very nice, KIDS, waiting, hosting and basically running the place. WHO is the MANAGER? The Owner? I’ve never seen this “person” ever, and we’ve been in LOTS of times. Also, for a restaurant catering to kids, they should think more about things like perhaps a FOOTSTOOL in the bathroom for the SUPERHIGH sink! How can kids wash their hands. There clearly needs to be someone in charge. And for the angryman jerk with no kids who left the last comment- what kind if moron goes to a place with a giant PLAYSCAPE outside and expects there to be no kids running around? I agree, many times kids should be better disciplined in public places, but seriously, go somewhere else with your bad self.
44 Steiner Res // Jun 9, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I think anon was complaining about the kids at Lakeside, nut Quinlan Park Grill.
45 ARS // Jun 10, 2008 at 8:23 am
Regardless of where he was complaining about the kids being, that complaint is getting old. There are kids in the neighborhood and they will be in public. It is what it is, good or bad. Let’s try to keep to subjects that we have the posibility of changing, like the food. Which I happen to think is pretty good for just a little neighborhood restaurant.
46 Robyn // Jun 10, 2008 at 9:24 am
I used to adore tutto gusto…and i really like the grill. The only thing i really miss is the ORIGINAL sunny salad. I know that they tried to keep it on the menu at Quinlan Park but it’s just not exactly the same. The Tutto Gusto version was perfection. Other then that I think it’s pretty good. They make a great burger!
47 GT // Jun 11, 2008 at 10:34 pm
What about a breakfast restaurant. I have lived in this area for over 20 years and there is no sit down breakfast facility that serves breakfast 7 days a week. That is within 10 miles. Oh yeah and is good.
Do you think if they improved the food quality that people would make an effort to come back?
48 Melissa // Jun 15, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I completely agree with steiner resident. We went there last week. And the only reason we went there is because of the playscape. But I swear there wasn’t anyone working there who was over the age of 17. Service was OK, the server was really nice, but obviously a little disorganized and inexperienced. We were brought our entrees and had to wait another 5 minutes for silverware. I ordered a glass of Pinot Noir, and upon the server brining a glass of white wine, I said that it was not the wine I ordered. Sorry, but a server should at least know that Pinot Noir is a red wine. And the food was very mediocre and greasy. I really doubt we’ll be back. I think we’re just going to wait until it inevitably changes hands.
49 anon // Jun 15, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Seriously – what’s with the Kraft Mac and Cheese?
50 Drunken Goat // Jun 18, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I hearby dub this “The Whiner Ranch Blog”.
51 Joanna // Jun 18, 2008 at 7:01 pm
The Steiner Whiners!!! LOL!
Sorry, couldn’t resist – there’s good posts here too…
52 Lydia // Jun 19, 2008 at 9:27 am
The Whiner Ranch Blog. The Steiner Whiners. Love’em both!! LOL!!
53 Steiner Non-Whiner // Jun 20, 2008 at 12:03 pm
After reading through these I couldn’t help but realize how un-constructive the comments on here are. Make no mistake, I am no big fan of the QPG either, but there are other ways of sharing an opinion and also helping out your own cause.
QPG is a neighborhood business… whether we like it or not. We would be better served if the opinions on here were something management could use.. “Pinot vs White wine”, is a mistake that can be made anywhere in any restaurant. But making a complete “training” recommendation is far more fruitful…. Its noted for the record QPG is not working for this neighborhood, we all get it.. Who here will step up and help this place be what the neighborhood needs? Who has shared a face to face opinion with the restaurant? After all we have few choices out here..
I wonder if the folks on this blog talk to their kids, co-workers, and families in the same critical manner.. if so that would explain at least the “brat” observation.. ;>
(One last thought.. some of these were really funny posts tho..)
54 Steiner Res // Jun 20, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I really wish that QPG would make it, along with Lakeside (which seems to be doing better). We have supported both from the start. The problem is that the owners (who also own Siena and Brick Oven) have been hands-off with this venture for whatever reason, which explains, to some extent, the seeming lack of consistent service, food and management. I’d be happyto discuss my thoughts with them directly if anyone was ever available.
55 Anon // Jun 23, 2008 at 11:37 pm
I would have to agree with Steiner Resident. I feel that the owners of QPG are hands off and the owners of Lakeside are present, but also hands off. It seems like both places could careless what we think and are content with medicore neighborhood business when they could have great neighborhood business. We don’t have a lot of choices here in Steiner so I guess we have to settle for medicore run business’. I have decided to lessen my support for both of these establishments and just eat at home more when I might have gone out. I think QPG and Lakeside Grill could learn a lesson from The Market and even Cups N Cones about what makes a successful business.
56 Liz // Jun 28, 2008 at 8:54 am
We gave the new QPG another try and were again dissapointed- terrible food, too many loud children and just not worth the money.
57 qpg employee // Aug 3, 2008 at 10:49 pm
i find many of these things good suggestions. however, they will not matter much come this friday. the establishment has been sold to a thai food place. take this for better or for worse but i hope you are happy…
58 Not sure if its true… but the rumor is… // Aug 4, 2008 at 7:11 am
[...] Anonymous on People looking to move out of Steiner… according to the Statesmanqpg employee on Rumor Time: Tutto Gusto will become Quinlan Park GrillAnonymous on Traffic in Austin and how do you driveSB on Traffic in Austin and how do you driveJJ on [...]
59 another non-whiner // Aug 5, 2008 at 9:49 am
I find it ironic that people find (found) QPG to have too many kids… the times I’ve been to Lakeside it’s a cross between a pizza joint and Chucky Cheese, will less discipline. That’s fine if that’s what you want. I look for a more relaxed and quiet setting.
Also, there’s definitely a place for constructive criticism, and when offered it’s almost always taken if a restaurant wants to be successful. One thing I’ve noticed on this blog, however, is a lot of the comments are more critical than constructive. It’s part of what gives the impression of there being a lot of self-important whiners around.
60 Daddyo // Aug 5, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Interesting comments all around…my impression for both TG and QPG was that the food was decent to good fare for the price.
Main problem: Operations.
I liked the food, convenience and price but ultimately got to the point where i couldn’t stompach the service. The people were very friendly but order accuracy and timeliness was an absolute crapshoot.
I suspect that the kitchen operations and staffing was chaotic. Appeared to be a very low cost wait staff with very high turnover. I can only guess that the kitchen was operational disorganized given that over the history of both restaraunts, the time from order to delivery was agonizingly slow with great disparity in food temps.
Don’t get me wrong…i liked the food…but i ultimately surrendered on returning because a 30 to 40 minute meal (even pickup) more consistently than not turned into a time frame twice that amount.
61 Steinerres3years // Sep 15, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I would just like to comment on the new Thai Harmony that opened today for business, I believe. We went to try it out, because my kids LOVE the playscape and it makes for an easy dining experience with 2 kids. We got there and asked to sit outside. The waitress/hostess sent us out to pick a table and said she would bring us the menus. About 10 minutes went by and I went back in and helped myself to the menus. About 10 more minutes went by and she came to our table and said,”can I get you something else to drink besides water?” That should have been my first clue! We ordered iced tea because the liquor license is still pending. They said they tea machine wasn’t hooked up yet. We ordered a milk for one of our kids, and a lemonade for the other, and were told, “we don’t have any milk, and our lemonade machine isn’t hooked up yet.”
We turned around and left. I was excited to give something new a try, and I understand that on the first night, there might be some hiccups, but WHY OPEN IF YOU ARE NOT READY! REALLY?
Very frustrating. I can honestly say, I will not try again for at least a month!
Just FYI!
62 BrianB // Sep 15, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Went to the new Thai place tonight also, and I must say I was pretty optimistic. Same story as above, told to find our own seat, had to eventually (10 mins) get our own menu’s etc. Limited drinks available, which is fine on the first night.
Ordering took a lot of effort, which got me a bit worried. We then sat for an hour waiting for starters. During this time (well over an hour in total), a used banquet table behind us sat entirely uncleared, and full of dirty plates, fruit rinds and so on. Flies everywhere of course.
After an hour the starter arrived – which my son demolished. We waited a while longer before eventually giving up and asking for our bill. The young waitress didn’t seem the slightest bit surprised, and apologized and sent us on our way.
Now I have heard my fair share of complaints – not all of them founded – about the various establishments that have been on this site. It would be easy to say that we all just love to complain about whatever business appears for us to lob rocks at, but frankly this place it dreadful. Any research at all would have informed the owner about the fact that businesses have had a reputation for bad service there. Opening night, with no fanfare, dreadful service, no food appearing that I could see anywhere, poor food hygene, and no awareness that customers are walking out is inexcusable. I’ve heard complaints that it’s hard to get decent staff, etc around here. Nonsense. There are several good restaurants around that do just fine. And look at Fions? It’s about good, or in this case bad, management.
It’s a pity, a decent Thai place would have been brilliant.
63 ARS // Sep 16, 2008 at 8:31 am
Well, atleast you guys got to try the food. My husband went up there at 8pm last night to get some food to bring home and we were told that they were out of food. So far, not so good. But it was just the first night. We will give it another shot.
64 SteinerSymbiosis // Sep 16, 2008 at 10:33 am
Heh, this really cracks me up. Excuses for everything. Honestly, the reason restaurants in our area have poor service probably has something to do with our Kids who are running the joints. My daughter has a restaurant job at one of the places in the ranch (I won’t say which one) and my background is in operations management for a large multi-national restaurant chain.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy my kid has a job, but the truth is, she could care less about how the place runs. She’s a hostess, she’s there to look pretty and flirt with golfers, pretty much. The boys that she works with are more interested in her than getting me more water. I come to expect that though, these days. I’ve made a very common mistake as a parent: I’ve given her too much, and I have not instilled the same work ethic in her that my parents did for me.
I didn’t grow up wealthy, and for the most part I’m a self made man. I like the idea that my kids don’t have to work in highschool, or that thay won’t have to work through college either. I’ve expected very little from them, with the exception of their grades. My son hasn’t ever mowed the lawn. (What would the neighbors say?) She has a job because her friends have a job and they can hang out. They don’t care about advancement, or raises or the approval of customers. It’s purely social.
Now, what we need is business owners who realize that you can’t open until you’re ready, and do whatever you can to recruit waiters, and restaurant staff from Austin. College Kids who actually need the money. Of course, there’s the drive out here, which you’ll have to compensate them for. But I know it’s possible. Look at the Backstage Steakhouse. Those guys are all from Austin. They drive thirty miles to Spicewood to work. Just goes to show you, if the money’s there, you can get a real staff.
Id’ agree they shouldn’t have opened before they were ready, and they had unrealistic expectations, in my experience, these mom and pop places always underestimate the real cost of opening a business. They were probably strapped for cash and in a real push to get the doors open. Give them a couple of weeks, and things will improve, trust me.
But if you ask me, we’re likely to expect more of the same from any new restaurant that opens out here. Especially if they’re hiring our kids to run the place.
65 steveg // Sep 19, 2008 at 1:50 pm
“It’s a pity, a decent Thai place would have been brilliant.”
You’ve got to be kidding me?? Yes, there are opening week jitters, and they need to improve the staffing and service, but if you’re going to dismiss a new place based on opening mishaps, I think you’re missing out.
The food is very good there, and once things are ironed out, I’m sure it will be a much better overall experience.
Also, I’ve found offering constructive feedback is generally welcomed by new business owners, especially those looking to succeed.
66 ExSteinerRancher // Feb 24, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I used to work at tutto gusto and i quit. It was a fun job . but my main complaint is that the management was horrible. If the manager didn’t know how to run some small reastaurant, how the heck would they run a TGIfridays?! whenever we had problems with a customer they would get mad and tell us to figure it out…ok im no genius but im pretty sure a manager is supposed to MANAGE a restaurant..i just remember she was always so rude to everybody [why the attitude???idk!]
i once saw a lady breastfeed her baby in the middle of the restaurant on a busy night..or when parents bring their kids cheerios for dinner and the crazy kids crunch it all over the floor and the parents just couldnt bother to put a place mat under their kids plate…
I also thought the food was expensive for the quality. busboys and girls sure didnt do their job. i always had to clean up myself after a party of 10 meanwhile waiting on my other tables while those little hs girls stood at the hostess stand doing nothing but reapplying lipgloss.
I must say i met the owner quite a few times and he is as nice as can be. him and his wife are very down to earth. if he was the one to actually run the restaurant TG would still be here. it was that manager that had to go.
and now im laughing over the fact that tg went to quinlan park grill and now thats out of business also. ha-ha.
67 anon // Mar 1, 2009 at 10:49 am
what’s wrong with breastfeeding your baby in restaurant?
68 exsteinerrancher // Mar 24, 2009 at 9:47 am
its gross & rude to everybody else eating…girls breastfeeding should go in the bathroom or something..
69 anon // Mar 24, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Are you serious…even if they cover up? You think that’s gross?
70 Michelle // Mar 25, 2009 at 4:15 am
What archaic thinking! Would you eat your dinner in the bathroom? Why would you suggest an infant (who is more susceptible to germs than you) eat there?
As a side note, all the breastfeeding mothers I know are women, not girls
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