Gloves Are Off - This Time I Had To Complain

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  • Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
  • Gloves are off - this time I had to complain. I tried a few mouthfuls - and was still left gobsmacked. It was time now to complain about this Italian food from an Italian restaurant. I never like to complain but this time enough was enough. Gloves had to come off in this London café/restaurant. #glovesareoff #complain #foodcomplaint
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    Hi everyone, my name is DJ (Darren John), welcome to my food channel. Whether you enjoy a Michelin Star ⭐ restaurant or a burger from a street food stall review, this is the channel for you. I have held down almost every job in the catering industry and would like to give my opinion on various cuisines from my home town of London, to Europe & beyond. 🗽 #djsfoodtravels #travelandfood #reviewingfood
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Комментарии • 675

  • @David.W.Kelsey
    @David.W.Kelsey 3 месяца назад +98

    You're an honest man, you have a right to complain 🤗👍

    • @kiranpatel6521
      @kiranpatel6521 3 месяца назад

      Why use a knife with pasta?

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 2 месяца назад

      @@kiranpatel6521 He's British - we eat pretty much everything with a knife and fork!

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 2 месяца назад

      @@kiranpatel6521 He's British - we eat pretty much everything with a knife and fork!

  • @paulknights1764
    @paulknights1764 3 месяца назад +40

    No flavour,
    Because it’s
    Been in the freezer for the last 12 months… £15.50 😂😂😂

  • @MrDavey2010
    @MrDavey2010 3 месяца назад +122

    The manager dealt with your complaint very well. You were right to complain though.

    • @TimK2646
      @TimK2646 3 месяца назад +4

      BTW at Miller and Carter we were completely reimbursed including drinks bill well over £100, after we complained. Please dont try theres a fly in my soup.

    • @tangogent
      @tangogent 2 месяца назад

      I thought he'd comp you or provide you with a take-home dish. That's what I would have done if I had any wish to have him return to give me a second chance.

  • @ChrisyC567
    @ChrisyC567 3 месяца назад +44

    Always remember it's not a complaint, It's Feedback.... & Feedback is important for any business..

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +1

      Exactly right - a good restaurant that deserves to stay in business views honest customer feedback, good, bad and indifferent, as the great gift it is.

    • @boomboxbadboy1
      @boomboxbadboy1 3 месяца назад

      The feedback is a complaint.

  • @paulclancy4221
    @paulclancy4221 3 месяца назад +8

    Manager was a champion. He was embarrassed about his food not being right.

  • @GT-1902
    @GT-1902 3 месяца назад +14

    Good management. Good staff. I'm glad he has the humility to try to make things better for the consumer and I wish their business all the success in the world!

  • @debbiejones8444
    @debbiejones8444 3 месяца назад +42

    Better to complain than say nothing well done Darren ❤❤

  • @BabyCowGoingmadinafield
    @BabyCowGoingmadinafield 3 месяца назад +48

    You can eat cardboard at home for free.

    • @Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer
      @Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer 3 месяца назад +4

      Sounds delicious.. Can i put tomato sauce on my cardboard?

    • @jshaw4757
      @jshaw4757 3 месяца назад

      ​@@Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer You certainly can I put mayonnaise and pilchards on my cardboard topped with 100s ands 1000s bloody gorgeous....

    • @louiseed1321
      @louiseed1321 3 месяца назад

      😆That made me laugh to be fair, I use the phrase why pay for Taco bell or insert restaurant, when I can do it for cheap and it's better for you...Nah eating out is a treat!

    • @Mark-gf7yw
      @Mark-gf7yw 3 месяца назад

      Where can I get cardboard for free please 🤔

    • @Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer
      @Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer 3 месяца назад

      @Mark-gf7yw try the open air centre in the city aka the homeless area they sell the tastiest cardboard recipes I'm sure mixed with all kinds of interesting ahem "condiments"

  • @PeterChelmsford
    @PeterChelmsford 3 месяца назад +16

    If I am not happy I have to say something otherwise things won't improve for others.

  • @2tone2thebone.
    @2tone2thebone. 3 месяца назад +14

    An Italian who is not passionate about food is not Italian.

    • @jetpark3743
      @jetpark3743 2 месяца назад

      I don't trust many Italian places. It is usually frozen produce

  • @lizhalpin8697
    @lizhalpin8697 3 месяца назад +21

    As always, love and respect your honesty. ❤

  • @jackmitchy08
    @jackmitchy08 3 месяца назад +18

    Well done Darren because I'm someone who never complains even when I should, and the manager took it very well

  • @bevwilkinson-tt2fl
    @bevwilkinson-tt2fl 3 месяца назад +11

    Darren you did right to complain. Food is not cheap and they seem to not care nowadays what they serve up in a lot of places, it needs to be done.❤

  • @DemolitionNews1
    @DemolitionNews1 Месяц назад +1

    I came for the pie and mash content but I stayed for everything else. Loving the channel

  • @davidmasters2408
    @davidmasters2408 3 месяца назад +65

    Good for you Darren….that manager should be monitoring what is being served up much more closely like taste testing, watching the cooking process and ensuring the correct ingredients are being used. I bet he knows what is going on and most of the time they get away with ripping customers off with minimal ingredients to boost profits. When the odd person complains they become apologetic and wipe the cost off of the bill but it still pays dividends most of the time and is still a very lucrative strategy. If he genuinely doesn’t know what is going on then he is not fit to manage….simple as that. If the chef doesn’t understand Italian cooking then he/she should be replaced. These rip-off places deserve to fail and close down. Keep up the great work 👊👍

    • @lukebignell7846
      @lukebignell7846 3 месяца назад +8

      If you use rubbish ingredients and then freeze it and defrost, it’s going to be bland.

    • @twentyrothmans7308
      @twentyrothmans7308 3 месяца назад

      Pump and dump.

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +3

      Spot on, well said.

    • @kdlofty
      @kdlofty 3 месяца назад

      ​@@lukebignell7846That's what seasoning is for.

  • @stuartsneddon8919
    @stuartsneddon8919 3 месяца назад +20

    Can't knock the manager on that one. I think he genuinely cared and took it on board.

  • @sergechelton4818
    @sergechelton4818 3 месяца назад +10

    it is hard to complain,but it does help them,one complaint is better than many non returning customers,

  • @roger5159
    @roger5159 3 месяца назад +6

    A true Gentleman Darren for "gently" pointing out your dissatisfaction to the Manager and staff who all handled it very well and with compassion for you.
    Us British generally don't openly complain about things and just normally only quietly mutter our lack of satisfaction to ourselves or friends.

  • @carolkelly5578
    @carolkelly5578 3 месяца назад +7

    Don't apologise for the wind noise. Pasta has that effect on me too 🤣

  • @itanamullik
    @itanamullik 3 месяца назад +4

    That manager was a legend, he didnt want to dismiss you, he just wanted you to have a meal you would enjoy even if it ment him personally making it again to your taste. But it sounded like that dish he was personally conplaining about it to the chefs already, as they was cutting corners

  • @fishnchips2423
    @fishnchips2423 3 месяца назад +18

    There's a lovely Italian restuarant that I go to, but before I sit down I always check who the chef is because each chef creates his own version of the same dish. One chef is perfect for me and the other means food will be wasted, so if my favourite isn't there I'll go elsewhere.
    Glad you complained because like the manager said, he wouldn't have known anything was wrong. And also if people complain about the same thing, then they can wittle down where the problem is. Maybe he needs a new cook or the chef requires training in ingredients. The manager was very supportive.

  • @colindarroch4022
    @colindarroch4022 3 месяца назад +7

    You have every right to complain if food is not good. The manager handled it well.

  • @benj597
    @benj597 3 месяца назад +20

    For £15.50 I get a full english breakfast and a roast dinner ....and some change !

    • @DameTremonti
      @DameTremonti 3 месяца назад +8

      You must be in prison then :)

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +1

      @@DameTremonti Or Birkenhead - which is even worse!!!

    • @kdlofty
      @kdlofty 3 месяца назад +1

      ​@@glamdolly30We call it brokenhead over the water. Lol.

  • @davewhittles
    @davewhittles 3 месяца назад +26

    £15.50 for that it looks worse than those frozen pastas from the supermarket for £4

    • @GIBBO4182
      @GIBBO4182 3 месяца назад +3

      100% some of the £4 ones look much better than that!

    • @samboyle4779
      @samboyle4779 3 месяца назад +1

      But that what is was a frozen meal i know.

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +3

      Agreed, I don't believe that was a made from scratch bolognese. It's very hard to mess up a home made bolognese so it's as tasteless as that. I think it was bought in, and microwaved - and Darren caught them out.
      Imagine the size of the profit margin on that £15.50 plate of mince and pasta - shocking!

    • @jetpark3743
      @jetpark3743 2 месяца назад

      I don't trust many Italian places. It is usually frozen produce

    • @keithphilbin3054
      @keithphilbin3054 2 месяца назад +1

      All pasta and no meat

  • @trimmertm
    @trimmertm 3 месяца назад +9

    Darren you are a gentleman and had a right to complain.

  • @BelloBudo007
    @BelloBudo007 3 месяца назад +7

    As an Aussie, I have to confess that I learned a thing or two about complaining, when justified, from a very good English friend. And I thank him for that. Too many of us are quick to compliment when things are as they should be, yet consider a negative comment or a complaint, as somehow inappropriate, rude or embarrassing. My fantastic Pommy mate sorted me out quick smart. Now back to your review. Shall we?
    Good on you for speaking to the Manager and for the way you handled it. Likewise him on how he spoke to you and handled things. Frankly though, if I was the manager, I'd insist you didn't pay a cent, as your dining experienced was spoiled by the main course.
    That dirty glass is an indicator that things need dealing with well before they land on the customers table. And that is up to the manager to ensure everything is ship shape.

    • @twentyrothmans7308
      @twentyrothmans7308 3 месяца назад +2

      Fellow Aussie (though I suspect you're also of British heritage).
      My parents were horrified when I told them that we'd walked out of restaurants - I guess their generation thought that restaurants were a treat.
      If there's a problem, address it, the same as if you saw a friend who was committing a mistake. Nip it in the bud, be a man about it on both sides.
      My Pom friends have taught me to reject a bad pint - and there have been quite a few of those.

  • @simong7539
    @simong7539 3 месяца назад +23

    You were right to complain but you gave them constructive feedback that they hopefully take on board.

  • @GillMalouf
    @GillMalouf 2 месяца назад +2

    I took my daughter here last year...I wasn't made aware of service charge and the food and drink left a lot to be desired. We had breakfast and a smoothie each. The whole area is overpriced. Yes the attitude of the manager and staff is really important for a food business.

  • @markjones327
    @markjones327 3 месяца назад +5

    Hallelujah Darren , me and mrs just watched this and we’ve both agreed we’d watch a channel with people like yourself not putting up with it ! Good on you mate keep
    Em coming please Darren ! 👊

  • @samhenwood5746
    @samhenwood5746 3 месяца назад +24

    That cost £15.50 not worth it 🍝☹️Great review & thanks for sharing DJ 🤗

  • @andyhughes5885
    @andyhughes5885 3 месяца назад +4

    One of the things that`s wrong in Britain and its always been the case is that, no-one complains. Oh sure, they`ll complain to each other but not to those that are providing a service whether its food or not.
    A good example for me was a couple of summers ago while waiting on a bus from Partick to Paisley on a hot afternoon my bus had to share the same stop with another company who always arrived first, this day being no exception only my bus couldn`t wait just 3 minutes and drove away. There were three elderly women waiting on the same bus and moaned out loud amongst each other as well as a bus inspector from the other company but when i said i`ll be contacting the garage when i got home i asked if they would all back me up and each one of them looked the other way. I asked the inspector if he would and he said yes. I then informed the women that if they do nothing then they cannot moan about the poor service again. Total silence.
    So, it pays to complain to the top.

    • @blackvulcan100
      @blackvulcan100 3 месяца назад

      Trust me I will complain if its that bad, ok not little things but no way would I have accepted that rubbish.

  • @helenmiddlebrook1491
    @helenmiddlebrook1491 3 месяца назад +7

    Hi Darren, i think when its by the waters edge and the Docklands area, very exclusive area. They think they can charge high prices. When i was in the Docklands, i had meat and potato pie and mash potatoes and gravy and the cafe charged us £15 for it and it was horrible and £9 for a small glass of cheap wine. I was so hungry and had limited time, so i just ate it, but was shocked with the price. Its because its by the waterfront and Docklands area. 😟 Thankyou Darren for showing us, that we should complain more.

  • @neilhatton6018
    @neilhatton6018 3 месяца назад +5

    Reached the conclusion.. the manager handled very well, he was professional and seemed to genuinely be listening to you and took the criticism on board, he wasn’t excited or angry or even dismissive, and he did the right thing by not charging you for the meal, whether it was a cock and bull story or not about chef making the sauce his own way and not to the owner/manager’s way of doing it we’ll never know for sure..

  • @4JJA14
    @4JJA14 3 месяца назад +4

    Always a correct way to deal with a complaint
    But also a correct way to make a complaint / constructive criticism
    Which you did very well. Was clear , honest and very fair

  • @Ed___1234
    @Ed___1234 3 месяца назад +4

    I’ve got a lot of respect for managers or owners like that. All feedback is good feedback whether it be a complaint or a compliment the important thing is they listen and improve upon it.
    The ones who are defensive and argumentative are the ones whose businesses fail.

  • @WckdLlThngz
    @WckdLlThngz 2 месяца назад +7

    You didnt even get garlic bread on the plate or in a basket.

    • @thesoultwins72
      @thesoultwins72 2 месяца назад

      @WckdLIThngz.........perhaps he doesn't want to smell like a donkey's arsehole?

  • @rickb3645
    @rickb3645 3 месяца назад +4

    Well done for speaking up Darren... And well done to the staff here too... For being kind and understanding... And opting to take the Tagliatelle Bolognese off of your bill... Sometimes even the best Chef's in the world can have their own kitchen nightmares at times... And who knows if the Chef was having issues that day... But Italian Food is usually just so good... That it's renowned the world over... So for you to find your Tagliatelle Bolognese tasteless... Isn't to the standard you'd normally expect to find... I must admit though... That i was licking my lips when i first saw your Tagliatelle Bolognese arrive... As it looked delicious mate... But obviously i couldn't taste it myself... But my heart goes out to the young lady who was starting her very first shift here... I hope that she goes on to have a great career in the service industry... Honor was shared equally between the staff and yourself Darren... It just didn't work out on that particular day my friend... I would encourage you to give it a few months... And then return to have the Tagliatelle Bolognese once again... And give them a second chance to shine... Well done all round guys... All the very best Darren... Cheers mate. 🍺

  • @michaeldonnelly4139
    @michaeldonnelly4139 3 месяца назад +4

    Feedback is pivotal in going forward negative and positive especially in the restaurant business. They had to know.

  • @KurtLang-tt4kv
    @KurtLang-tt4kv 3 месяца назад +4

    Glad you complained. I was recently served a steak that was inedible, was like an elastic band ball. It was clearly piled up on the side of the plate when I gave up chewing. The server asked if the meal was okay and I said no, it was too chewy. She smiled vacantly and cleared the plates lol. Props to the manager/owner here who actually took Darren seriously. He looked the sort that would kick off tbh so I was pleasantly surprised 👍

  • @johndonnelly597
    @johndonnelly597 3 месяца назад +35

    £15.50 AND NO BREAD BASKET 😡SCHOCKING

  • @lukebignell7846
    @lukebignell7846 3 месяца назад +6

    FROZEN BATCH, that is clearly defrosted and microwaved

  • @eleveneleven572
    @eleveneleven572 3 месяца назад +11

    This week I made a superb Tagliatelle Bolognese for around 6€.
    It fed me for 2 days !
    You were robbed mate.
    I understand that eating out you pay for a lot more than the food but that's a rip off.

    • @paulamccarthy8197
      @paulamccarthy8197 3 месяца назад +1

      Always more when you eat out. Share the recipe 😂

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      ​@@paulamccarthy8197 I bet my bolognese recipe is better! Here it is:
      Recipe -
      500g Minced beef (or large 750g pack if you're feeding 6 or more generously - Ideally not low fat mince, the fat provides flavour)
      1 large onion finely chopped (I use one and a half onions, as love it)
      2 carrots /2 pieces celery, very finely chopped (no one notices it but it gives depth of flavour)
      1 - 2 rashers streaky bacon, finely chopped (Optional - a little fine-chopped streaky bacon is my secret ingredient, again no one knows its there but it adds savoury flavour)
      1 400g can peeled plum tomatoes, (don't buy ready chopped canned tomatoes, they are poor quality with many end pieces) If feeding many you can add a second can, or substitute with some added fresh chopped tomatoes.
      5 or more garlic cloves minced (I add LOTS of garlic!) Or use 1-2 tsp pureed garlic from tube.
      1 beef stock cube for 400ml stock (or real beef stock if you have it, even better).
      2 tbsps tomato puree (a little more if you like more tomato flavour)
      Salt & pepper
      1 tsp Italian mixed herbs (or more, if you like it herby - you can substitute Oregano)
      Fresh chopped basil leaves/or Parsley to serve (optional)
      Method -
      Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start, as this goes quickly! Heat a little olive oil in a large saucepan (for a richer flavour add a knob of butter to the oil). On med heat sautee the chopped onion, carrot and celery till very soft and translucent, approx 6-10 minutes (season veg with salt and pepper as cooking).
      Push veg to side of pan, turn up heat to get the oil hot, and add seasoned minced beef so it sizzles on hitting the hot oil. Brown that mince all over on med-high heat to caramelise in places, 10 -15 mins - very important, this searing gives meaty flavour and stops the bolognese being grey/bland. When nearly done, add bacon bits - get them browned and smelling delicious too.
      Add minced garlic, and stir in constantly so it doesn't burn, no longer than 1 minute, before adding the can/cans chopped tomatoes, beef stock and tomato puree. Stir everything well, clamp saucepan lid on and turn heat as low as you can, so it's on a gentle simmer for around 1 hour (you may need to add a little water from time to time if it's reducing too much, but be careful not to dilute the flavour).
      Remember to check, taste if necessary, and give it a good stir a few times during the long simmer time. Trust me, this is when the magic happens, a long, low slow cook creates the best bolognese.
      Towards end of cooking time, stir and taste to check final seasoning, add salt and pepper as required and add Italian herbs. Last of all, stir in fresh chopped Basil/Parsley, if using. Voila! I guarantee this is the best bolognese you ever ate, and better than most restaurants serve.
      Serve with tagliatelle, spaghetti, rigatoni, penne or any other pasta of your choice (rigatoni tubes hold the sauce particularly well), yummy as a jacket potato filling with grated cheddar cheese melted on top, or my favourite, as the filling for a delicious lasagne (make a bechemal/cheese sauce for the top layer).
      Some fine, freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the table is a great accompaniment - not the cheaper, pre-grated stuff the restaurant had, it's lousy! And of course garlic bread, which you can make easily even from a basic, white sliced loaf - just cut a circle from each slice with a large pastry cutter (or use a glass if you don't have one), spread the bread rounds with garlic butter and whack in the oven/air fryer for a few minutes til crisp and golden, it's delicious.
      This bolognese recipe comes in at well under a tenner: Tesco minced beef is £4.99 for the large 750g pack, and just £2.49 for their cheapest, 500g, 20% fat version. A can of plum tomatoes costs from 39p for a budget brand to £1 for a posh Italian imported brand, and with all the other bits and pieces, plus a packet of inexpensive dried pasta (for example Tesco dried Tagliatelle 500g is 75p, Spaghetti 500g costs 28p - 75p, and Lasagne sheets 500g are just 75p ), I reckon this will cost you around £8, all-in.
      Feeds a lot of people too! When you compare the home made version to store bought bolognese pasta meals, it's a no brainer. Supermarket ready meals for one, of lasagne, tagliatelle/spaghetti bolognese etc are around £4 each for the cheapest version, and won't taste half as good as stovetop-made bolognese. Incidentally, it's even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make your bolognese today and refrigerate overnight, to be re-heated for tomorrow's pasta dinner. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Hope you try it!

  • @rmil4531
    @rmil4531 3 месяца назад +10

    Absolutely the way to do it.

  • @LindaRolph-e6g
    @LindaRolph-e6g 3 месяца назад +2

    Well done for complaining and remaining civil. You are absolutely right, if you're not happy for some reason, if you don't tell them, they don't know and will continue to make the same mistakes.

  • @garfieldsmith332
    @garfieldsmith332 3 месяца назад +12

    If you can drink coffee black, then it is good coffee. The pasta looked like it came out of a microwave. Looked so dry.

  • @DrFrankLondon
    @DrFrankLondon 3 месяца назад +20

    As a Bolognese that looked sheit and the cheese didn't look like real parmigiano reggiano..

    • @willie549
      @willie549 3 месяца назад +2

      How is it supposed to look like?
      If anything, it could be Gran Padano, which is quite bland in taste. They both look the same when grated finely.

    • @DrFrankLondon
      @DrFrankLondon 3 месяца назад

      @@willie549 they have a different color and you don't use Gran Padano on a Bolognese. And they don't look similar when greated as a 24 month old Parmigiano Reggiano is whiter due to the lack of lactose. Then you haven't tried a good Vacche Rosse Parmigiano Reggiano 30 month old..

    • @willie549
      @willie549 3 месяца назад +1

      @@DrFrankLondon I never mentioned you are supposed to use Gran Padano. I said that they probably used it on this dish. 🤦‍♂️

    • @willie549
      @willie549 3 месяца назад +1

      @DrFrankLondon Plus, you're not going to get a quality Cheese in a glorified Cafe 🤦‍♂️

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      @@DrFrankLondon The taste not the look is the acid test of quality. I'd bet that restaurant is buying in cheap, ready grated parmesan, a far inferior product to parmesan freshly grated from the block.
      All pre-grated cheeses are inferior to freshly grated, because manufacturers add a nasty anti-caking agent to stop it clumping.

  • @meisterlymanu5214
    @meisterlymanu5214 3 месяца назад +12

    coffee and real squeezed OJ in spain, 5 euros. Half the price.

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 3 месяца назад +1

      Coffee, orange juice and a slice of tortilla and bread in Bilbao for 4 euros. Roadside bar/cafes in Spain are great value too. Yep, Spain kills it when it comes to price/quality.

  • @alanthomson1227
    @alanthomson1227 3 месяца назад +15

    Haha . The stains on the glass were why they gave you a straw ! Haha .

  • @angelagraham9533
    @angelagraham9533 3 месяца назад +44

    You were right to complain.£15.50.

  • @chirimoya4067
    @chirimoya4067 3 месяца назад +5

    Too much crap food out there. People need to complain if food is substandard.

  • @caterham555
    @caterham555 3 месяца назад +3

    Not a chef in the kitchen but somebody who cooks food

  • @charlesfulcrum3170
    @charlesfulcrum3170 15 дней назад +1

    New to you channel. Seriously refreshing. You’ve clearly got standards and are willing to stand up for them. We’re usually to meek in this country, when it comes to poor food or service.

  • @Htiler
    @Htiler 3 месяца назад +2

    In the hospitality business they say you can get a customer forever if you handle their complaint in the correct manner. Never give an excuse.

  • @dazza9448
    @dazza9448 3 месяца назад +2

    Basically paid over £15 for a bit of pasta and handful of meat …..these places have got a fucking nerve

  • @genapazilli6674
    @genapazilli6674 3 месяца назад +21

    That oj glass was filthy.. you could see a pair of lips on the top🤮

    • @step9624
      @step9624 3 месяца назад

      And he still proceeded to drink from it 🤣

    • @jujutrini8412
      @jujutrini8412 3 месяца назад

      @@goteddy3909 He was right to complain.

    • @WaferBrik
      @WaferBrik 3 месяца назад

      @@goteddy3909 He knew the price, he just didn't know what it would be like. When a self-proclaimed Italian restaurant charges that kind of coin you'd expect its pasta to be pretty damn epic. If I'd been the manager, I'd have refunded the lot, drinks and all. After all, DJ didn't go there for the drinks, he went for the food, and the dining experience was a disaster.

    • @WaferBrik
      @WaferBrik 3 месяца назад

      @@step9624 Yeah well I doubt he noticed that, I didn't. All I saw was that a hand or two had been on the glass before it arrived at his table.

  • @chrisguygeezer
    @chrisguygeezer 3 месяца назад +1

    The trick for bolognese is that it must have prime ingredients. Prime minced beef, pork, tomatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and some red wine. Cooked very slowly for at least 3 hours. Adding a little water as is reduces. No garlic, no dried herbs. Just a little salt and pepper.

  • @Redsnapper123
    @Redsnapper123 3 месяца назад +6

    Sorry DJ about your experience! I thought the manager took it well no aggression.

  • @old-fashionedcoughypot
    @old-fashionedcoughypot 3 месяца назад +15

    You got to stand up to avoid bean ripped off, eh?

  • @4JJA14
    @4JJA14 3 месяца назад +19

    They dealt with it very well.
    Waitress exculated to manager
    The manager listened well and offered a different dish or a refund

    • @georgecharles374
      @georgecharles374 3 месяца назад

      Should never get to the point the manager has to get involved

    • @4JJA14
      @4JJA14 3 месяца назад +1

      Agreed but many times it does and its the response which I was judging

  • @wormsnake1
    @wormsnake1 3 месяца назад +4

    At least the complaint was respectfully accepted. We can only learn from the mistakes we make. Maybe go back in the future and see indeed if they do take on board your feedback.x

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      You either be brave or mad to return to a restaurant where you had a bad meal - and order it again! In fact repeating the same action, and expecting a different outcome is the definition of madness.

    • @wormsnake1
      @wormsnake1 3 месяца назад

      @@glamdolly30
      That’s subjective. That’s your opinion.
      I think it’s a good idea and I hope DJ goes back.
      Have a good day.😉.x

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      @@wormsnake1 If you would return to a restaurant where the food was so poor you weren't charged for it, you have my sincere respect as one of life's optimists.

  • @amosingh3593
    @amosingh3593 3 месяца назад +2

    Definitely right to complain - bland food should not be served in the first place, anywhere.

  • @RobbieB2024
    @RobbieB2024 3 месяца назад +1

    both of yeah conducted yere selves in the right manner , fair play to the manager too,

  • @margkropf5541
    @margkropf5541 3 месяца назад +6

    They make all this bland rubbish in order to appeal to the masses.

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      Bland food doesn't appeal to anyone over the age of 6 months!

  • @angelaglanville9377
    @angelaglanville9377 Месяц назад +1

    Italians only use a fork to eat spaghetti. They only need a spoon when pasta is served in a broth.

  • @thedrifterr
    @thedrifterr 3 месяца назад +3

    Totally agree if its crap Complain.. Its no use crying about it after if you dont

  • @juliemcgarty4764
    @juliemcgarty4764 3 месяца назад +3

    I'm glad you complained Darren if we don't get the quality of food we expect and the service we are well within our rights

  • @bryanh5684
    @bryanh5684 3 месяца назад +11

    Italians don't use a spoon to eat pasta.

    • @timbrandis1151
      @timbrandis1151 3 месяца назад +5

      Or a knife to push the pasta around - bad form.

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +1

      Italian Americans do - go to any Italian restaurant in the US and you'll see tagliatelle/spaghetti eaten with a fork and spoon combo, as demonstrated on this video: ruclips.net/video/4XLTrcyon7M/видео.htmlsi=Ye3TDIVIKkUUNO3Z

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +1

      @@timbrandis1151 Exactly right, pasta is never eaten with a knife, though we often see it in the UK with dishes like lasagne especially.

    • @timbrandis1151
      @timbrandis1151 3 месяца назад +2

      @@glamdolly30 yes,here in Australia too but knives are a definite no-no.

    • @bryanh5684
      @bryanh5684 3 месяца назад +2

      @@glamdolly30 I meant real Italians... not the plastic variety. I've lived in Italy and if you went to someone's house for dinner and asked for a spoon to eat spaghetti you would be laughed at.

  • @billbates1401
    @billbates1401 3 месяца назад +2

    Well done Darren, you absolutely did the right thing thing with out feedback they don’t understand what they’re doing wrong.
    On the other side of the coin, if they do then same applies they need naming and shaming, so others don’t fall into the tourist trap.

  • @karenmbbaxter
    @karenmbbaxter 3 месяца назад +1

    I RESPECT and manager or chef who comes out an addresses the situation rather than just staying in the cage and hiding......He deserves credit for that and I would go to that cafe for that reason alone.

  • @RiverDanube
    @RiverDanube 3 месяца назад +2

    The waitress should have said something when she saw how unfinished the meal was but as she was new it was good that she called someone else over.
    To be fair, the owner saw it being recorded lol and would have reacted accordingly.
    That didn’t look like the pasta was cooked fresh and the sauce tossed throughout.
    It’s a good thing to complain when the food isn’t right.

  • @nigelwilliams9307
    @nigelwilliams9307 3 месяца назад +4

    You have such a dynamic and interesting personality. I'm surprised these serving staff are not literally kneeling on the ground, kissing your feet and giving you free food cooked to order by their top chef.

    • @Billy-ng4ih
      @Billy-ng4ih 3 месяца назад +3

      He truly is an enigmatic enigma is DJ 😂

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      🤣🤣🤣

  • @davedunn2421
    @davedunn2421 3 месяца назад +3

    I totally agree with you, when you are paying that kind of money for an Entrée there needs to be an expectation that it is better or as good as you can make it yourself. At least that is my bar for food I order from a restaurant.

  • @mightyreds860
    @mightyreds860 3 месяца назад +2

    You did right darren if you payed good money you expect a standard so that chef will be delt with. We all work hard so paying for a good meal needs to be good and it's your right to complain if food is not good simple

  • @747jono
    @747jono 3 месяца назад +8

    Darren got to say ,i don't know if it's a chain etc.But think the die was already cast.
    Kudos to you, you did it diplomatically.
    Others would have sworn etc..
    You absolutely did the right thing.
    You're a gentleman Darren

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      No need to swear! We are civilised human beings. Why do so many confuse assertiveness, with aggression? As Darren demonstrated in his interaction with the restaurant manager, his complaint was priceless customer feedback, and I believe was genuinely appreciated by the manager. He now knows there's an issue with the bolognese and will take measures to address it. They lost £15.50 thanks to that crappy bolognese - they need to fix it.

    • @747jono
      @747jono 3 месяца назад

      @glamdolly30 okay don't have a pop at me

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +1

      @@747jono Not attacking you personally, just baffled why people assume a paying customer justifiably complaining about bad food or service in a restaurant is a thug who swears/is rude/aggressive?
      As Darren showed, its perfectly possible, and normal, to complain with grace and good manners.

    • @747jono
      @747jono 3 месяца назад

      @glamdolly30 agree but there are some who would kick off .
      I was probably referring to drunken ones late at night etc.
      Great video

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад

      @@747jono Fair enough - apologies for any misunderstanding! It is a good video, and I hope will encourage other paying diners to complain about substandard restaurant food.

  • @markfalshaw-gv9im
    @markfalshaw-gv9im 3 месяца назад +4

    Try a tiny drop of natural honey i just put a hot spoon in to the honey then in to the coffej ob done and its a natural sweet not a processed sugar 😊

  • @MichaelCampin
    @MichaelCampin 3 месяца назад +18

    I went to La Spezia at London Bridge 35 years ago with a colleague, we both got sent home the next day from our office at Bridge House at London Bridge due to both of us being very aromatic due to the amount of garlic in the dish, we enjoyed it so much.

    • @colinpadley1897
      @colinpadley1897 3 месяца назад

      😂😂

    • @JanetBrown-px2jn
      @JanetBrown-px2jn 3 месяца назад +1

      That story reminds me of long ago when I was working as a nanny in America,my employer would often go to a restaurant in New York where they had a bowl of garlic pickles on the tables,and the next morning as I made the kids breakfast my employer would come downstairs,and as she walked down the stairs I would know by the smell which restaurant she had eaten at the night before.😂

  • @kevinhall3844
    @kevinhall3844 3 месяца назад +3

    It's the English way to just be polite and say everythings ok when it's not. We need to speak out more, it could help!! Feed back is essential to help right wrongs and become better. Good for you.👏👏 Why should we pay for sub standard food.

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +1

      Agreed very British! Darren would not have spoken to the manager if the waitress hadn't taken the initiative and fetched him. And the manager needs to know! Thankfully he was professional and valued the customer feedback, as any good establishment should.
      I hope after this Darren will have more courage to complain to the boss, There's a world of difference between assertive and aggressive!

  • @MeadowDay
    @MeadowDay 2 месяца назад +1

    The British are so polite and pleasant, even when faced with lousy food or situations, such patience.

  • @fab208athome
    @fab208athome 3 месяца назад +5

    I could see that was bland before you tasted it, no vibrancy in the sauce; clearly not enough or any herbs/fresh ingredients. It looked like a catering sized bought in sauce to me, and not enough of it either. You did the right thing pointing it out, but corners have clearly been cut and will continue to be - and no spoon. Attention to detail is everything. Great vid DJ, we don't speak up enough in this country.

    • @jameshoey69
      @jameshoey69 3 месяца назад

      Italian Bolognese doesn't have herbs in it. It's about the meat. It's an Italian restaurant so you would expect it to be served the authentic way, and it was.

  • @briancuthbert4508
    @briancuthbert4508 2 месяца назад +1

    I couldn’t believe how small the potion was!! 15.50 !! 😳

  • @kevinhoughton9134
    @kevinhoughton9134 3 месяца назад +2

    100% Darren, even if it was tasty it wasn't worth £15.50 for a plate of Tagliatelli. Kudos to the manager for the handling though, top man.

  • @junemccann5981
    @junemccann5981 3 месяца назад +2

    You certainly did the right thing. Also it’s how you complain which you did perfectly! Not even a side salad with it! But glad you got it put across Darren. 🥰☀️🥰xxx

  • @matthew6994
    @matthew6994 3 месяца назад +1

    Well done for raising the complaint - I liked that Manager's positive and polite attitude in reaching a satisfactory conclusion - initially, I was expecting a different outcome

  • @giptonwhite3011
    @giptonwhite3011 3 месяца назад +2

    That's the problem not enough people complain when food ain't good enough.

  • @daviddunney6114
    @daviddunney6114 3 месяца назад +2

    Don't feel bad for giving honest and fair feedback to the manager. It does help the business to know where they are going wrong and the manager in this case was very decent. But, he should be doing taste testing on products to make sure they're up to standard and the right ingredients are being used.

    • @JanetBrown-px2jn
      @JanetBrown-px2jn 3 месяца назад

      Front of house managers,don’t tell the chefs what to do,and they don’t taste the food,the front of house manager tells the back of house manager who may be the owner,or head chef,or a separate manager,what the customers are saying about the food.😊

  • @fidgetspinner343
    @fidgetspinner343 3 месяца назад +2

    Absolutely loving these higher end food/customer service reviews. Very interesting. Carluccios at St Pancras sometime please 🙏

  • @captaincat1743
    @captaincat1743 3 месяца назад +1

    Salt is often the vehicle upon which the flavours of a dish are carried. You can make the best pasta sauce in the world but forget the salt during the cooking process and it will taste very neutral. Another essential step for a good sauce is not to rush it. It takes time for the flavours to develop. Finally, the vegetables can be tasteless if they are grown with chemical fertilizers. Organically grown is the way to go for the best taste.

  • @garyb2507
    @garyb2507 3 месяца назад +4

    Your face after that first bite...Classic! Lol.

  • @maxwellfan55
    @maxwellfan55 3 месяца назад +1

    It's awkward complaining, spoils expectations. Should be quick, followed by a quick remedy.
    My guess...chef's day off, or chef only works evenings. So hard to get good catering staff, harder to make em stay.

  • @shaunkerronabel
    @shaunkerronabel 3 месяца назад +1

    not enough people complain ,i hope you mentioned the glass aswell ,thats my biggest thing ,no excuse for a dirty glass

  • @robison5396
    @robison5396 3 месяца назад +2

    You were in your right to complain..I think we all expect a certain standard when we eat out..if it doesn't meet that standard, then complain.
    That said, it's easier said than done..I think the Brits are far too polite sometimes and we just put up and shut up, so standards don't get addressed. I think the manager realised your genuine complaint and appreciated you speaking up..as he said, if punters don't say anything, how can they maintain quality control.

  • @TimK2646
    @TimK2646 3 месяца назад +1

    Thank you as always for sharing your experiences of London, for me being a retired Londoner.

  • @Jo-Froggy
    @Jo-Froggy 3 месяца назад +1

    Fairshout in complaining, for that price !!! I’ve done it before because the food was crap, didn’t get charged, so yeh as said fairshout as said, ❤❤❤

  • @kevinclarkson9611
    @kevinclarkson9611 3 месяца назад +1

    You know your food DJ👍
    I agree if something isn’t right say so!
    Otherwise they keep serving rubbish!

  • @pathebat
    @pathebat 3 месяца назад +2

    This is what it’s all about Daz love the new style of video keep it up fantastic viewing cheers ☘️

  • @pauladamson8684
    @pauladamson8684 3 месяца назад +2

    The manager and you handled that very well. No shouting or abusive language 👍

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 3 месяца назад +1

      I don't understand why anyone associates complaining about a restaurant meal, with shouting or swearing? Brits are notoriously bad at complaining about bad food/service and generally don't do it, because they fail to recognise the difference between assertive and aggressive. You can make a complaint and assert your rights as a customer calmly and civilly, and even with a smile. And that in fact, is the best and only way to do it.
      No need for any bad behaviour by anyone - the customer and manager here conversed like civilised human beings. There was a problem with the main course, Darren brought it to his attention with courtesy, and he accepted the criticism, apologised and did not charge him for the offending dish. I believe the whole bill should have been comped as a gesture of apology (after all, it was only a coffee and an orange juice), but I recognise that's a big restaurant and the manager merely an employee without full authority to make such a gesture.
      It's very interesting how reluctant this foodie RUclipsr was to speak to the manager. He never once asked to see him, just paid up and shared his negative feedback with a waitress. And had that waitress not taken the initiative and sent the manager over, he would have left that establishment having paid £15.50 for a meal so bland and unappetising, he couldn't finish it. As I say, we Brits are truly terrible at asserting ourselves!

    • @pauljennings8432
      @pauljennings8432 3 месяца назад

      Yeah I liked that too

  • @Aussie3225
    @Aussie3225 3 месяца назад +11

    It’s better to tell the manager, than to walk away and tell everyone else. You actual did him a big favour.

    • @a1joiner5
      @a1joiner5 3 месяца назад

      He kind of has told everyone else. He's told the Internet! He was right to complain but I don't think he should've filmed the staff. Not everyone wants to be on RUclips but anyway the staff handled it well.

  • @yutehube4468
    @yutehube4468 3 месяца назад +1

    If the Bolognese is bland it sounds like they put too much soffrito in, or maybe the meat didn't have 20% fat? I've spent months making it all different ways, then I found the official Bologna recipe... it is 75% meat to 25% veg and they don't put much tomato in. Any deviation from the proper recipe ruins it, especially too much tomato and especially too much veg. A proper Bolognese doesn't have basil though, or garlic, or any herbs, or any of the added stuff people throw into it here in the UK like Worcester sauce... I mean come on.
    The proper recipe is simple and that's the secret, as Marco Pierre White says "less is more"...
    Per 6 meals:
    - Olive Oil: 42g
    - Red Onion: 60g
    - Carrot: 60g
    - Celery: 60g
    - Pancetta: 150g
    - Minced Beef (20% Fat): 400g
    - White Wine: 120g
    - Passata: 270g
    - Whole Milk: 120g
    - Chicken Oxo: 1 Cube
    - Black Pepper: 1 Tsp
    - Pasta: 270g (45g per person)
    Each meal is 521 cals.

  • @WilliamThreshie
    @WilliamThreshie 3 месяца назад +1

    To be honest, anywhere that serves a tagliatelle with a knife and fork I would leave straight away! 😮

  • @kebabtank
    @kebabtank 3 месяца назад +3

    Typical tourist trap with re-heated food, which is exactly what it was, that's why there flavour had been frozen out of it and dirty glasses.