I had dinner with the family today at the Olive Garden. I’ve always enjoyed going there because it’s reasonably priced, the service is good, the atmosphere relaxed, and the food is decent. Not that long ago, four people could eat (without drinking wine) for about $75 bucks including tip. The first thing the waitress asked today (as she was throwing the coasters like frisbees across the table) is if I would like to look at the ‘new menu’.
I should’ve said, “No thanks. I would like to look at the old one though.”
I always get Chicken Alfredo at the Olive Garden. I used to have a choice between a 1/2 order or a full order. Not any more! I still ordered my favorite, but the portion was a cross between the 2 old sizes, and was priced more than the ‘old’ full order.
But it’s not all about the price. Otherwise, we would’ve been eating dinner at Taco Bell or McDonalds. Still, if I’m going to spend more than $100 bucks for 4 people to eat a meal, I do expect to have my plate placed in front of me — not a hot platter shoved into my hands. I expect drinks filled when empty, and I expect flipping eating utensils to use on desert BEFORE the ice-cream is melted (the 4 of us shared one dessert).
I can’t keep from thinking that for $50 bucks more, we could’ve eaten at The Cheesecake Factory. There, we each take a dessert home AND share one in the restaurant — and we would’ve had a much better total experience and vastly superior service.