10/14/09

So Disappointing

by PeterUSA

My fiancé and I thought we would start our 1 year countdown to getting married by celebrating at a wonderful restaurant where we would return to each year to celebrate our marriage.

Reading the reviews and description of this restaurant ,we thought we were going to find it very romantic. First, after sitting in the car for over 5 minutes waiting for the valet attendants to stop speaking to their friends who were sitting in their car where customers should have been able to park, I started out of my car when one of them started his way towards me with an attitude. Clearly he changed his way when he realized that I may have been someone who’s occupation warranted a second thought.

We walk into this restaurant where it in this neighborhood it is typically small and were seated at a corner table where it felt like a closet. The romantic ambience was absent when the people around us were seated in jeans and sneakers. The carpet was just ok and the inside of the restaurant was dark and gloomy.

The waiter approached us, and he totally disrespected my fiancé and myself by his attempt to flirt with her. After his third attempt, I was now getting ready to take action when my fiance asked me not to. Clearly he was made well aware that I was not happy with the chain of event’s that had ensued. Needless to say his service towards me was different then what I observed at other tables. We both ignored him and he got the message loud and clear.

The food was just okay. At thirty two dollars a plate one would have thought the food would be exceptional. It wasn’t. Cleo’s or XO’s is far more superior in their service, professionalism, and respect for their customers.

Perhaps we lucked out and got someone who just didn’t get the fact that some people come to dine out because they are couples, and by them sitting at the table does not mean is open hunting season.

Yes my fiancé is the most beautiful woman who has ever walked this planet. I would hope he learns that respect is what she and other women deserve and not to be insulted.

• Pros: Dessert
• Cons: Ambiance & Waiter

08/20/08

Back in heartbeat!

by cdmnj

Dinner was great family experience for all of us. Mama Maria was a feast for the senses as we enjoyed our excellently prepared dinner. The waitstaff was very helpful and our teens had a truly enjoyable dinner. It was a great way to usher in a family vacation.

• Pros: Great food, efficient service, knowledgeable staff, great wine list

07/18/08

Highway Robbery

by matt355

We went to Mamma Maria as a group of 11. The waiter asked if we wanted to have a few appetizers to share among the table. We agreed and he brought out a few appetizers for each person. When we got the bill, we found out that he had chosen two expensive appetizers and charged us for 11 of each, plus 3 orders of 3 other appetizers. In the end, our appetizers cost more than $400. The waiter also tried multiple times to upsell us on more expensive wine. It ended up costing us $100 per person for the meal (after we battled them down from $120 per person).

In addition, they charged us a mandatory tip (despite getting ripped off by the waiter). The menu said the tip was 18%, but they ended us charging us 20% (netting the waiter another $20)

I would never go back here again. Maybe this was the case of a waiter gone bad, but it was enough to sour my opinion of the place.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Cost, Ethics of Wait Staff