Last weekends date started out positive and fun and went downhill from there. It wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t high in the ratings either.
Truthfully, I enjoy promoting restaurants we visit as much as possible. I do my best to look at the situation and give them the benefit of the doubt.
Like the time in Snohomish when the guy took a few minutes to get to our table, or the Indian takeout that was saltier than normal. We found out a waiter had called in sick last-minute, and I’m guessing someone was new in the kitchen or there was a mistake with the salt shaker at the Indian place. Things like this happen. That’s life.
But when the service leaves a lot to be desired, and one thing after another happens, it puts a damper on the overall feeling and enjoyment of the date.
Here’s what happened:
After our workout at the gym, we dashed over to La Palmera in Mill Creek to take advantage of their buy-one-get-one (bogo) breakfast coupon. It was warm and sunny outside, so Hubby asked the host if there were tables available outside. Yes, he said and led us to a table with a view of Mill Creek Town Center’s many stores and Main street.
We were immediately brought coffee by a friendly Hispanic woman who talked with us for a few minutes. We told her our daughter is learning Spanish, and she was sharing how important it is for kids to know more than one language.
Then our waitress came and took our orders. I thought it would be fun to try Huevos Rancheros, the famous Mexican breakfast and Hubby went for the Verde Omelet. Since I try to eat low-fat, I requested that the meal be served without cheese and pan-fried with barely any oil. No problem, she said.
We sat outside and soaked in the sun, and talked. As time went by, we looked at our empty coffee cups and tried to get the waitress’ attention as they walked by the table close to us. No dice. So, after 15 minutes or so, Hubby went and found them.
“They probably aren’t used to having people sitting out here in October,” Hubby said.
“Yeah, that’s true. But don’t you think they should be aware of that?”
“Yes, but it’s understandable that they would forget.”
A waitress came out and served us coffee and soon our meals arrived. But there was a problem.
“I have a verde omelet and chorizo with eggs,” the waitress placed the plate in front of me.
“Uhhhh… I ordered the Huevos Rancheros,” I said.
“Oh,” She paused, grabbed the plate back and shuffled back into the restaurant.
Hubby looked at me.
“What are you going to do now? We have to go soon and you have nothing to eat.”
“I know, but that wasn’t what I ordered,” I said.
“Do you want some of my potatoes?” Hubby was gracious and let me snatch a Mexican spiced pan-fried potatoes off his plate.
About 10-15 minutes later, two waitresses brought out the Huevos Rancheros, which had the whole (Rancho) beans like I requested but was buried in a pile of melted cheese and oil. Oh well, there was no time and I was hungry.
“I’m sorry your order was wrong, but it wasn’t me who messed it up,” our waitress said.
“Yes, it was you,” Hubby teased, trying to lighten things up.
“No, I swear it wasn’t! I memorize all my orders and I never make a mistake,”
“It’s okay, he was just joking,” I said.
She continued explaining that it wasn’t her fault and we told her not to worry about it. The other waitress asked if there was anything else we needed.
“No thank you,” we said.
“I think that was her manager she was with” Hubby said.
I scarfed down my food and we gulped the last of our coffee.
Hubby grabbed the bill and the coupon.
“What? How did it come to this much?”
I looked at the coupon which said “Free breakfast” in big letters, with the purchase of another meal and two beverages. In smaller print at the bottom, it said “up to $8.50 off.” Our meals were more than $8.50.
Oops. My bad.
“Sorry hon. I didn’t read the fine print.”
I am a notorious skimmer when I read things. I’m working on being better at this so we don’t end up paying more than we plan to.
“Oh well, let’s get going,” Hubby said as he scrawled his signature across the debit card slip.
$23.16 later, we walked out.
“Well, we got a good workout in, right?” Hubby put his arm around me as walked down the steps outside to our car.
“Yes, we did,” I said.
Atmosphere (romantic appeal): 3. La Palmera has a colorful and festive atmosphere. The balcony seating has a great view.
Budget friendly: 3. Prices are reasonable, just pay attention to all the wording on the coupon. Sometimes what looks like a bogo isn’t really a bogo.
Food: 2+. Order mistakes happen but it would have been nice if it were right the second time as well.
Fun and unique: 3. The gym was pretty fun. I liked riding the exercise bike next to Hubby, but we ran out of time to do weights. Darn. We did enjoy talking with the woman in the restaurant at the beginning, but chasing after your food and coffee refills, not much fun.
Memorable: 2. Not really. In fact, I’d like to forget it.
