Red Sauce in Sumter? Never Again!

[BrianL99]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.

[Garywt]

Strange , yes, but my guess is the waiter should not have moved you in the first place. Sorry you did not like your meals. Redsauce is one of our favorite restaurants and is ranked very high on review sites. Hope you find another restaurant to your liking.

[Stu from NYC]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.

I would have insisted on speaking to the manager before moving.

[RICH1]

Possibly some political overtones were overheard to warrant the seating & service disruption? Just saying

[Stu from NYC]

Possibly some political overtones were overheard to warrant the seating & service disruption? Just saying

Could be but could also be that the "host" decided he was all powerful.

[ElDiabloJoe]

We have only been to LSL RedSauce a few times, but each time we have enjoyed the food, the drinks, the vey helpful staff, and been impressed with the value and quality of what we ordered and how it was priced.

Sorry your experience was dampened. Clearly there was a comms issue somewhere - either the wait staff accommodating your request when they should not have, or management reversing it when they should have let it go.

Either way, I hope you'll try it again sometime and have a better experience.

[yabbadu]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.

Wonder what would have happened if you just said; NO, Not moving???

[retiredguy123]

Did you tell the host that the server had allowed you to change tables? If so, I would have refused to move. Is it possible that the host wasn't aware that the server had allowed you to move, and assumed that you had moved on your own?

[Bogie Shooter]

Possibly some political overtones were overheard to warrant the seating & service disruption? Just saying

Why sure, a new conspiracy theory to be aware of while eating out in TV.:censored:

[davem4616]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.



no matter how flat the pancake is, there's always two sides to it....

I bused tables while going to school for years and have a little insight into the challenges that a host/hostess faces

the OP's description sounded like it may have been just him/her and a friend...so, did they ask to move from a table for two over to a table set for 4 or 6? (that's never going to green lighted if the restaurant is busy, or expecting to be)

It's difficult to believe that the waitstaff had actually talked to the host and received an okay to move the couple and then quite a while later, the host decided to reverse their decision and ask them to move in the middle of eating...that just doesn't happen...I suspect that the table shift may have been made without the Host's specific knowledge...and they assumed the table was still available when a reservation came in.

I've been to Red Sauce, can't say that I'm a big fan, but it's run by professionals, IMHO, there's a lot more to this story than we were told by the OP

[fdpaq0580]

no matter how flat the pancake is, there's always two sides to it....

I bused tables while going to school for years and have a little insight into the challenges that a host/hostess faces

the OP's description sounded like it may have been just him/her and a friend...so, did they ask to move from a table for two over to a table set for 4 or 6? (that's never going to green lighted if the restaurant is busy, or expecting to be)

It's difficult to believe that the waitstaff had actually talked to the host and received an okay to move the couple and then quite a while later, the host decided to reverse their decision and ask them to move in the middle of eating...that just doesn't happen...I suspect that the table shift may have been made without the Host's specific knowledge...and they assumed the table was still available when a reservation came in.

I've been to Red Sauce, can't say that I'm a big fan, but it's run by professionals, IMHO, there's a lot more to this story than we were told by the OP

Actually, almost anything is possible. Waiter may have gotten the ok to move the party, and the reservation was made after the move was made. We may likely never know what actually happened, but reserved or not, it was improper for the host to ask a party to move while they are eating. Many are the times I have been told that the previous party is still occupying the table and we could wait or be seated elsewhere. Somewhere in this scenario there was a break in communication. The host job is to try and accommodate all parties, not turn out parties in the middle of their meal.

[BrianL99]

Could be but could also be that the "host" decided he was all powerful.
More likely the host was the recipient of steady gratuities, from the "regulars" he gave our table to. (BTW, both parties were twosomes. We were eating dinner, the other twosome was having drinks.)

[fdpaq0580]

More likely the host was the recipient of steady gratuities, from the "regulars" he gave our table to. (BTW, both parties were twosomes. We were eating dinner, the other twosome was having drinks.)

Thanks for the info. Regardless of the "gratuity" comment, the manager should have been called for a ruling as to you being removed from the table. If manager says leave the table, then also would leave the restaurant and not pay the bill. Manager's other option would be to leave us to finish the meal and offer something for the interruption and inconvenience.
If any of the original post is true (no reason to doubt it), then the host failed to handle the situation in a proper and gracious manner so both parties felt appreciated and enjoyed their experience.
Better luck at your next dinner out.

[BrianL99]

Thanks for the info. Regardless of the "gratuity" comment, the manager should have been called for a ruling as to you being removed from the table. If manager says leave the table, then also would leave the restaurant and not pay the bill. Manager's other option would be to leave us to finish the meal and offer something for the interruption and inconvenience.
If any of the original post is true (no reason to doubt it), then the host failed to handle the situation in a proper and gracious manner so both parties felt appreciated and enjoyed their experience.
Better luck at your next dinner out.
You're 100% right. I oversee a couple of restaurants that are in our company's portfolio and our policy is; if a food item is returned to kitchen for any reason or a guest has to be inconvenienced for any reason at all, the Manager visits the table to make amends. To do anything less than that, is simply poor service and in general, that's what restaurants have to sell ... service.

[Babubhat]

I would have refused to move. If they insist they can tear up the bill

[CWGUY]

You're 100% right. I oversee a couple of restaurants that are in our company's portfolio and our policy is; if a food item is returned to kitchen for any reason or a guest has to be inconvenienced for any reason at all, the Manager visits the table to make amends. To do anything less than that, is simply poor service and in general, that's what restaurants have to sell ... service.

:ho: Thank you Brian. Hope other restaurant workers and owners are reading. I have food and drink at home.....I go out for SERVICE. :)

[Spalumbos62]

Did you call the restaurant the next day. Personally, I agree with most on this post, it was obsurd for them to ask you to move, if someone in their chain moved you in error so the pope could have his table, we'll then I feel bad for you, short of that, absolutely not, call manger over to your table to get complete story and certainly receive some sort of comp...anything short of that, well you got screwed , and ow pick up that phone....especially now that ALL of us know and may think twice about going. Best of luck.

[JMintzer]

Possibly some political overtones were overheard to warrant the seating & service disruption? Just saying

Huh? How could you possibly drag possibly drag a political reason into this event?

[banjobob]

Great answer most restaurants with a mind to their reputation would do likewise, having said that some customers are a real pain in the rear wanting all types of special service or preparations of food. This event was totally mishandled and the owners should be made aware.

[Ele201]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up. I think at the crux of this situation is that there was a struggle between your server and the host. The waitress didn’t have the authority to move guests to another table, that’s the host’s job. So when the host found out, she became angry or upset and insisted you move back. That was not the right thing to do of course, especially since you had already been served and were eating. The host should have let it go. Ridiculous to be playing “musical chairs” like that when you’re trying to enjoy your dinner.

[krick093]

Been there twice. Service was OK, food was meh. Won't go back. Paesano's is way better.

[Bay Kid]

Sorry to say that if I was eating my dinner I would not get up and move. I don't think they would make a scene about this? If they were insistent then I would just have to leave.

[mkjelenbaas]

Strange , yes, but my guess is the waiter should not have moved you in the first place. Sorry you did not like your meals. Redsauce is one of our favorite restaurants and is ranked very high on review sites. Hope you find another restaurant to your liking.
Don’t be sorry - things will work out.

[Bethwill]

Went for lunch last weekend. Medium well burger was almost raw, after waiting a very long time for it to be served. Didn't have enough time to wait for another to be cooked. They did take it off of our bill however ( as they should have). Like everywhere else, totally understaffed. The calamari we had was good!

[clwahlstrom]

Well that totally disappoints me. As red sauce is usually my favorite restaurant. It has been so crazy in the villages now, there are a lot of weird things going on.

[barbnick]

How wonderful for us that occurrences such as these are what we get indignant about.
We are blessed

[Petersweeney]

Could be but could also be that the "host" decided he was all powerful.

Kinda like the moderator in this chatroom…. One day your here that next day you’ve been moved to another table where you can’t say anything…….

[msilagy]

The hosts are young girls - a bit inexperienced. I would have never moved and told them to do whatever they want - police? etc. They would have backed down and you could of finished your meal with a view of the entertainment. Can you imagine the police coming - which they would not - enforcing a move at a restaurant!!! That would have been a big HA HA moment for Red Sauce!

[paulajr]

Did you have a reservation?? Did you ask to be seated to see the entertainment in your reservation? If not…you don’t have a leg to stand on. This is busy season here in case you didn’t notice. Sorry.

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.

[Stu from NYC]

Did you have a reservation?? Did you ask to be seated to see the entertainment in your reservation? If not…you don’t have a leg to stand on. This is busy season here in case you didn’t notice. Sorry.

Once they sat them to me they stay seated. Case closed

[pendi99]

Best restaurant in The Villages

[jmpate]

Agree with food comments on this restaurant.
We ate there a couple of months ago and the food was subpar, certainly not "wonderful " as several friends said. Could be that we've lived in Italy for several years and have had extensive cooking lessons with Med chefs that have elevated our palates, but sorely disappointed. That said, we usually return 1 more time to taste the food again and if it remains subpar we don't return. Might want to consider this step bc often restaurants have off nights!


QUOTE=BrianL99;2070694]I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.[/QUOTE]

[jimmy o]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.
I am understand your frustration. I like Red Sauce and hope this type of thing doesn’t happen to me. Usually a restaurant would ask if a party minded moving.

But for those who have answered that they would refuse to move, I’ll say this: you are a quest in their establishment. If you are told to move and refuse then the police would probably be called to move you. The same that would happen like on an airplane. See what would happen to you took someone’s seat in a biker bar and refused to move when told.

[Waltdisney4life]

The good reviews are from years gone by when the chef left the restaurant couple years ago I noticed a downturn in the quality of the food.

[retiredguy123]

I am understand your frustration. I like Red Sauce and hope this type of thing doesn’t happen to me. Usually a restaurant would ask if a party minded moving.

But for those who have answered that they would refuse to move, I’ll say this: you are a quest in their establishment. If you are told to move and refuse then the police would probably be called to move you. The same that would happen like on an airplane. See what would happen to you took someone’s seat in a biker bar and refused to move when told.
When I traveled a lot and had a reserved airplane seat, the flight attendant would sometimes ask me to change seats to accommodate someone else. Usually, my answer was that I will only move to First Class.

[wisbad1]

Did you tell the host that the server had allowed you to change tables? If so, I would have refused to move. Is it possible that the host wasn't aware that the server had allowed you to move, and assumed that you had moved on your own?
Did same thing to us one night, chalked up to poor management, lack of communication. Food was still good

[CWGUY]

I am understand your frustration. I like Red Sauce and hope this type of thing doesn’t happen to me. Usually a restaurant would ask if a party minded moving.

But for those who have answered that they would refuse to move, I’ll say this: you are a quest in their establishment. If you are told to move and refuse then the police would probably be called to move you. The same that would happen like on an airplane. See what would happen to you took someone’s seat in a biker bar and refused to move when told.

:1rotfl: Yeah! That would do wonders for their business. :ohdear:

[OhioBuckeye]

Oh, wow we always got good service there! I can see why your upset, I probably would of too. You sure there’s something you not saying?

[airstreamingypsy]

There isn't a remote possibility that I would have moved when halfway through my meal.... that's crazy.

[meme5x]

I agree.. always good food. The table was obviously reserved. You will see empty tables in busy places even though it is busy.. they’re reserved… most places set aside 1 1/2 hrs to eat.. one downside is reserved customers don’t call and cancel if they’re not coming.

[JMintzer]

I am understand your frustration. I like Red Sauce and hope this type of thing doesn’t happen to me. Usually a restaurant would ask if a party minded moving.

But for those who have answered that they would refuse to move, I’ll say this: you are a quest in their establishment. If you are told to move and refuse then the police would probably be called to move you. The same that would happen like on an airplane. See what would happen to you took someone’s seat in a biker bar and refused to move when told.

I'd pay good money to see any restaurant hostess call the police to move people form a table in the middle of their meal...

Not gunna' happen...

[jricci13]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.

I just think that it’s like everything else that’s going on in our country right now; workers just don’t take pride in how they treat other people or serve other people‘s needs. It used to be that the “customer is always right” or at least treated with respect, now it’s as if nobody really cares!

[Sandy and Ed]

Actually, almost anything is possible. Waiter may have gotten the ok to move the party, and the reservation was made after the move was made. We may likely never know what actually happened, but reserved or not, it was improper for the host to ask a party to move while they are eating. Many are the times I have been told that the previous party is still occupying the table and we could wait or be seated elsewhere. Somewhere in this scenario there was a break in communication. The host job is to try and accommodate all parties, not turn out parties in the middle of their meal.
Agree with everything you said. Something is either missing in OPs story or someone needs to start looking for another job

[merrymini]

Unimpressive restaurant, so, after trying it, never went back. Bad behavior on the part of the restaurant has nothing to do with making a reservation or being a regular or anything else. A reserved table should be marked as such. Calling the police? Are you nuts?

[Sandy and Ed]

More likely the host was the recipient of steady gratuities, from the "regulars" he gave our table to. (BTW, both parties were twosomes. We were eating dinner, the other twosome was having drinks.)
Now THAT casts a new light on this matter. They came for the intimacy or the entertainer, not the food. Definitely would have called the manager over for a complete explanation

[fdpaq0580]

One part of OP's post is being over looked, " after checking the reservation list" the table was available. They were moved to an "available" table. Noting that the table is now occupied is not the job of the customer.

[GOLFER54]

If I was half way through my meal and was told to move, I would not ! The way patrons are treated and talked to by some employees is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

Strange , yes, but my guess is the waiter should not have moved you in the first place. Sorry you did not like your meals. Redsauce is one of our favorite restaurants and is ranked very high on review sites. Hope you find another restaurant to your liking.

just guessing here. but the table was all ready reserved for a certain time. since it was empty before it they moved you. I'm thinking, and have no idea how they do this, is that they reserve tables with so much time allowed for dinner and rotate for the next seating guests. Unfortunately some dinner guest stay the whole night at the table to enjoy the entertainment. They try to avoid that. but to me, they should of said, you can move to that table but we do have reservations coming in 45 minutes and you need to be finished and move. then it would be your choice.

[slpierce21@gmail.com]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.

The tablecloths were dirty, dishes had stuff on them and water glasses, urg

[Babubhat]

I am understand your frustration. I like Red Sauce and hope this type of thing doesn’t happen to me. Usually a restaurant would ask if a party minded moving.

But for those who have answered that they would refuse to move, I’ll say this: you are a quest in their establishment. If you are told to move and refuse then the police would probably be called to move you. The same that would happen like on an airplane. See what would happen to you took someone’s seat in a biker bar and refused to move when told.

Let the police come. The scene will be villages news worthy. They need to live with there mistake. That will be great for business

[Stu from NYC]

I am understand your frustration. I like Red Sauce and hope this type of thing doesn’t happen to me. Usually a restaurant would ask if a party minded moving.

But for those who have answered that they would refuse to move, I’ll say this: you are a quest in their establishment. If you are told to move and refuse then the police would probably be called to move you. The same that would happen like on an airplane. See what would happen to you took someone’s seat in a biker bar and refused to move when told.

Calling the police because they refused to change tables is not going to happen. Do think the police have better things to do. Wonder if the owners of Red Sauce are reading this thread and cringing. If so suspect host/hostess is probably looking for a new position.

[Red Rose]

Why couldn't they just give the reservation people the first table. I would have refused to move in the middle of my dinner. That was so rude of Red Sauce.

[Allie65]

It's not worth getting worked up. Years ago, when I was very young we took a trip to St.Martin. We stay in a time share, suggested by our travel agent. In the middle of our stay we got a note telling us to pack our stuff, we were being moved. There was 6 of us including a baby. It took them over 6 hours to clean our room which was still dirty. Talk about ****ed! We were in another country and had no choice but to agree. STUFF happens. Let it go and enjoy the other good restaurants, they're building more every day!

[Malsua]

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals.

At the point you should have simply left. I would have. If they want paid, they can leave you in peace to enjoy your meal.

[jimjamuser]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.
Well, to tell the truth, I NEVER felt good about any restaurant experience. US people dine out more than even the French people. And the average waistline in the US is at the top end of the world list. I have gotten sick from mild food poisoning many more times from a restaurant than from eating at home. I have the opposite of a castiron stomach and I always wonder about the clowns preparing the food - do they have CV or something else and sneeze in the food? I never really enjoy a restaurant meal because it wastes a lot of time and costs too much. As far as an "experience" goes, I would rather use my money on the experience of going out to a movie or even a concert as compared to a
restaurant. If I am forced to go out to eat, I will choose Subway because I can see that they have gloves on and you can see them preparing the food. Also, the wait time is normally much less - the food always tastes good to me and I can season it however I want and I have never gotten sick there.
........I just wrote this to show that restaurants do NOT appeal universally to everyone. If it works well for someone else - more power to them. But, as proven by the subject of this thread.......restaurant-goers can not expect a great experience all the time. They will have to learn to accept the bad experience with the good ones.

[JMintzer]

Well, to tell the truth, I NEVER felt good about any restaurant experience. US people dine out more than even the French people. And the average waistline in the US is at the top end of the world list. I have gotten sick from mild food poisoning many more times from a restaurant than from eating at home. I have the opposite of a castiron stomach and I always wonder about the clowns preparing the food - do they have CV or something else and sneeze in the food? I never really enjoy a restaurant meal because it wastes a lot of time and costs too much. As far as an "experience" goes, I would rather use my money on the experience of going out to a movie or even a concert as compared to a
restaurant. If I am forced to go out to eat, I will choose Subway because I can see that they have gloves on and you can see them preparing the food. Also, the wait time is normally much less - the food always tastes good to me and I can season it however I want and I have never gotten sick there.
........I just wrote this to show that restaurants do NOT appeal universally to everyone. If it works well for someone else - more power to them. But, as proven by the subject of this thread.......restaurant-goers can not expect a great experience all the time. They will have to learn to accept the bad experience with the good ones.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/ifB6SqqrYAOhxNt9cl/200.gif

[retiredguy123]

Just curious. What does it mean when you quote a post, but provide no comment?

[JMintzer]

Just curious. What does it mean when you quote a post, but provide no comment?

I dunno. Why do you ask?

[retiredguy123]

I dunno. Why do you ask?
As I said, just curious. I don't get it.

[jimjamuser]

:ho: Thank you Brian. Hope other restaurant workers and owners are reading. I have food and drink at home.....I go out for SERVICE. :)
I wish someone could explain to me - what is so great and beautiful about "SERVICE"? I find it totally obsequious and phony. Someone like a young host smiles at you (or anyone) with a smile that both parties know they don't mean. They would likely ignore you (anyone) if they walked by on the street. They do it to SELL you an illusion of something called "SEERVICE". The customer BUYS into this illusion. "here sir/madam" is this wonderful thing called a table and chairs - enjoy"! Then after some unknown period of time, along comes the "waitress/waiter" - another fake smiling character in this repetitive PLAY of illusion. So, on and on it goes until the bill comes and then paid and out the door, you go.....hi, ho you go. Then the judgment time comes - "we liked the dessert but my steak was a little overcooked" etc. Then the brag or complain to your friends time comes. Red Sauce restaurant was good or bad. People try to justify the "SERVICE" or atmosphere experience by sharing with their friends how wonderful or terrible that experience was. Either way, you are HOOKED into duplicating that EXPERIENCE over and over until you get it right!

[JMintzer]

As I said, just curious. I don't get it.

I've not seen it happen (at least not in this thread). But it could possibly be due to "user error"...

[CWGUY]

I wish someone could explain to me - what is so great and beautiful about "SERVICE"? I find it totally obsequious and phony. Someone like a young host smiles at you (or anyone) with a smile that both parties know they don't mean. They would likely ignore you (anyone) if they walked by on the street. They do it to SELL you an illusion of something called "SEERVICE". The customer BUYS into this illusion. "here sir/madam" is this wonderful thing called a table and chairs - enjoy"! Then after some unknown period of time, along comes the "waitress/waiter" - another fake smiling character in this repetitive PLAY of illusion. So, on and on it goes until the bill comes and then paid and out the door, you go.....hi, ho you go. Then the judgment time comes - "we liked the dessert but my steak was a little overcooked" etc. Then the brag or complain to your friends time comes. Red Sauce restaurant was good or bad. People try to justify the "SERVICE" or atmosphere experience by sharing with their friends how wonderful or terrible that experience was. Either way, you are HOOKED into duplicating that EXPERIENCE over and over until you get it right!

Wow! Just :censored: wow! Don't know what else to say..... but maybe it sucks to be you???? Some of us go out and enjoy good service and some go out to stick their head in the oven. Hope tomorrow is better for you. :) Try to have a good day.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Wonder what would have happened if you just said; NO, Not moving???

You know, with the world as stupid as it is and a lot of people the same way, it may have turned into something that you didn’t want to be a part of.

That’s why we very rarely go out to eat anymore.

[jimjamuser]

I just think that it’s like everything else that’s going on in our country right now; workers just don’t take pride in how they treat other people or serve other people‘s needs. It used to be that the “customer is always right” or at least treated with respect, now it’s as if nobody really cares!
Many many variables and changes are responsible for the deterioration of "civility". I will mention one factor that most people usually do NOT think about..........increased US and worldwide population density. Would we enjoy living in India or a dense African city?

[jimjamuser]

Wow! Just :censored: wow! Don't know what else to say..... but maybe it sucks to be you???? Some of us go out and enjoy good service and some go out to stick their head in the oven. Hope tomorrow is better for you. :) Try to have a good day.
Simply wanted to show that NOT everyone is so enamored about going out to sit-down restaurants. If you like it that's cool. I did NOT expect to change anyone's mind. I also tried to use exaggeration for a little humor. people are not all the same.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Well, to tell the truth, I NEVER felt good about any restaurant experience. US people dine out more than even the French people. And the average waistline in the US is at the top end of the world list. I have gotten sick from mild food poisoning many more times from a restaurant than from eating at home. I have the opposite of a castiron stomach and I always wonder about the clowns preparing the food - do they have CV or something else and sneeze in the food? I never really enjoy a restaurant meal because it wastes a lot of time and costs too much. As far as an "experience" goes, I would rather use my money on the experience of going out to a movie or even a concert as compared to a
restaurant. If I am forced to go out to eat, I will choose Subway because I can see that they have gloves on and you can see them preparing the food. Also, the wait time is normally much less - the food always tastes good to me and I can season it however I want and I have never gotten sick there.
........I just wrote this to show that restaurants do NOT appeal universally to everyone. If it works well for someone else - more power to them. But, as proven by the subject of this thread.......restaurant-goers can not expect a great experience all the time. They will have to learn to accept the bad experience with the good ones.
Man, you must be a barrel of laughs to hang out with. I mean, you're so easy going and all.

[CWGUY]

Man, you must be a barrel of laughs to hang out with. I mean, you're so easy going and all.

:boom: You owe me a new keyboard..... just spit coffee all over this one! :posting:

[CWGUY]

Simply wanted to show that NOT everyone is so enamored about going out to sit-down restaurants. If you like it that's cool. I did NOT expect to change anyone's mind. I also tried to use exaggeration for a little humor. people are not all the same.

:shrug: Next time maybe try a smiley face and people won't think you are clinically depressed. :sigh:

Anyway, have a good day! :)

[retiredguy123]

I've not seen it happen (at least not in this thread). But it could possibly be due to "user error"...
Post No. 56

[CWGUY]

Post No. 56

:icon_wink: And many more! I was wondering too. Thanks for asking.

[jimjamuser]

Man, you must be a barrel of laughs to hang out with. I mean, you're so easy going and all.
Some people like to say ......sarcasm....Sheldon. Actually, I am generally considered an easy-going guy. And I DO make some people laugh, but only those with a dry sense of humor. Not the belly-laugh-type crowd. And I watch Sat Night Live every chance I get and I actually laugh at it. And on my 40th birthday, I vowed to stop pulling the wings off of butterflies. It was a tough few years, but I trained myself to stop that habit. Then I was torn between rooting for the Joker or Batman. That was a tough one. So I just had to speak up about this Red Sauce restaurant controversy. Hope it was thought-provoking!

[jimjamuser]

:shrug: Next time maybe try a smiley face and people won't think you are clinically depressed. :sigh:

Anyway, have a good day! :)
Thanks that is great advice. I can put a little jumping smiley face right next to an advertisement for the famous/infamous Red Sauce restaurant. And I think that the number 9 smells closer to the number 10 than to the #2!

[Topspinmo]

When I find restaurant around here worth going to again I’ll post rave reviews, until then I’m still looking.

[Topspinmo]

Just curious. What does it mean when you quote a post, but provide no comment?


It means just like to post. :)

[Topspinmo]

I had the weirdest restaurant experience I can remember, at Red Sauce last night.

A friend drove down from Lecanto, to see a singer he knew, who was singing at Red Sauce last night.

We were seated at a table, without a view of the "stage" area. Before ordering, we noticed the table next to us was empty and had been, for 30+ minutes. As that table had a view of the entertainment, we asked our server if we could move to that table. After checking the Reservation List, he came back and told us the table was available and moved us.

1/2 way through our meal (45 minutes after we had sat down), the "host" came over to us and insisted we move from the table, as it was "reserved". We were 1/2 way through our meals. He didn't even do the "moving", we did.

In what universe is that acceptable hospitality service in a restaurant?

As an aside to the incompetent management, my friend's steak dinner was OK, my Chicken Piccata tasted like a "Stouffer's Frozen Dinner", not fully microwaved. I sent it back once, but when they still couldn't manage to do any better, I gave up.


IMO 45 minutes explains it.

[fdpaq0580]

IMO 45 minutes explains it.

Explains what? How long before order was taken? How long before they were actually served? Need further clarification of what "it" is that is explained.

[JMintzer]

Post No. 56

There's most definitely a response there. Don't know why you can't see it...

[JMintzer]

:icon_wink: And many more! I was wondering too. Thanks for asking.

Do pictures show up for you? If so, then gifs should show up, as well...

[JMintzer]

It means just like to post. :)

No, it means a picture (or a gif) is worth a thousand words...

[RUCdaze]

I've lived here for almost five years, during which time I've tried almost every restaurant in The Villages and the surrounding area. I can easily tell you that Red Source is by far our favorite restaurant. We like the ambiance, but the food is definitely a cut above the other places we've tried. Their Bolognese source is by far the best I've ever tasted. I've tried Bolognese sources in NY and NJ where you would think it would be far better than anything you could get in Florida. Wrong! I would not let the incompetent actions of one waitstaffer color my opinion of the product they put on the table. Your bad experience is partially your own fault, which makes your "never again" especially petty.

[retiredguy123]

There's most definitely a response there. Don't know why you can't see it...
Sorry. I can normally see photos, but, I can't see anything on Post No. 56. I checked my tablet, desktop, and cell phone.

[JMintzer]

Sorry. I can normally see photos, but, I can't see anything on Post No. 56. I checked my tablet, desktop, and cell phone.

Check your "User Settings" in the forum (it's at the top of every page)...

Go to "Edit Options". Scroll down to "Thread Display Options" and make sure "Show Images" is checked...

It will auto-load all images and gifs that use the img button that attaches links (which is different from attaching photos using the "paper clip" function)...

The device you're using shouldn't matter...

[retiredguy123]

Check your "User Settings" in the forum (it's at the top of every page)...

Go to "Edit Options". Scroll down to "Thread Display Options" and make sure "Show Images" is checked...

It will auto-load all images and gifs that use the img button that attaches links (which is different from attaching photos using the "paper clip" function)...

The device you're using shouldn't matter...
I did it, but the "show images" was already checked. I unchecked it and rechecked it, but I still see nothing on Post No. 56.

[CWGUY]

Do pictures show up for you? If so, then gifs should show up, as well...

:ohdear: Like retiredguy123 - gettin nuttin! :popcorn:

[Two Bills]

:ohdear: Like retiredguy123 - gettin nuttin! :popcorn:

Same here.
Always thought the guy just liked repeating others peoples posts! :shrug:

[JMintzer]

Same here.
Always thought the guy just liked repeating others peoples posts! :shrug:

Nope. As I explained in another threads, this seems to be a new phenomena...

My only guess is that the Mods don't like them and have turned them off ant the source... I see no rule about posting pics/gifs, so I have no idea why they would do that, but it's the only explanation I can come up with.

I do know they USED to show up. But now, for some, they don't... Odd...

Okay, I just opened a new window, and opened TOTV, made sure I was NOT logged in. I see the pics...

All I can say is "ponderous"...

[BrianL99]

Your bad experience is partially your own fault, which makes your "never again" especially petty.

Not one of the other 80+ responses seems to think so.

As for a better "red sauce" than Red Sauce's, I'd suggest Michaels of Brooklyn Pasta Sauce or Rao's.

[fdpaq0580]

I've lived here for almost five years, during which time I've tried almost every restaurant in The Villages and the surrounding area. I can easily tell you that Red Source is by far our favorite restaurant. We like the ambiance, but the food is definitely a cut above the other places we've tried. Their Bolognese source is by far the best I've ever tasted. I've tried Bolognese sources in NY and NJ where you would think it would be far better than anything you could get in Florida. Wrong! I would not let the incompetent actions of one waitstaffer color my opinion of the product they put on the table. Your bad experience is partially your own fault, which makes your "never again" especially petty.

Re-read OP. Wait staff checked reservation list and table was available. Host apparently caused the issue by trying to get them to move in the middle of their meal. WRONG!
Host failed courtesy 101. Host apparently not keeping list of tables available, in use and reserved current. Once seated by member of staff customer should be treated like any other. Manager should have been called. Host needs a crash course on handling things in a gracious, courteous and unobtrusive way as to make sure all customers feel welcome and appreciated and avoid a scene or any unpleasantness.
Waiter/waitress was trying to accommodate the customers request.

[juddfl]

Wait a minute. They asked if the table was available. The waiter said yes, you can move there. The hostess did not notice this until after their food was served. You never ask a customer to move to another table and take your food with you. You explain the situation and ask if you can comp them with dessert or something if they would please move.

[Stu from NYC]

Wait a minute. They asked if the table was available. The waiter said yes, you can move there. The hostess did not notice this until after their food was served. You never ask a customer to move to another table and take your food with you. You explain the situation and ask if you can comp them with dessert or something if they would please move.

Amazing how poorly the restaurant handled this.

[fdpaq0580]

I've lived here for almost five years, during which time I've tried almost every restaurant in The Villages and the surrounding area. I can easily tell you that Red Source is by far our favorite restaurant. We like the ambiance, but the food is definitely a cut above the other places we've tried. Their Bolognese source is by far the best I've ever tasted. I've tried Bolognese sources in NY and NJ where you would think it would be far better than anything you could get in Florida. Wrong! I would not let the incompetent actions of one waitstaffer color my opinion of the product they put on the table. Your bad experience is partially your own fault, which makes your "never again" especially petty.

Glad you like Red Sauce. Not everyone is a fan. Personally don't see how OP is at fault here. As to "never again", that is OP's prerogative. Far to many choices available to go to places where you have had bad experiences. I, for one, appreciate hearing of others less than favorable experience. Fore warned is fore armed.