Disappointed with Wolfgang Puck, Brownwood

[paulcallaway]

Had lunch at Wolfgangs today with good food and service.
But left before coffee and desert, as we were not successful in trying to get the music turned down so that we could talk to each other. Non of the other diners seemed to be listening to the mundane music, but were only trying to talk over it.
This might have been expected at an inexpensive restaurant, but certainly not at a place like Wolfgangs, where they are trying to tell you that they offer a "dining experience."
For us it was an "experience" that we won't be partaking in again.

[ThirdOfFive]

No matter what the music was, people would be trying to talk over it. I think the OP has a valid point about the volume, but the content of the music is subjective: what one might feel is "mundane" might be quite to the taste of someone else.

[retiredguy123]

My favorite music is silence. Why is it that some people think that they need to listen to music wherever they go?

[Shipping up to Boston]

My favorite music is silence. Why is it that some people think that they need to listen to music wherever they go?

I think it temporarily masks the misery.

I usually duke the manager a few bucks to pipe in some Ozzy...just to gauge the room

[Shipping up to Boston]

I will say...kidding aside, a couple years ago i got a decent pork schnitzel at WP

[frayedends]

I think it temporarily masks the misery.

I usually duke the manager a few bucks to pipe in some Ozzy...just to gauge the room

I go with Slayer. But for some reason they don’t seem to love it as much as I do.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Had lunch at Wolfgangs today with good food and service.
But left before coffee and desert, as we were not successful in trying to get the music turned down so that we could talk to each other. Non of the other diners seemed to be listening to the mundane music, but were only trying to talk over it.
This might have been expected at an inexpensive restaurant, but certainly not at a place like Wolfgangs, where they are trying to tell you that they offer a "dining experience."
For us it was an "experience" that we won't be partaking in again.
I hear what you’re saying and I agree wholeheartedly! If someone wants to hear music they can go outside. It’s even worse when you get the radio station and a restaurant’s music at the same time. Ugh!

[fdpaq0580]

Fine dining should have soft instrumental BACKGROUND music or soft nature sounds. Nothing to compete with dinner conversation. Loud music drives customers out. Some see it as improving the turnaround time so they can seat more people and make more money. But, in the long run, customers who flee an uncomfortable situation won't bother with deserts and coffee or tea. And, are often unlikely to return. And, in my case, and OP's review, I'm considering not even bothering to waste my time. If I want loud music I'll go to the squares.

[Sandy and Ed]

No matter what the music was, people would be trying to talk over it. I think the OP has a valid point about the volume, but the content of the music is subjective: what one might feel is "mundane" might be quite to the taste of someone else.
Background “Rap”, “hard rock”, loud vocals and more extreme “music” is not conducive to having a conversation. Quiet soft jazz or similar instrumental “elevator music” would probably satisfy 99% of the dining public while they also attempt to converse with one another.

[Sandy and Ed]

Fine dining should have soft instrumental BACKGROUND music or soft nature sounds. Nothing to compete with dinner conversation. Loud music drives customers out. Some see it as improving the turnaround time so they can seat more people and make more money. But, in the long run, customers who flee an uncomfortable situation won't bother with deserts and coffee or tea. And, are often unlikely to return. And, in my case, and OP's review, I'm considering not even bothering to waste my time. If I want loud music I'll go to the squares.
Well said!!

[graciegirl]

We can't always have what we want and sometimes we must defer to the majority rule.

Be sure to tell them why you won't go back.

[La lamy]

I hear you OP or in that restaurant I guess I wouldn't. I don't understand why restaurants do that, so annoying. I agree very soft background music or nothing.

[Mrmean58]

I go when they have Disturbed on the music menu. It helps drown out the mundane conversations at nearby tables.

[Papa_lecki]

So the food was good, the service was good, but you’re not going back because the music was too loud? Wow, you sound like an old person.

BTW, don’t ask the server to turn down the music, go directly to the manager.

[banjobob]

Fine dining should have soft instrumental BACKGROUND music or soft nature sounds. Nothing to compete with dinner conversation. Loud music drives customers out. Some see it as improving the turnaround time so they can seat more people and make more money. But, in the long run, customers who flee an uncomfortable situation won't bother with deserts and coffee or tea. And, are often unlikely to return. And, in my case, and OP's review, I'm considering not even bothering to waste my time. If I want loud music I'll go to the squares.
Great answer I ttotally agree music should soft pleasing background barely noticed.

[rsmurano]

If the music is turned down too much or you want elevator music, then turn off the music completely. If the music is good, I’d rather listen to the music than talk, you have 16 hours a day to talk.

I can sleep during a 95 decibel or louder set of music from Dream Theater or Liquid Tension. Jazz, blues, and new age, has to be around 85-95 decibels to get you moving.

[Steve]

Background “Rap”, “hard rock”, loud vocals and more extreme “music” is not conducive to having a conversation. Quiet soft jazz or similar instrumental “elevator music” would probably satisfy 99% of the dining public while they also attempt to converse with one another.

My wife and I went with three other couples to one of the country clubs one evening for dinner. The hostess said, "You're going to love it. We've put you right next to (that evening's entertainer)." Before we could even order we left. Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation at a table for eight with a huge loudspeaker right next to you? We went to one couple's home and ordered in pizza!

[dewilson58]

My wife and I went with three other couples to one of the country clubs one evening for dinner. The hostess said, "You're going to love it. We've put you right next to (that evening's entertainer)." Before we could even order we left. Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation at a table for eight with a huge loudspeaker right next to you? We went to one couple's home and ordered in pizza!

That has happened a number of times at CC's.
They are not set-up for this type of entertainment/food service.
We have left as well.

[mkjelenbaas]

Had lunch at Wolfgangs today with good food and service.
But left before coffee and desert, as we were not successful in trying to get the music turned down so that we could talk to each other. Non of the other diners seemed to be listening to the mundane music, but were only trying to talk over it.
This might have been expected at an inexpensive restaurant, but certainly not at a place like Wolfgangs, where they are trying to tell you that they offer a "dining experience."
For us it was an "experience" that we won't be partaking in again.
I was there and enjoyed the food along with the background melodies-would recommend.

[Stu from NYC]

So the food was good, the service was good, but you’re not going back because the music was too loud? Wow, you sound like an old person.

BTW, don’t ask the server to turn down the music, go directly to the manager.

I like to be able to talk to my wife or table companions over dinner. No reason for music to be anything other than background or even no music.

Why does that make us sound old? My kids would say the same thing.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Maybe a little Mustang Sally so those complaining feel at home. I agree with previous poster...the food and service were good, that’s the point of going out to dinner I thought. I also agree that the music acts as a buffer... to conversations others don’t want to hear.

[bobmarc]

Gee.. I was there and kept asking for the music to be louder.. I didn't want to hear your mundane conversation..

An example of you can't please everybody....and you can always expect a snide remark from someone in Florida's Friendliest Hometowm. The solution is easy...if you don't like dining with loud music(me) then don't go to that place, there are plenty of other choices.

[CybrSage]

Background “Rap”, “hard rock”, loud vocals and more extreme “music” is not conducive to having a conversation. Quiet soft jazz or similar instrumental “elevator music” would probably satisfy 99% of the dining public while they also attempt to converse with one another.

Personally, jazz or instrumental music is very distracting to me and probably 99% of the dining public as well. It is unpopular music that most people do not actively listen to. And who in their right mind actually wants to listen to elevator music for any length of time?

Hard rock, rap, or extreme music are far more popular, which is why it is easy to find them on the radio but very hard to find jazz. Is there a station that plays elevator music?

Let's play popular music, since that is what people actually listen to.

[CybrSage]

Great answer I ttotally agree music should soft pleasing background barely noticed.

The problem is what is pleasing to one is nails on a chalkboard to another.

Play current top 40 music since that is what most people like...hence it being the most popular music, which most people find pleasing.

I am so sick of old people music. That is almost all we hear everywhere in TV.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Personally, jazz or instrumental music is very distracting to me and probably 99% of the dining public as well. It is unpopular music that most people do not actively listen to. And who in their right mind actually wants to listen to elevator music for any length of time?

Hard rock, rap, or extreme music are far more popular, which is why it is easy to find them on the radio but very hard to find jazz. Is there a station that plays elevator music?

Let's play popular music, since that is what people actually listen to.

I’m tellin’ ya, this is how you open up tables in places like this.....how ‘bout AC/DC ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’ for an entrance! :1rotfl:

[dick.friedle@gmail.com]

Went there a couple years ago also, restaurant manager convinced me to change my selection to pork schnitzel. Tried it as did our table. Simply terrible, never returned.

[Two Bills]

I was there and enjoyed the food along with the background melodies-would recommend.

No way.
You have never been anywhere to eat, where the bill for two, could be over $10.

[justjim]

The problem is what is pleasing to one is nails on a chalkboard to another.

Play current top 40 music since that is what most people like...hence it being the most popular music, which most people find pleasing.

I am so sick of old people music. That is almost all we hear everywhere in TV.

WVLG use to play a lot of 50’s - 60’s music but now not so much. What do you call old people music today? Today’s top 40 is unlikely what most Villager’s like. Anyway, tried WGP restaurant here in TV a couple of times and maybe as OP says it was the music, maybe the atmosphere or maybe nothing was special about the service or food. You know sometimes you just don’t “connect” with a particular restaurant.

[Pennyt]

I love all types of music, but when you go to a restaurant for dinner, you are not looking for a concert or be moved to dance. If it is a restaurant that touts its "ambience" then rap or rock music would not be expected. That's what I would want at a square where dancing is promoted. All that being said, I also hate being at dinner just to hear really loud voices and loud laughter at the next table. I'm not talking about a chuckle or normal conversation levels. I'm talking about people who are extremely loud voiced or are talking loudly on their cellphones. I guess older people may be hard of hearing, so I try to be considerate of that possibility, but it is off-putting.

[Rodneysblue]

Had lunch at Wolfgangs today with good food and service.
But left before coffee and desert, as we were not successful in trying to get the music turned down so that we could talk to each other. Non of the other diners seemed to be listening to the mundane music, but were only trying to talk over it.
This might have been expected at an inexpensive restaurant, but certainly not at a place like Wolfgangs, where they are trying to tell you that they offer a "dining experience."
For us it was an "experience" that we won't be partaking in again.

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Two Bills]

Music to loud? I turn my hearing aids off.
Noisy people close by? I turn my hearing aids off.
Salacious conversation close by? I turn the sound up on my hearing aids.
That's why us hearing aid users always have a smile on our faces when dining out!:thumbup:

[kingofbeer]

Had lunch at Wolfgangs today with good food and service.
But left before coffee and desert, as we were not successful in trying to get the music turned down so that we could talk to each other. Non of the other diners seemed to be listening to the mundane music, but were only trying to talk over it.
This might have been expected at an inexpensive restaurant, but certainly not at a place like Wolfgangs, where they are trying to tell you that they offer a "dining experience."
For us it was an "experience" that we won't be partaking in again.
The actual name of the restaurant is Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar. IMHO this is one of the finer restaurants in the area. Chop House at Lake Sumter is the best. You could have asked the manager to please turn down the music.

[fdpaq0580]

We can't always have what we want and sometimes we must defer to the majority rule.

Be sure to tell them why you won't go back.

In case of a business choosing music, I doubt a "majority" has anything to do with it.

[fdpaq0580]

Went there a couple years ago also, restaurant manager convinced me to change my selection to pork schnitzel. Tried it as did our table. Simply terrible, never returned.

Ask for a recommendation and they will tell you what they want to unload.

[fdpaq0580]

Personally, jazz or instrumental music is very distracting to me and probably 99% of the dining public as well. It is unpopular music that most people do not actively listen to. And who in their right mind actually wants to listen to elevator music for any length of time?

Hard rock, rap, or extreme music are far more popular, which is why it is easy to find them on the radio but very hard to find jazz. Is there a station that plays elevator music?

Let's play popular music, since that is what people actually listen to.

The purpose of music in a fine dining establishment is not to entertain, but to be a pleasant buffer so you can more easily focus your attention on your meal and the company at your table. Like a lampshade, it is mentioned to serve a purpose without drawing attention.

[retiredguy123]

The actual name of the restaurant is Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar. IMHO this is one of the finer restaurants in the area. Chop House at Lake Sumter is the best. You could have asked the manager to please turn down the music.
If the restaurant was well managed, they should already know what type and volume of music is appropriate. So, if one customer asks to change the volume, why should the manager do anything without consulting the other customers? You can't please everyone.

[fdpaq0580]

The problem is what is pleasing to one is nails on a chalkboard to another.

Play current top 40 music since that is what most people like...hence it being the most popular music, which most people find pleasing.

I am so sick of old people music. That is almost all we hear everywhere in TV.

Suggestion. Earbuds!

[Shipping up to Boston]

If the restaurant was well managed, they should already know what type and volume of music is appropriate. So, if one customer asks to change the volume, why should the manager do anything without consulting the other customers? You can't please everyone.

Good point.
I was told by a corporate food service director that it takes more than one complaint of ‘food poisoning’ to shut down a kitchen. Not totally related but you get the point

[fdpaq0580]

If the restaurant was well managed, they should already know what type and volume of music is appropriate. So, if one customer asks to change the volume, why should the manager do anything without consulting the other customers? You can't please everyone.

That's why it's nice to have choices, eh. And I also appreciate the folks that report their experiences at various places, so I won't get blindsided at a special occasion outing.

[JMintzer]

I go with Slayer. But for some reason they don’t seem to love it as much as I do.

Other than Beavis and Butthead, does anyone really love Sayer? :loco:

[Kelevision]

Had lunch at Wolfgangs today with good food and service.
But left before coffee and desert, as we were not successful in trying to get the music turned down so that we could talk to each other. Non of the other diners seemed to be listening to the mundane music, but were only trying to talk over it.
This might have been expected at an inexpensive restaurant, but certainly not at a place like Wolfgangs, where they are trying to tell you that they offer a "dining experience."
For us it was an "experience" that we won't be partaking in again.

It’s not fine dining though…. Wolfgang does have fine dining places. Spago and Cut…. This is called KITCHEN + BAR I would expect music

[retiredguy123]

It’s not fine dining though…. Wolfgang does have fine dining places. Spago and Cut…. This is called KITCHEN + BAR I would expect music
True story. Many years ago, I and some travelmates ate at Spago's in Los Angeles. We spent about $40 each, and then stopped at McDonald's on the way back to the hotel because we were still hungry.

[Joe Mack]

Music aside, the food there is very bland. We've had both lunch and dinner twice there, and each time it was blah.

[retiredguy123]

That's why it's nice to have choices, eh. And I also appreciate the folks that report their experiences at various places, so I won't get blindsided at a special occasion outing.
Me too. I take complaints about loud music very seriously. One complaint is usually enough to keep me away. I hate loud music, and I won't go anywhere near live music.

[daveczo]

My favorite music is silence. Why is it that some people think that they need to listen to music wherever they go?

My favorite music is any that covers up other diners conversations. Don't care about your health care, grand kids, places to overeat and vacation highlights.

[Shipping up to Boston]

My favorite music is any that covers up other diners conversations. Don't care about your health care, grand kids, places to overeat and vacation highlights.

......or bunions

[MaryMS]

We have had the same experience at several nice restaurants in The Villages. Often the performers are mediocre, yet insist on the use of amplifiers at small indoor spaces.
It’s a waste of owners’ money and bad for business.

[Shipping up to Boston]

We have had the same experience at several nice restaurants in The Villages. Often the performers are mediocre, yet insist on the use of amplifiers at small indoor spaces.
It’s a waste of owners’ money and bad for business.

Yet they survive in spite of. I stand to be corrected but I believe no TV restaurant has ever closed because of the volume of its performers or music offerings. OP said food and service was good which will always be the standard for sustainability. 15% off coupons....a close second!

[JMintzer]

An example of you can't please everybody....and you can always expect a snide remark from someone in Florida's Friendliest Hometowm. The solution is easy...if you don't like dining with loud music(me) then don't go to that place, there are plenty of other choices.

Wouldn't that be considered a "snide remark"?

[JMintzer]

I’m tellin’ ya, this is how you open up tables in places like this.....how ‘bout AC/DC ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’ for an entrance! :1rotfl:

AC/DC... A band with 11 albums that all sound the same...

""I'm sick and tired of people saying that we put out 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've put out 12 albums that sound exactly the same.""

- Angus Young

[Shipping up to Boston]

AC/DC... A band with 11 albums that all sound the same...

""I'm sick and tired of people saying that we put out 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've put out 12 albums that sound exactly the same.""

- Angus Young

Perfect metaphor to describe TV restaurant scene. No?!

[JMintzer]

......or bunions

Hey! Knock it off with the disrespect! Those gnarly things paid for my house in TV! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Shipping up to Boston]

Hey! Knock it off with the disrespect! Those gnarly things paid for my house in TV! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

So it’s true....there is bullion in bunions! ;)

[JMintzer]

So it’s true....there is bullion in bunions! ;)

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ec/75/e6/ec75e667273bfdb52a3d9e44e872127a.gif

[spubear2]

My favorite music is silence. Why is it that some people think that they need to listen to music wherever they go?

you are my people!

[Kelevision]

One thing I’ve learned since moving to the villages is old people will find anything to complain about. If these are the golden years, I’ll take silver or even bronze.

[Ken D.]

My favorite music is any that covers up other diners conversations. Don't care about your health care, grand kids, places to overeat and vacation highlights.
Perfect perspective!

[Stu from NYC]

One thing I’ve learned since moving to the villages is old people will find anything to complain about. If these are the golden years, I’ll take silver or even bronze.

Some of us would rather not have loud music that we are prisoners of.

[Kelevision]

Some of us would rather not have loud music that we are prisoners of.

Then why go to a hotel restaurant called Kitchen AND BAR. The use of fine dining throughout this thread is excessive since this is NOT a fine dining place. And the complaints are ridiculous. The food was great the service was great but I’m never going back because the music was too loud. Hahahaha. and took the time to make a post about it. I’m actually going to make a point to eat there now.

[SaucyJim]

Restaurants are not nightclubs. I am not old and listen to loud music all the time. I am not saying no music, but appropriate music that allows for conversation over a good meal. I believe Olive Garden has got that right and eat there often for that sole reason. Is it the best Italian food? No. But I can enjoy it with a glass of wine and classy music at a reasonable volume in every one of their locations.

On a related note, even music listened to at low volumes for long periods of time fatigues the ears. Additionally, the latest wireless noise-cancelling technology is causing tinnitus (even in young people) when the headphones are left in the ears for long periods of time. This is true even when there is nothing playing.

Happy 5th of July. I call it the Day After Independence Day.

[Nana2Teddy]

My favorite music is silence. Why is it that some people think that they need to listen to music wherever they go?
Yes! Silence is golden. I don’t even like music in the car or golf cart or at home. I like peace and quiet, and being lost in my own thoughts. I also wish The Villages would turn off their radio station on the porches at the rec centers, and at the family pools. Unpopular opinion I’m sure.

[SaucyJim]

Suggestion. Earbuds!

Current top 40? LMAO!!! There aren't even human musicians playing on that audio torture. I bet we could get a lot more confessions using that music rather than water-boarding. LOL!

And for the record, if they start playing today's top 40 in restaurants, I'll just shop my dollars elsewhere. Vote with your feet -- and your wallet. :)

[Decadeofdave]

Redsauce does this, sets up a band in a small dining room, can't visit at your table, also orange blossom on occasion, same problem

[Shipping up to Boston]

Restaurants are not nightclubs. I am not old and listen to loud music all the time. I am not saying no music, but appropriate music that allows for conversation over a good meal. I believe Olive Garden has got that right and eat there often for that sole reason. Is it the best Italian food? No. But I can enjoy it with a glass of wine and classy music at a reasonable volume in every one of their locations.

On a related note, even music listened to at low volumes for long periods of time fatigues the ears. Additionally, the latest wireless noise-cancelling technology is causing tinnitus (even in young people) when the headphones are left in the ears for long periods of time. This is true even when there is nothing playing.

Happy 5th of July. I call it the Day After Independence Day.

I get the volume narrative....what is an example of ‘appropriate’ music? Seems pretty subjective, no?

[JMintzer]

Yes! Silence is golden. I don’t even like music in the car or golf cart or at home. I like peace and quiet, and being lost in my own thoughts. I also wish The Villages would turn off their radio station on the porches at the rec centers, and at the family pools. Unpopular opinion I’m sure.

I like to music (and other constant distracting noise)...

It drowns out the voices in my head... :blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

[Freehiker]

They have a great burger.

[Bay Kid]

We can't always have what we want and sometimes we must defer to the majority rule.

Be sure to tell them why you won't go back.

I believe the music is controlled by the manager/workers. Not a good thing.

[LeRoySmith]

Reading through this thread certainly is entertaining, lots of emotional responses about food and music. Remember we need to be considerate of each other and nice in our approach to other peoples likes and dislikes. I'm a strong believer that when my actions/choice impacts someone else its gone too far.

I love most music, that doesn't include the 'fringe' stuff like rap, jazz and classical (I just made someone mad after saying we need to be nice to each other). I could listen to it almost all the time and enjoy it loud occasionally. I carry a blue tooth speaker everywhere I go when I'm tinkering and wear earbuds when mowing or pressure washing. All that said, as I age and my ears are turning on me I can't stand background noise when I'm trying to have a conversation. I'm to the point that when I try to communicate to a young woman in a noisy place its a one sided conversation and I end up ****ed at myself for having to ask them to repeat themselves 3 or 4 times.

I avoid places that have a lot of background noise when I want to talk to someone, I find loud conversations as bad as music. Worst of all is when a bunch of people are yelling at each other to talk over the too loud music. Go to the restaurant at Sawgrass when the bar crowd has been overserved, the band is playing and you wanna talk, no go, so just don't go back in those instances.

So here we are 70 years later and one of the things we love the most causes us the most grief (don't tell my wife I said that). I hear whistling/ringing all the time on top of everything else. Hearing aids may help but certainly don't solve the problem.

[Stu from NYC]

I like to music (and other constant distracting noise)...

It drowns out the voices in my head... :blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

There is a little yellow pill to amplify the voices.:BigApplause: