[ccrider]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by ccrider

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

What was the managers explanation when you complained?

[JSR22]

Not receiving water and bread without requesting it is not a big deal to me. They are not a sinking ship!

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by ccrider

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

Does appear you are a bit more demanding than we are

[Joe V.]

Originally Posted by ccrider

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

Oh, the humanity!

[Koapaka]

Personally, I am grateful not to have to pay for something that may/may not be wanted at each and every patrons table regardless of asking. We always say to server we want water, whatever else we are drinking, and no bread thank you. That way it does not go to waste costs....which others pay.

[thelegges]

The parking lot is packed every night. We have been eating inside except the month or so all inside was closed. They have been so busy every night, I applaud the staff for trying to keep up. Water is not always automatically brought. We have always had bread brought to the table. Sometimes if something is missing one should just ask, instead of brooding

[Stu from NYC]

Come to think of it most servers would ask what you would like to drink and than bring it.

Guess we live in a different world than the OP.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by JSR22

Not receiving water and bread without requesting it is not a big deal to me. They are not a sinking ship!

It is a big deal, if the restaurant is a good one and has a reputation to uphold. Even Cody's and Texas Roadhouse offer better service than what was described by the OP. Simple stuff but important none the less.

I think of the service we receive on cruise ships in specialty restaurants. THAT is the service I really appreciate.

[BillY41]

Personally I don't see a reason to cross the restaurant for those omissions but that's me!

[Rwirish]

Hardly a sinking ship.

[jswirs]

Originally Posted by ccrider

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

It's such a tough life for us....

[dewilson58]

Hope your birthday present lived up to expectations.

[mlmarr1]

Be happy, relax ... sign of the times, workers are hard to find in any place of employment.. most make more in UE and handouts..

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by ccrider

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

How did you tip this time? How did you tip last time? Maybe the server recognized you. Just trying to come up with the reason you were treated sooo badly . Splitting a shrimp cocktail. Split a dinner too? Needed that bread?