[Canwego2]

We thought the 2 for $20.00 at Hacienda Hills CC sounded like a great value and a clever way to get us to try them out. Bad choice. One appetizer, two meals and dessert sounds good? Not! The appetizer we chose was potato skins. We received three (three for two to share is still something I question) very old, dried out skins that may have sat there all day. I ordered talapia for dinner and it came out like it had been steamed and bare. No color, no seasoning, no flavor. My husband's meatloaf was passable. Dessert was chef's choice. I loved the idea of the chef making something he/she loves so I was very surprised to get a graham cracker shell with two scoops of canned pudding in the center of it. Not even half filled. I like canned pudding so I thought it was the best part of the meal.

The hostess was bothered that we were there. The waitress never stopped back to our table to see how our meals were, and I don't blame her. If she had, I would have given her an earful.

The tv's were on without sound or close captioning. Dr. Phil would not have been my choice of dinner tv, but with closed captioning, I could have at least followed the story line.

I am surprised they were as busy as they were. I know we will never go back.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Canwego2

We thought the 2 for $20.00 at Hacienda Hills CC sounded like a great value and a clever way to get us to try them out. Bad choice. One appetizer, two meals and dessert sounds good? Not! The appetizer we chose was potato skins. We received three (three for two to share is still something I question) very old, dried out skins that may have sat there all day. I ordered talapia for dinner and it came out like it had been steamed and bare. No color, no seasoning, no flavor. My husband's meatloaf was passable. Dessert was chef's choice. I loved the idea of the chef making something he/she loves so I was very surprised to get a graham cracker shell with two scoops of canned pudding in the center of it. Not even half filled. I like canned pudding so I thought it was the best part of the meal.

The hostess was bothered that we were there. The waitress never stopped back to our table to see how our meals were, and I don't blame her. If she had, I would have given her an earful.

The tv's were on without sound or close captioning. Dr. Phil would not have been my choice of dinner tv, but with closed captioning, I could have at least followed the story line.

I am surprised they were as busy as they were. I know we will never go back.

What did management have to say when you confronted them??

[chuckster]

Good question......

[Talk Host]

Confront: "to face especially in challenge...to oppose"

I have always thought that ones gets more action when you "discuss" the issue with the manager.

[Kellygirl]

Hacienda is trying to capitalize off the success of "Date Night" at the Waterfront. The only difference if the choice of appetizer that Hacienda offers otherwise it is the same idea (choice of 3 entrees and a dessert). I am curious as to what Management said about your complaint, and why they had the TV on???

[chuckster]

Acoustics are not good for dinner and music. Known more as a sports bar/restaurant, therefore tv's on every wall and column. TV'S are always on espn, golf channel, etc. similar to Beef O'Bradys. During football season different college alumnae groups reserve entire bar for saturday games and NFL fans on Sunday and Monday. Suggest you check it out sometime.

[Kellygirl]

I have also noticed lately that the "hostess" seems very uninterested in their job? Is it lack of training, lack of pay, or something else?

[chuckster]

Questions YOU should ask. We've been there several times recently and have not had the same experience.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

Confront: "to face especially in challenge...to oppose"

I have always thought that ones gets more action when you "discuss" the issue with the manager.

Bad choice of word.
I just don't appreciate people who go around bashing someone without giving that person a chance to correct not meeting their expectations.

[rockaway]

4 or 5 years ago the restaurant at Hacienda was called the Palms.
At that time it was a place that required a jacket for the men and
the food and staff were first rate. They had a man playing the piano
during dinner which made for a very nice experience.

They also had a outstanding seafood buffet (I think) on Tuesday.

[Canwego2]

I am hoping that our visit is not the norm. I did not talk with the manager as I should have. We are new to TV and weren't sure if our standards were too high. Looking back, I wish I had talked to the manager. Oh well. It was the only negative we experienced in the two weeks we were there. Karen

[chuckinca]

As with most TV resturants, one day they are good and the next they are horrible, and the next they are good again???

There are a few that are always horrible.

[chuckster]

Having spent considerable time in SFO, San Jose area have found the same to be true there too. Guess it is true everywhere............

[chuckinca]

We stay in the East Bay and eat at home where the food is always GREAT (my wife may be looking thru my posts so I have to be PC).

.

[CaribbeanAl]

I've been in the restaurant/sales business for 39 years- Bottom line: Right or Wrong they are not happy. Rule of thumb: For every one guest that tells you of a problem or concern there are 10 that won't bother or don't want the hassle.