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12/31/2011
Just finished our New Year's Eve Dinner at Stacey's. It was our second time there since the ownership change. I have to say, the first experience was very great (approximately a year ago). I know, sometimes memories and first time impressions are hard to replicate, but here is the scoop. We sat at the bar, ordered two glasses of house zins. Abe, the owner, was working the bar and shortly after we ordered, we had the bar all to ourselves. It was no big deal that Abe was fairly distracted the entire time since we were just looking for a good restaurant to have a few glasses of wine, have dinner and walk home. The pours were substantially smaller (pretty much smaller than anywhere I have ever been). The second indication that it may not be like last time was after a couple of sips, Abe asked us if we were ready to order. We obliged and ordered the scallop appetizer, which was pretty good. We then asked Abe what is really standing out, he mentioned everything that was on the special New year's menu (the
NY strip, lamb, etc.). Needless to say, we opted for the risotto. They were great in offering to replace the scallops for short ribs since the evening special included scallops, which we already had for the appetizers. I really appreciated the gesture. When the meal came, it definitely could have been hotter, but that was not the real problem. Although they split orders in the kitchen before, they did not offer this time. But the compelling problem was that the beef was old.....very old, kind of like something you would taste, and then not even begin to finish. My wife confirmed that it wasn't just me. I mentioned the issue to Abe in a very constructive, helpful way. He smiled and seemed to appreciate it. Yes, I would have appreciated it if maybe he offered to comp a desert or even a cup of coffee or something, but nothing was offered. I have to admit, I may be tainted with the fact that a gesture (which I would likely have turned down) was not even made, the fact that I definitely have some
lower GI pain and the fact that the pours were extremely small.....and yes, the owner of the half....or 2/3 empty restaurant was a little too busy to even pretend to to interact with us (again, he was tending the bar and we were the only people sitting at the bar). In summary, no big deal, we could definitely have had a better meal, $85.00 out the door for three glasses of wine, a plate of risotto and 4 scallops is not horrible, but down town Pleasanton had much, more to offer. We very obviously will never go back.
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Pleasanton Diner
01/01/2012 | |
