Vista 18: Up, Up and Where is my Server?

My girlfriend has been doing some work for me for my movie Twitter account and blog and since I’m not a complete jerk, I thought the least I could do was take her out to dinner. Her idea: Vista 18. I’d never been and I’m a sucker for eating while getting height vertigo. Maybe it’s just me.

THE ORDER:
Situated on the 18^th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel, we were greeted by the hostess who directed us to a table just outside of the lounge. A little out of the way for privacy but not so far that it wasn’t noticeable. We ordered almost every appetizer to share (they are small) and filled ourselves with a variety of different tastes. She enjoyed a Grasshopper martini while I partook in a little Jack Daniels and Coke.  We were there for about an hour and a half before paying the $49 bill and making our way back downstairs.

THE SERVICE:
Um, were we bothering you? As your table, I didn’t mean to interrupt your night as a server but I just want a little attention now and then.

We waited at our table initially for about 10 minutes. No hi. No “be with you in a minute.” Nada. It’s not like the server was busy (there were only a few tables in the place) and it’s not like no one knew we were there (the hostess did point us where to go). But we waited.

Before I go on, I should mention the hostess. Now if you work in a restaurant or any service industry, you should have a pretty good awareness of your surroundings. Even if you’re looking away, there has to be a moment where you look around so customers aren’t standing waiting for periods of time. This hostess does not possess such talent. I’m not asking for Spider-senses…just the ability to do more than one thing at a time. It wasn’t as bad when we came in but when I went to pay the bill and stood by the debit machine…nothing. And I was 3 feet away from her. Whatever she was doing was waaaay more important than a paying guest I suppose. (I’m just getting snarky).

As for the service, it was A to B. What do you want? Here it is. Repeat.

Besides waiting for a little server love, I felt I had to go to him when my coke carbonation was flat (heck, we’d waited for a hello. How long was the quality check going to be) and make the trip to pay my bill.

It wasn’t a bad experience per se but I did feel like we were left to our own devices with not much in the way of effort. What am I tipping on?

THE CONCLUSION:

Booty Call – If I don’t have anything else better going on, I’ll stop by. Yes, you are pretty to look at. It’s one of the reasons I went out with you. But I really want more. I want to feel engaged and appreciated. Sorry, I may have to look for another view.

Service Rating System:

Friend Zone – I just don’t like you in “that way.”
Booty Call – If I don’t have anything else better going on, I’ll stop by.
2nd Date – I’ll give you a second chance.
Going steady – This could be the beginning of something major.

The UpSOLD! (contributed by @PatrickTussie)
Boston Pizza’s customer service is top-notch because they are consistent, friendly and fast! My food always arrives hot and fresh, whether dining in or ordering delivery. The wait staff is friendly, courteous and polite. The wait staff always keeps my drinks refilled, something easily overlooked by other restaurants. Boston Pizza’s delivery is top-notch. My orders arrive between 15-30 minutes after ordering, the fastest delivery in this city. The food is consistently great as well. I suggest Boston Pizza on Hillside for a fantastic overall dining experience with incredible customer service.

THE TIP:
I try to cover many different businesses with The Upsell. Restaurants tend to get the most focus because I’m hungry and I like to eat. One place we spend way too much time with is customer service on the phone. What is the best experience you’ve had with a call centre? Why was it the best? Please share and comment below. I want to recognize the good ones.