bad dining experience

Ever had a dinner gone so wrong it spoilt your appetite?

I had mine today. A horrific dining experience at Hogs Breath @ Toa Payoh.

We were deliberating what to have for dinner when the 1-for-1 Monday deal caught our attention. It SEEMED a good deal. Order a main and get the second one free, with similar or of lower value. And so, we decided to go for it.

To be honest, I've heard before that the food is not fantastic. But I wouldn't know if I didn't give it a try right? Plus, there's a good deal not to be missed.

There was a couple infront of us, and 2 other couples behind us in the queue but there was no one in sight to take us to our tables. We helped ourselves to the menu placed at the door as we waited.

When we were finally seated, the manager introduced the menu to us and also the Monday deal. Reassured that the Monday deal is on, we continued with the browsing of menu until we were ready to order.

It was a trouble to find someone to take our order, as I found out. There were only 3guys on the floor. 1 is the person that take orders, 1 is the trainee who delivers the dishes but CAN'T take orders, and the manager.

After finally attracting their attention, I gave my order to the trainee, who in turn relayed the message to the guy who takes orders.

While waiting for the food to come, we were entertained by the large plasma TV playing highlights from the Boxing Day fixtures.

After 15mins, we tried to get ice water since they didn't offer to serve any when we took our orders. And we faced similar problems to get our message across.

Too many customers, too short on manpower. Even after we got message across, the water didn't come. Like WTF?

We continued waiting in good faith that the water AND food will be served. But I realised I didn't specify the cut I wanted for my steak. So just to confirm that I'm having the 300g cut, the "trainee" helped me re-input my order. At this point, I already expected a slight delay.

jH's dish was served and we shared it cos' it's been 1 hour since our orders were taken. In short, WE WERE STARVING.

As we devour the food, I continue to see dishes being served but not onto our table. WHERE IS MY BLOODY STEAK GOD DAMN IT!?!?!! Does a change in order take so long?!

Fyi, at this point, our iced water didn't come.

I repeatedly approached the 2 other staff who are running around asking about my food, and all I can say is the answer given didn't help. They said they'll help me check on my order, and then? It still didn't come! So what's the point of you checking it?!

After about 2 hours of wait, and jH finished with her food, I decided enough is enough. I wanted to speak to the manager, who is "hiding" in the kitchen. I asked for him, but the staff said he's busy in the kitchen. So, I personally walked into the kitchen and expressed my displeasure.

I told him I've waited for 2 hours and I need to leave now. I asked him how he's going to settle the bill since there's the 1-for-1 promo going on. Before he could reply, I added on that being my first time at Hogs Breath, this dining experience was really bad. I waited for 2 hours and I'm still missing 1 dish? It's not like I had a table of 10 people. I only ordered 2 main courses!

He appeared apologetic and told me about the restaurant being short-handed today (2 take MC and 1 resigned) and asked for my forgiveness. Still hungry plus pissed, I continued to blast him with the bad service and the time I've wasted at the restaurant.

In reply, he asked if I wanted anything on the run since I'm in a hurry, and the meal will be on the house. Of course, being nasty must nasty all the way. I declined his kind offer, and we walked out.

Seriously, I had such a bad experience I didn't have any appetite left. You tell me which F&B manager hides in the kitchen when the staff are getting shit on the floor?! And not to mention the incredibly slow churning of food. I'm not expecting "fast food" speed, but I definitely didn't expect it to be THIS slow?

In the end, I tapao-ed a cup of Koi Milk Tea w/ Ipoh Hor Fun for dinner.

Even if it didn't taste as good, at least I didn't have to wait this time.