Palapas wasn't her dish
Here's a letter from reader Tracy Miller:
Recently, my husband, 9 year old daughter and myself went to Palapas Island Grill, based on a review I had read. We had a very disappointing visit. First, there was no children's menu, The menu itself was hard to understand and the fixed menu had all these little side notes that indicated the price would be much higher if you picked lobster, for example. In addition to that, we felt it was way overpriced! I ordered the crabcakes (an appetizer) for $15 plus a salad ($8) and way to small. When the cakes arrived they were the size of 50 cent coins, dry and overcooked. My husbands meal didn't fare much better. We also waited an excruciatingly long time, watching as others were served before us, even though they arrived way after us. The manager did come and apologize and offered a free dessert. But it can be really hard for a nine year old to sit in a restaurant that long.
In addition, we also noticed at least two tables near us, where, after the couple were seated and perused the menu, they got up and left. We wished we had done the same. I honestly have to say we could have had a better meal and a more affordable one at Red Lobster.
I realize they are new and have kinks to work out but if the owner wants this to be successful, especially on that side of town, they need to improve the service, have more offerings on the menu and more variety in the prices as well.
Thanks for letting me blow off steam!
THANK YOU, TRACY
Nathaniel's review of Palapas is scheduled for next Friday.
Recently, my husband, 9 year old daughter and myself went to Palapas Island Grill, based on a review I had read. We had a very disappointing visit. First, there was no children's menu, The menu itself was hard to understand and the fixed menu had all these little side notes that indicated the price would be much higher if you picked lobster, for example. In addition to that, we felt it was way overpriced! I ordered the crabcakes (an appetizer) for $15 plus a salad ($8) and way to small. When the cakes arrived they were the size of 50 cent coins, dry and overcooked. My husbands meal didn't fare much better. We also waited an excruciatingly long time, watching as others were served before us, even though they arrived way after us. The manager did come and apologize and offered a free dessert. But it can be really hard for a nine year old to sit in a restaurant that long.
In addition, we also noticed at least two tables near us, where, after the couple were seated and perused the menu, they got up and left. We wished we had done the same. I honestly have to say we could have had a better meal and a more affordable one at Red Lobster.
I realize they are new and have kinks to work out but if the owner wants this to be successful, especially on that side of town, they need to improve the service, have more offerings on the menu and more variety in the prices as well.
Thanks for letting me blow off steam!
THANK YOU, TRACY
Nathaniel's review of Palapas is scheduled for next Friday.
posted by Warren Epstein at 3:36 PM
10 Comments:
My experience was completely different.
I had no problem understanding the menu, and my server took the time to explain it to me, just in case.
I didn't think the prix fixe menu was overpriced, but fairly reasonable for a fine-dining restaurant. Go to any other fine-dining establishment and have an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. It will probably cost a little more than Palapa's prix fixe fare.
And the food I enjoyed was among the best I've had in Colorado Springs. Red Lobster? You've got to be kidding. Palapas was 1000 times better, and I think Palapas offers a better dollar-for-dollar value.
Does the Blue Star have a children's menu? Does NOSH? Does Peppertree? Does the Craftwood Inn? I don't think they do. The lack of a children's menu and exceeding the attention span of a younger child aren't good reasons to be critical of a fine restaurant. It sounds like it was the wrong type of establishment for her.
I loved it, and I'll happily go back.
You know, I think these questions about children's menu, etc., may relate to the location on Powers, where the family-friendly chains dominate.
Red Lobster?? If you are a patron of mediocre chain restaurant food fine. I think that many people in this town think chain restaurants are "good food". There is little support for the independent restaurants.
I read through the blog Palapas was not a place to bring children.
Just a tip to anyone writing a letter to a newspaper for possible publication: check your grammar.
I have not yet visited Palapas, but I immediately discounted this woman's opinion because she abuses the English language in her letter.
I received their emails with menu items and it sounds creative and what this side of town needs. Sorry fish nuggets and french fries are not on the menu.
If you haven't, see Nathaniel Glen's review in GO!
He loved it. I hope it can survive on that Powers corridor.
It's tough. I saw in the Indy that Cathy's Deli just folded.
I am not surprised Cathy's deli folded. I tried it several times. The ordering was inefficient, the meat was always dry, and there was nothing special about store bought bread. Each time we were hoping for better. oh,also..for having to fill out your own order sheet, our sandwiches were always missing items we marked.
qJust had a most remarkable dinner at Palapas. I found the menu very innovative and the service was very professional. We were a table of ten, and everyone loved their food. As promised, the seafood was fresh and creative in the presentation. Yes, it is pricey, but you pay for food that isn't out of a frozen box or a can, prepared by a chef that obviously cares about his food. We're blessed to have yet one more wonderful independent restaurant!
I'm going to have to check it out. The menu looks creative, and a $40 prix fixe menu is by no means exorbitant.
That being said, I don't trust anything "Nathaniel Glen" writes if he can't be bothered to use his real name.
Palapas and Powers Liquor Mart had a wine dinner at Palapas last night, and it was OUTSTANDING. Chef Dan French did an incredible job with the pairings. At $60 (tax and tip included), this was an absolute steal. Outstanding, outstanding dinner.
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