For years, we have traveled to the Rivergate area of Nashville to enjoy those awesome omelets and sweet stacks of pancakes that only IHOP could deliver... and now that we have our very own in Bowling Green we still would rather travel to Rivergate.
The family was pretty excited when we heard that an IHOP was being built close to the interstate in town. Other than Denny's and Waffle House, there aren't a lot of options for restaurants of this type that stay up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. I am not a breakfast food fan. My idea of breakfast is a frozen pizza and a coke. I don't usually mess around with eggs and sausage, but IHOP is different.
The parents visited IHOP on their opening day in town. They weren't impressed but they weren't completely disappointed either. It was okay. But again, we know opening days are crazy and we okay with mistakes and mishaps. The problem lies in the issues that happen every time we visit.
I'm not sure what the deal is, but the service at IHOP stinks! It doesn't really matter what time of day you go in there, or what you order, or how many people are in your party. The fact of the matter is that it's breakfast food. Busy or not, it doesn't take an hour to drop a pancake on the griddle and scramble up some eggs.
What's worse is that when you speak with the managers about the issues, they don't listen to you. They walk off as you're trying to explain to them what you are unhappy about. What kind of business isn't concerned with correcting issues? What restaurant out there is trying to lose their customers? I feel like places that consistently give bad service and horrible variations of their food are only asking to be shut down. And that's really sad because I like IHOP.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Mellow Mushroom Bowling Green
Okay. So you KNOW I'm diggin' on some pizza. I first visited a Mellow Mushroom in Pigeon Forge, TN sometime last year and fell in love with the atmosphere and the food. Since that first visit, I've also spent a few afternoons enjoying the delicious fare at the Mellow Mushroom in Nashville. Equally fantastic!
When I heard about a Mellow Mushroom opening in Bowling Green... well you could say I was pretty ecstatic about it. I mean... awesome music, tasty foods, wonderful selection of drinks... Seriously, you can't go wrong.
My family and I went to Mellow Mushroom in Bowling Green on their opening day in the spring of this year. As expected, it took a little while to get our food. Once we got it, however, it was great. We enjoyed chatting and munching. The artwork on the walls is amazing and the booth we sat in was really comfortable. The staff was friendly and getting to know the menu pretty well.
BUT... since then, we have had less than expected service. Now let me say this: The food is ALWAYS spectacular!
On several occasions, we have gone back to Mellow Mushroom in Bowling Green and every time the service is horrible! I expect to wait for a table. That's normal. But I do not expect to be in a restaurant for hours unless I'm planning on throwing back a few pints all night long. The last time we visited, we complained heavily. It was ridiculous. A one-hour lunch break turned into nearly two hours and half of our party had to leave without food while tables all around us came in after us and had their food. The manager had a bunch of excuses, but what we ordered was simple... slices and salads. Food that we were told (when ordering our drinks) would only take 20 minutes tops. After waiting for 45 minutes, our server told us there were "only 6 tickets" in front of us. I did contact the corporation after leaving because I was so disgusted with the continuous bad service we get there. I received an email about some kind of credit when I come back in, but I don't want the credit. I want better service. I want to get my food in a timely manner. I would like to eat on my actual lunch break and not have to go back to my office hungry and smelling like garlic.
Now, I appreciate the effort that it takes to make good food. And I appreciate a good server. And I tip accordingly. I don't like to complain, especially in restaurants. And I do understand that I'm a picky eater. But I spend a lot of money in restaurants and bars. I have no problem at all paying full price for a meal as long as it's hot, fresh, and the service is good. I'm not saying I want someone to kiss my ass the whole time I am there, but I do expect the servers to not be standing around talking to each other and then come up with bullshit excuses about why our dinners aren't out 45 minutes later.
Since that unfortunate lunch, I have not been back to Mellow Mushroom in Bowling Green. I have not decided whether or not I will. I love the food, but in the time it took to get my lunch that last time I could have driven to the one in Nashville and ordered. Today, we had another ladies lunch and ordered Pizza Hut instead. They delivered it early and everything was right. Thanks, Pizza Hut! We all were able to enjoy our lunch today.
When I heard about a Mellow Mushroom opening in Bowling Green... well you could say I was pretty ecstatic about it. I mean... awesome music, tasty foods, wonderful selection of drinks... Seriously, you can't go wrong.
My family and I went to Mellow Mushroom in Bowling Green on their opening day in the spring of this year. As expected, it took a little while to get our food. Once we got it, however, it was great. We enjoyed chatting and munching. The artwork on the walls is amazing and the booth we sat in was really comfortable. The staff was friendly and getting to know the menu pretty well.
BUT... since then, we have had less than expected service. Now let me say this: The food is ALWAYS spectacular!
On several occasions, we have gone back to Mellow Mushroom in Bowling Green and every time the service is horrible! I expect to wait for a table. That's normal. But I do not expect to be in a restaurant for hours unless I'm planning on throwing back a few pints all night long. The last time we visited, we complained heavily. It was ridiculous. A one-hour lunch break turned into nearly two hours and half of our party had to leave without food while tables all around us came in after us and had their food. The manager had a bunch of excuses, but what we ordered was simple... slices and salads. Food that we were told (when ordering our drinks) would only take 20 minutes tops. After waiting for 45 minutes, our server told us there were "only 6 tickets" in front of us. I did contact the corporation after leaving because I was so disgusted with the continuous bad service we get there. I received an email about some kind of credit when I come back in, but I don't want the credit. I want better service. I want to get my food in a timely manner. I would like to eat on my actual lunch break and not have to go back to my office hungry and smelling like garlic.
Now, I appreciate the effort that it takes to make good food. And I appreciate a good server. And I tip accordingly. I don't like to complain, especially in restaurants. And I do understand that I'm a picky eater. But I spend a lot of money in restaurants and bars. I have no problem at all paying full price for a meal as long as it's hot, fresh, and the service is good. I'm not saying I want someone to kiss my ass the whole time I am there, but I do expect the servers to not be standing around talking to each other and then come up with bullshit excuses about why our dinners aren't out 45 minutes later.
Since that unfortunate lunch, I have not been back to Mellow Mushroom in Bowling Green. I have not decided whether or not I will. I love the food, but in the time it took to get my lunch that last time I could have driven to the one in Nashville and ordered. Today, we had another ladies lunch and ordered Pizza Hut instead. They delivered it early and everything was right. Thanks, Pizza Hut! We all were able to enjoy our lunch today.
Reviews... Previews...
My family eats out a lot. And when I say "a lot," I really mean a lot. We like to try out new restaurants, as well as give old restaurants another go. We have always had excellent service at places like Cheddar's (Thank you, Brad) and Chick-Fil-A (Great people!). But there are a few places that just can't seem to get their acts together. So, with that being said... this is the beginning of lots of different kinds of reviews.
I will add my thoughts, comments, and critiques of the many restaurants my family has had the pleasure (and often times the unfortunate moments) to enjoy. Keep looking... I'll be posting about Mellow Mushroom Bowling Green, The Aquarium Restaurant at Opry Mills, and 12A Buoy of Fort Pierce, FL.
Happy weekend everyone!!
I will add my thoughts, comments, and critiques of the many restaurants my family has had the pleasure (and often times the unfortunate moments) to enjoy. Keep looking... I'll be posting about Mellow Mushroom Bowling Green, The Aquarium Restaurant at Opry Mills, and 12A Buoy of Fort Pierce, FL.
Happy weekend everyone!!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Mental Exhaustion
I need a break. I am mentally exhausted from life. These days I feel like I have nothing at all to say but I'm screaming inside. I have a million thoughts in my head but nothing that comes out. I can't find words to say about anything. I feel like I need a nap... for like five days straight. I need a moment to get rid of my frustrations. A vacation sounds nice. I need a mental vacation...
Thursday, June 7, 2012
What Might Have Been
I know it's unhealthy to think about the "what ifs" of every relationship we have left behind, but it's hard not to. Sometimes life doesn't make much sense. Sometimes relationships end for very valid reasons. But what about when those valid reasons still don't make sense in the scope of the relationship?
When relationships don't make sense to anyone else but those involved, it's hard to justify it ending because of reasons that do make sense. I realize I'm talking in circles, but again... I'm making sense to me. I just need to stop thinking so much and just leave that behind... leave him behind. But I don't want to. I do, but I don't. I just need to look ahead and leave him in my past.
When relationships don't make sense to anyone else but those involved, it's hard to justify it ending because of reasons that do make sense. I realize I'm talking in circles, but again... I'm making sense to me. I just need to stop thinking so much and just leave that behind... leave him behind. But I don't want to. I do, but I don't. I just need to look ahead and leave him in my past.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Undo It
Have you met someone that you really thought was special? You really knew in your heart that they were the perfect fit for you? A person that was right, that it didn't make sense, but it did.
I met a guy who made perfect sense to me and now things have just dissolved. I don't know where that happiness went or why. I was living in the moment for today being happy with what we had. Knowing in my heart that our situation wasn't great and that the cards were stacked against us. But also knowing that because we had that connection, we would be okay. It stopped being okay.
I want to undo my feelings, if I can please. Does someone know how to make that happen? I want to forget about what we had and the fact that it was perfect for us... because it doesn't make sense. I want to undo how special I felt. And I want to undo the connection that we had. And I want to undo the hurt I feel now.
How do I undo it?
I met a guy who made perfect sense to me and now things have just dissolved. I don't know where that happiness went or why. I was living in the moment for today being happy with what we had. Knowing in my heart that our situation wasn't great and that the cards were stacked against us. But also knowing that because we had that connection, we would be okay. It stopped being okay.
I want to undo my feelings, if I can please. Does someone know how to make that happen? I want to forget about what we had and the fact that it was perfect for us... because it doesn't make sense. I want to undo how special I felt. And I want to undo the connection that we had. And I want to undo the hurt I feel now.
How do I undo it?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
If Only
The fact that my parents have been married for 30+ years amazes me. They are coming up on their anniversary in a couple of weeks and I can still see the sparkle in their eyes. Sure, they have their disagreements from time-to-time, but the love they share is obvious. It's there, written in the stars.
If everyone could have a love like theirs, I almost think we could have world peace. I mean, love does something to you. It opens your heart and makes you sing along loudly with the radio (90s at 9). I know what you're thinking... she doesn't believe in love. But maybe I've changed my mind a little bit. Maybe I'm opening my mind to the possibility of loving someone. And maybe I'm opening to my heart to the opportunities of loving someone. You NEVER know when someone might pop into your life unexpectedly. You do not know that your trip to the grocery for a gallon of milk will have you leaving there with only a gallon of milk. You might meet someone in the Dairy section. Or what about at work, you could meet a new UPS driver who's really good looking and decide to pass along your number to him.
The point I'm trying to make is that it happens, most of the time without you thinking about it. You hear all the time that you have to look your best every time you step out of house because you never know who you might meet. Well, won't they have to look at you when you're INSIDE your house, too? I do not look so hot when I get out of bed and I pretty much look that way all day long. But I'm good with it. I know that if I met someone, they would have to be okay with how I look on a daily basis, not just how I look when they met me at some bar.
But what if you found someone who DID like you for who you are on a normal, every day basis? What if you met someone while wearing your sweatpants and t-shirt and they still thought you looked beautiful? What then? Does that change all the books on dating?
If only we could all find someone who would tell us "you are beautiful when you first wake up" or "You are amazing" on any normal day, then maybe more people would find love like my parents have... a love that truly is amazing.
If everyone could have a love like theirs, I almost think we could have world peace. I mean, love does something to you. It opens your heart and makes you sing along loudly with the radio (90s at 9). I know what you're thinking... she doesn't believe in love. But maybe I've changed my mind a little bit. Maybe I'm opening my mind to the possibility of loving someone. And maybe I'm opening to my heart to the opportunities of loving someone. You NEVER know when someone might pop into your life unexpectedly. You do not know that your trip to the grocery for a gallon of milk will have you leaving there with only a gallon of milk. You might meet someone in the Dairy section. Or what about at work, you could meet a new UPS driver who's really good looking and decide to pass along your number to him.
The point I'm trying to make is that it happens, most of the time without you thinking about it. You hear all the time that you have to look your best every time you step out of house because you never know who you might meet. Well, won't they have to look at you when you're INSIDE your house, too? I do not look so hot when I get out of bed and I pretty much look that way all day long. But I'm good with it. I know that if I met someone, they would have to be okay with how I look on a daily basis, not just how I look when they met me at some bar.
But what if you found someone who DID like you for who you are on a normal, every day basis? What if you met someone while wearing your sweatpants and t-shirt and they still thought you looked beautiful? What then? Does that change all the books on dating?
If only we could all find someone who would tell us "you are beautiful when you first wake up" or "You are amazing" on any normal day, then maybe more people would find love like my parents have... a love that truly is amazing.
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