very poor attitude. after the trauma of the recent floods, both our premier of qld and lord mayor of brisbane, have pleaded with the brisbane public to "come out and support your local businesses". my wife and i took up that challenge this weekend by visiting the powerhouse to (a) hopefully have a nice meal at either of the restaurants at the centre and then (b) to view the nikon-walkley photographic display. we normally visit watt when we are in the area, but decided to visit bar alto to sample their wares. what a poor decision that was.
it was obvious from the outset that the young attendant had not heard of the plea from either senior politician, or perhaps he thought he was too cool for us öldies". upon being seated, we were asked if we wanted tap water or something else. i have travelled the world and while it may well be tap water, it is never referred in that manner. as it was mid-afternoon, my wife preferred to have two side dishes as her mains while i was looking forward to a mains and side dish. imagine my surprise when we were told in a somewhat derogatory tone ïs that all you want" as we don't do just side dishes". i informed the attendant that i was having the rib eye fillet that i would like medium to well done. more surprise when i was told that they only serve medium rare steaks. this meal was bereft of much else and at $30 i thought i was entitled to have the steak the way i wanted it. a compromise of a medium steak was met with the same stonewwalling - we only do medium rare steaks.
eventually we were "retired to the bar side"of this so called restaurant where we were obviously better placed. perhaps the "real"business owner needs to be present to see what is happening at their establishment in these hard times. to leave the first impression of their business to somebody who is (a) unable to relate to his patrons, (b) is not willing to offer a compromise and (c) is self-effacing and äbove their station in life" even though being dressed in short sleeved shirt and jeans, can only be a negative for the business.
the snide looks we received once we were on the "pub"side were not appreciated and could have developed further if we had the inclination. the actual cash (not plastic) that i had in my wallet could most likely have paid his wages for the week, but we were obviously not hip enough for him to worry.
we have tried to answer the call of our senior politicians, but ended up with a sour taste in our mouths. by the way, our meal on the "pub"side was very nice, but next time we are in the area, we will not be venturing into bar alto unless the staff have an attitude update. a completely different experience to the many times we have been to watt.