Lark Creek Cafe | San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Frank S.Value Net Internetwork Services Inc.Dec 18, 1997

I went out last Saturday night to the Lark Creek Cafe in Walnut Creek. I had a disappointing experience and wonder if others have had a similar experience.

I ordered soup and a medium-rare rack of lamb and my date ordered the fire-roasted chicken -- all highly recommended by our waiter. We had a fairly good merlot to accompany the meal.

We sat in a booth near the open kitchen and throughout the evening we were treated to boisterous, unprofessional behavior by the waiters. There was a constant, low level of horseplay. At one point, one of the waiters grabbed two ladles and pretended to do a drum roll on another's head as the latter carried a tray of prepared dishes.

While my companion was pleased with her chicken, my rack of lamb came well done. At this point, one waiter faked a block on another, who spilled cream all over the back of my seat and my suit. They stood there frozen until I got my napkin and began to clean myself. One of them finally got a wet cloth to wipe me down.

No one offered to have my suit cleaned. No offer to waive or reduce the bill. Not even a complementary dessert. No apology. Nothing. They thought this was acceptable. Since my prime concern was to provide an enjoyable evening to my guest, I accepted the situation and tried to make light of it all. Nonetheless, I am amazed by the fact that an establishment which presumes to have high standards can train their wait staff so poorly. Who knows? Maybe there's no training? Accidents can happen in the best of restaurants, but accidents will happen more often if the staff is horsing around. And that only happens if management is asleep at the wheel.

I don't think I'll gamble $75 on them again.

Frank

Linda E.Dec 18, 1997

I've never been too impressed with Lark Creek Cafe even though I was living in Walnut Creek when it opened and everyone was so excited to have an Bradley Ogden establishment in town.  Personally, I don't think it even comes close to the quality found at the Lark Creek Inn, but that's just my opinion.  As for the service staff, most of them seemed only mildly interested in their work and never gave stellar service.

For $75, go to Prima's on Main Street.  You won't be disappointed.

Linda

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          Linda Emerson     \~~~~~/      Caffe' Sumatra
        [email removed]    C\___/   Twain Harte, California
  "I couldn't serve a shot of espresso that I wouldn't drink myself."

On Thu, 18 Dec 1997, Frank S. wrote:

> I went out last Saturday night to the Lark Creek Cafe in Walnut Creek. I had
> a disappointing experience and wonder if others have had a similar
> experience.
>
> I ordered soup and a medium-rare rack of lamb and my date ordered the
> fire-roasted chicken -- all highly recommended by our waiter. We had a
> fairly good merlot to accompany the meal.
>
> We sat in a booth near the open kitchen and throughout the evening we were
> treated to boisterous, unprofessional behavior by the waiters. There was a
> constant, low level of horseplay. At one point, one of the waiters grabbed
> two ladles and pretended to do a drum roll on another's head as the latter
> carried a tray of prepared dishes.
>
> While my companion was pleased with her chicken, my rack of lamb came well
> done. At this point, one waiter faked a block on another, who spilled cream
> all over the back of my seat and my suit. They stood there frozen until I
> got my napkin and began to clean myself. One of them finally got a wet cloth
> to wipe me down.
>
> No one offered to have my suit cleaned. No offer to waive or reduce the
> bill. Not even a complementary dessert. No apology. Nothing. They thought
> this was acceptable. Since my prime concern was to provide an enjoyable
> evening to my guest, I accepted the situation and tried to make light of it
> all. Nonetheless, I am amazed by the fact that an establishment which
> presumes to have high standards can train their wait staff so poorly. Who
> knows? Maybe there's no training? Accidents can happen in the best of
> restaurants, but accidents will happen more often if the staff is horsing
> around. And that only happens if management is asleep at the wheel.
>
> I don't think I'll gamble $75 on them again.
>
> Frank
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