Do you ever get the sense that some restaurants are taking the piss? You know what happens, they begin serving quality cheap food, have friendly efficient service and a reasonaby priced wine list.
Actually, coming to think of it the serviced has always been a bit hit and miss at Basque Tapas & Wine (159 Chapel St Windsor 3181 +61 3 9533 7044) but right now there’s a lot more missing that hitting.
That’s a shame because I used to prefer it to the overrated and slightly pretentious Movida for it’s reasonable prices and rustic charm.
Now I feel that Basque is trying to milk me for cash. The once excellent selections of sherries has been slimmed down considerably while the prices of their (excellent) Spanish wines has ballooned. There are more bottles on the menu priced over $100 than are priced under $50. Only a couple are under $40. I’m sorry but that really is taking the piss.
Back to Friday night:
1. We arrive on time and have trouble catching anybody’s eye. Our table hasn’t been cleared and we are asked to sit at another larger table. Meanwhile a large party arrives and we are forgotten. We take the initiative and move to our designated table.
2. It takes about 20 minutes before we get to see the overpriced wine list. Meanwhile, Kylie tells of the service problems when she was last there. Eventually, we get to order. A few minutes later our waitress comes back and asks to check what we ordered.
3. Throughout the evening we sat in the corner forgotten. Staff seem to be coming towards us, but then veer off to assist some other table. We run out of wine and I start to panic.
4. The quality of food appears to have been eroded. Our churros are presented well but but are slightly undercooked.
5. Perhaps the management recognises our plight as a complimentary half glass (for four people) of Pedro Ximinez arrives.
6. We all agree that we won’t be going back and head of into the night.
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