I can only do or say what I think is right at the time

possibly IAN would like to come and run my restaurant allowing me to take some time off and relax with my family

I pay very well and have lots of customers for him to entertain

Tony

The first occasion we didn’t book, so had to sit on one of the ‘emergency’ tables restaurants typically have, right by the noisy kitchen. It was ace. The food was surprisingly good for the middling price range, we weren’t bothered at all by where we were seated, the waiters were attentive, and we left a nice big tip. To add to this all, we’d just got back from a 3 week trip to Venice and Florence, so were suprised with the authenticity of the food.

The second time, last week, we booked, so expected the experience to be amazing, as everything from last time would be boosted by a good seat. Not so. The only credit I can really give the restaurant on this occasion would be that they serve fairly rapidly - a well-oiled machine of efficiency. My partner’s main course pizza was soggy, and not a patch on Julianos’, or even Mamma’s Pizza in the Grassmarket. My starter was awful; hardly a hanging offence, I know, but having left around two thirds of it, the waiter didn’t care to ask if I had enjoyed it, and if not, what did I not like etc; just scooped the plate up (right at the same moment he plonked my main course down - which was a first for me). That set the tone for our service for the rest of the night - awful. Plates were unceremoniously dumped on our table, the wrong wine was brought - it’s as if the waiters didn’t listen (or have time to). Finally, the dessert was clearly thawed-out frozen supermarket (or foodservice supplied) fare.

The one saving grace was my main course. But that ain’t good enough.

Now, the worst part.

If you ever decide to complain to the owner of La Favorita about your experience, as we did (bucking the typical tendency of most Brits to just bite one’s tongue), then prepare yourself for some world-class sarcasm and a cheshire cat grin that’ll turn a saint into a murderer. The man’s head is up his…well, you get the idea.

I’ve seen lots of good reviews for this place on the internets, but last week was one of the worst meals out I’ve ever had. It could just be one of those bad nights a restaurant has, but the owner’s inability to handle any criticism means I’d rather eat from the huge, overflowing bins on the pavement just outside the restaurant, than go there again.