“Chicken leg served as spatchcock with no apology.”

We visited Eccetera for the first time during our holiday in the Southern Highlands. My partner ordered the trout, while I opted for the spatchcock. Having ordered this dish on many occasions, I was expecting a whole, immature bird with the backbone removed. Spatchcock fowl are typically on the small side, being immature, and are dressed and grilled or roasted.

I was rather surprised when my plate arrived with a standard chicken leg on it, drumstick and thigh, commonly known as Chicken Maryland. When I called the waiter over and pointed out the discrepancy, he just agreed it was indeed Chicken Maryland but didn't offer an explanation or apology. It wasn't until I insisted that something be done about it that he begrudgingly removed the dish and asked what I would like in its place. By this time my partner had all but finished her trout, and noticing that it looked like a trout should look, I ordered the same.

Some time time later my trout arrived. It was served to me in a sullen manner, and some minutes after, the waiter inquired in a distinctly discourteous tone if the trout was to my liking. I chose to ignore this rude and offensive remark but my partner eyed him suspiciously, causing him to comment on her expression. She gave him a polite but firm dressing down, letting him know that such behaviour was unacceptable. In his defence, he lamely told us that he was still young and learning, presumably about life and social graces, and the evening was saved, but only because of my partner's intervention.

To be fair, we received complimentary desserts, but again only because we suggested to him that it might be the appropriate thing to do, given the circumstances.

I noticed that other patrons in the restaurant had also received chicken legs in place of the spatchcock, but no one queried it, and despite our alerting the waiter (and presumably the chef) no one was offered an alternative. I might add that this dish is relatively expensive at $30.

This experience has left us wondering how this restaurant ever received an award for excellence in 2015. I would never go there again and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.