Ban Thai Bar and Restaurant — Restaurant in Queensland

I make a point of not giving negative reviews. There is an abundance of negative and disappointed customers who watch too many tv food shows with little understanding of what it takes at the high-pressure arduous coal-face of hospitality Tonight I will reward where it is due! We have just left Ban Thai in Gladstone QLD I think we need to Ban Thai from this place! We ordered Seafood Larb Crispy Pork with Basil We waited 35 minutes only to realise that they had NOT placed our order I had 30 years working as a chef, especially in Sth East Asia, (Sheraton) Not happy but it happens When my partner’s Larb arrived it was smothered in raw red onion and the seafood was NOT minced as one might expect… She was not V impressed My crispy pork arrived dry and not too crispy But wait, there was NO basil. Apologies there are two small pieces smaller than a thumbnail I showed the waitress the minuscule micro-green basil I grow Thai basil in my garden and know how much is required. The waitress/chef response was they did not wish to “overpower” the food Thai basil is a commanding presence She went to the kitchen and I listened to her laughter ripple through the kitchen with her cohorts This really did not help! Now I was annoyed, I asked for the manager as I was now V unhappy The poor specimen who eventually fronted, hands on hips was not in the mood to be apologetic or even cordial. He kicked off the conversation by stating, “ I don’t want to be talked down to?…” I made a point of stating that I DEFINITELY did not want to give a negative review I saw it this was his opening to apologise or make amends But he was having none of it! I realised rapidly there was nothing to be gained as things had taken a dark turn My partner and I won two state awards for our restaurants. It is soo very disappointing and frustrating when one runs across folks who have stayed too long or should never have been in hospitality in the first place This was a truly...

So we call and leave a message at 4pm asking for a reservation at 6.30 fully understanding that we have left our run a little late and then call back to reconfirm - all good, they're able to fit us in, many thanks are given, see you soon.

We arrive and are seated. Waitress arrives, asks us what we'd like to drink although we have no menus or drinks lists. We still manage to order 2 x lychee mojitos and a Long Island Iced Tea. LIIT arrives followed by the Mojitos of which one is poured all over the table, hubby and 2 of our phones (we manage multiple hotels so between then 3 of us there are actually 5 phones on the table - I know, this is sad!). Many apologies are given - still all good, we work in the industry and this is not our first rodeo either.

Mess wiped, new drink (delicious by the way) is delivered - still all good.

Food menus still not delivered so we ask for them - still all good.

Menus arrive, orders taken - 3 mains and a serve of rice (1 x noodle dish, 1 x soup and a duck & rice) - all good.

2 hours later - no meals, second round of cocktails - they taste good, but the service...not so good.

Food arrives eventually, by this stage we have been seated since 6.30 and it's now at least 8.45 by the time the food arrives. It's good, no issues there. The service, still not so good.

Call me strange, but given that we have worn one of the cocktails and had to pull 2 phones apart to dry them out, that there would have been at least that drink free....no! When hubby goes to pay we're still charged full freight. He questions it, is referred to the Owner who says "not her problem"...just pay...

One drink and an hospitable outlook would have made my...

I dined at Bin Thai in Gladstone midweek during a business trip and had a wonderful experience. The staff were fantastic, with the server going above and beyond to make us feel welcome, even kindly moving us inside when a weather front rolled in. I ordered the Thai seafood salad, and it was a lovely, fresh, and light dish. The prawns were perfectly cooked, though the calamari could have been improved as it seemed processed. That said, the flavours in the dressing and the freshness of the salad were spot on, making it an excellent low-calorie choice. The other dishes at our table were beautifully presented, and everyone commented on the vibrant flavours and perfect level of spice. The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with the attentive service and great food, makes this a restaurant I would definitely return to...