AVALA — Restaurant in Chaguanas

Recently visited this establishment on our brief trip to Trinidad, it was recommended by a close relative. We stopped in on a Wednesday night with a party of eight the establishment was very quiet with no more than 8-10 other patrons at the time. Upon entry there were a few employees and or manager standing at the entrance two of whom were very unpleasant less than average middle aged men that gave such an uncomfortable vibe. We were then escorted to a nearby table and one of those short unpleasant men came over to the waitress and started telling the waitress that the table was reserved for someone else right in front of us as if our business was not wanted. Quite frankly it was already so unpleasant and unprofessional we should have left at this point but we decided to take our seats anyway. After sometime the waitress came and took our drink orders and we the waited approximately 30 minutes to get some of the drinks, after bringing it to the attention of the manager that was near by I’m assuming he made the bar a aware of the situation and he was no where to be seen again!! When the drinks came, it was watered down and one particular drink was not made as described at the price point of the drinks you expect a better standard. At this point we realized that the service would probably not get any better and asked for our bill to vacate this unpleasant atmosphere asap!!! The overall environment was not great either this place gave such an off vibe with an after smell of cigarettes and booze not to mention the drunk patrons that were using foul language and not being addressed by management. I’m not sure about the individuals that gave establishment a good review maybe they just have low expectations!!! Better establishment near by don’t waste your time and money at this crap spot!!!

Bottom line: This place reeks of desperation like the owner googled ‘how to make a cool bar’ and copied the first five results without understanding...

GROSS RUSTY METAL IN MY FOOD FROM AVALA

I ordered food from Avala restaurant today as i am a man of habit and thats just where i order food from when i dont cook. I ordered on food drop and as usual. After placing the order, i had to call them a million times as usual before someone answered and accepted the order.

I ordered pesto pasta with chicken. While eating my meal, i bit into something very unpleasant. I thought it was a piece of bone for a second, even though it was boneless chicken. However, upon removing the item from my mouth, i realized it was a gross piece of rusty metal.

I stopped eating took a few photos and messaged the restaurant on whatsapp. They called back immediately and apologized, stating that they will investigate and call me back. After not getting any response from them after half an hour, i messaged and they called back asking if i can identify what the piece of metal looks like. I told them i will take the piece of rusty metal to them now as i am close and maybe they will have better luck identifying it.

I took the unidentified item in to the restaurant and was told again that they will investigate again anf get back to me before end of day.

I got a call about 2 hours later to say that after checking the cameras they couldnt find the exact moment when the item was placed in my food so they doubt its from them but nevertheless, they are willing to take responsibility. I was told that they will compensate me by replacing my meal. I found this compensation to not be adequate as this will just be them doing what you were supposed to do in the first place (provide me with a meal free of rusty metal). I simply asked if i could have a meal for two at a future date as compensation. This request was turned down by the restaurant.

Was i asking...

Please note this is my personal opinion, your experience may differ. Had lunch at Avala today and to be honest I was disappointed. I ordered a chicken dish which consisted of a half chicken my two sides that I requested were roasted veggies and broccoli. To begin with the food was too salty for my palate, the roasted veggies were really stir fried veggies in garlic butter (that's what it tasted like and it was rushed while being prepared). The chicken was tender but lack the flavor the special blend of herb and spices they said the dish was infused with and the meat itself had a fresh taste as if not prepared properly. I had my friend taste it and she agreed. In fact out of the four dishes three were unsatisfactory. My sister in law had the Cuban sandwich and the pork was poorly done and the bread itself was soo tuff, plus there was too much mustard. She was unable to finish her and she refuse to take it home that she just told the young lady to take it away. The shrimp scampy, let's just say it leave much to be desired. We didn't have dessert but for the quantity the cost doesn't match. For the price point we all expected a higher standard compared to what was delivered to us. Would I go back? Yes! But not to dine in. Their drinks and the music is fabulous. I will share pics of dessert when I...