Sauce on the Side — Restaurant in Clayton

The first feeling that comes to my mind is embarrassed followed by disappointment. I ordered a “Fatty B” this evening and was excited to try it as this is my second time here.

Let’s just start here:

“My first time here was with my friend, I ordered “Which came First,” and loved it so much that I had to buy another meal to take home to my husband Dr. Ogunnowo”

My second visit this evening I ordered takeout. The staff were friendly and quick. When I got home I immediately bit into my calzone and noticed that the first bite was tasteless and doughy. The second bite I made sure it was with the meatball and the pepperoni... still doughy.

Coming from a customer service industry (Business Travel Sales Manager for 4 major hotels in St. Louis) I wanted to give the common courtesy to inform the staff of my meal.

The first staff I spoke with on the phone was Mitchell/Mitch; I was respectful and stated that my meal was doughy and I was hoping if I could order a another meal (or even the same thing!!). It’s difficult to remember everything that Mitchell stated but it was not customer service savvy, I felt like I was going back and forth with him describing my meal until he finally offered if I would like to speak to a Manager, still respectful and calm and responded “yea sure.”

Dylan (I think that’s his name) got on the phone, I repeated the same thing I already told Mitchell. I stated I was just in your restaurant 5 minutes ago and my meal is doughy, I went into more detail saying that my first bite was tasteless and doughy and when I took the second bite I made sure it was with the meatball and peeperoni and sadly it was just doughy. Surprised Dylan replied that (in so many words), well we can not reimburse you if it’s because you do not like it, I’ll need to inspect and see if it’s an issue from our kitchen etc..) I was confused and stated it has noting to do with the taste it’s the extreme doughyness. Then he went on to repeat the same thing again in a different context.. like I did not understand him the first time. Because I felt that we were going back and forth I told Dylan that I took two bites, and I’ll bring it back so you can inspect it. I then even said it’s not about reimbursement I just wanted my meal cooked more.. I wanted to cry because I thought this was something simple but I guess not. I felt like a total idiot bringing my meal all the way back with the box in my hand.

To make it worse he opens the box and starts cutting into the calzone with his fingers in front of me. I can’t describe entirely how that felt. From what Dylan explained later, this is a normal standard they have to do for all customers to ensure that it’s nothing from their end. (Shocked!)

I was told that my new meal will be done in 10 minutes, I waited in my car because there was a gentleman in the restaurant asking for cash. When Dylan finally came out to hand me my meal, I used that opportunity to express how I felt. Coming from hospitality I understand the type of customers he may deal with, which is why I wanted to talk to him. In so many words again, he said this is a step they take for all customers, including digging his hands in the food for inspection. I told him in the future maybe do that in the back of the house because it’s degrading. Also he asked me how I would have handheld it, I gave him my feedback. What I want him to understand is that this meal has nothing to do with getting it for free, but I feel like you guys are treating me that’s my intention.

Dylan then stated that “I am” getting a free meal, because I paid for the first one but not this one..

(???) What?? Come again?? Was the thought in my mind...

I told Dylan that okay let me pay for this meal too then because again it has nothing to do with reimbursement; I just want to express how I feel and maybe this will give you an opportunity to change your procedure of inspecting food! It seems like he did not get the message and it’s disappointing. I told Dylan that I will give my honest feedback about this experience on yelp..

I’m tastlessly...

Just left and did not enjoy or appreciate the experience. I ordered a smokehouse salad with grilled chicken. The sliced grilled chicken had pink spots in it. I wrapped it up in a napkin and discreetly took it to the counter where no one was and quietly reported my findings and ask for a couple of different slices to replace the under cooked ones I got. The young lady said sure thing. I went back to my seat and began to dress my salad and wait for my chicken. The manager came (a young white gentleman) to the table and very abrasively introduced himself as “The Manager” and proceeded to ask me what was the problem. I opened the napkin to him the chicken and stated it has pink spots in it and I would.... He then cut me off and stated to me, that he ensure me the chicken is in fact done but was still pink because of veins and marbling but that he can replace it. I replied with, “Please.” He then brought me, chopped chicken in a black cup. I placed it on a napkin and began to inspect it because I’m cautious at this point. I wasn’t sure if it was tampered with or if it was another round of undercooked chicken. By it being chopped so fine, I couldn’t make a clear determination that it was ok to eat, so I left it in the napkin and placed it back in the black cup uneaten. My coworker gave me a heads up that the young lady (a white young lady) was watching me the whole time. 🤷🏾‍♀️

My coworker began coughing and choking a little from eating and proceeded to the counter to buy a bottle of water due to the fountain being out of service during the pandemic. Her money was taken and the young lady went looking for a bottle of water. The young lady and the manager came from the back to tell her she would be refunded because they didn’t have any water bottles left in the store. Pleasant enough? However, a older white lady walked in, took a seat and the manager went over to her table and asked her if he could get her a glass of water or something else to drink. WAIT! WATER!? That was my Q to leave because it was obvious I wasn’t welcomed. Oh and by the way, I’m visibly 6 months pregnant and my co-worker is pregnant as well. SMH!

It’s hard to believe that people still treat people like this. Hate and intolerance is being bread and spread far too often and it...

I have to admit something - the main reason I was attracted to this place was because I heard about their desserts. I know that sounds pretty strange. But ever since I've given up bread, pizza and calzone type things haven't really been missed. If I ever have carbs nowadays, they come in the form of brownies, cookies, pancakes or french toast.

But since I was having a cheat day, I figured I might as well have a few bites of the savory calzone my hubby ordered. The Gonzo - salami, dates, spinach, Boursin, mozzarella, marscapone, ricotta and garlic oil inside, served with a side of garlic butter. I thought this sounded pretty friggin' awesome and unlike any calzone I've ever heard of. I don't know where else you'd find a calzone filled with dates! Despite the fact that all of the dates seemed to be stuck in the corners while the meat was piled high in the middle, this was a pretty delicious calzone!

I have to say that the dessert calzone was not quite as impressive. It was smaller and it was packed full of as much filling as I wanted, especially when it comes to Nutella! Also, while the dough on the outside was crispy, the dough on the inside was quite under-cooked. I know some people enjoy that kind of text, but can't say I feel the same.

On a return visit, hubby and I got salads. Not only were they HUGE, but they were...