Magenta Restaurant — Restaurant in Corvallis

I have attempted twice to send a the owner or manager via their website and no response so I’ll post my letter I sent as a review here of my negative experience here.

Dear Owner or Magenta Management

I hope this letter finds you well. I recently dined at Magenta and felt compelled to share my experience with you.

Upon our arrival around 5:30 PM, despite noticing us standing uncertainly at the entrance, our server did not make the effort to walk the short distance to greet us. This initial oversight left us wondering if the restaurant was open or if we were even welcome. The place was completely empty and her lack of effort was very unwelcoming

The culinary aspect of our evening was impeccable, and I commend your kitchen staff for their efforts. However, our overall experience was overshadowed by a series of interactions with our server.

When my partner sought advice on drink pairings with our meal, our server’s guidance was noticeably absent, leading us to settle for chai tea. Furthermore, during our meal, she raised her voice across the restaurant, discussing seating arrangements with the bartender, asserting that it was “her table.” This not only disrupted the ambiance but also made the other guests appear visibly uncomfortable for wanting to choose a different seat.

Adding to the ambiance issues, the music over the speakers ceased for about 20 minutes, resulting in an awkward and prolonged silence that detracted from the dining experience.

The most significant concern arose when I planned a surprise for my partner. I had brought a ring, and when I discreetly asked our server to present it with the check, she seemed delighted. However, she later returned with an unrequested chocolate pudding dessert alongside the ring. While the gesture initially seemed thoughtful, she proceeded to intrude on our personal moment by asking to see the gift again. She then commented, “Oh, only 6 months? I thought it would have been longer.” This not only made our relationship milestone feel insignificant but also gave the impression that she was judging us, especially given our age difference compared to hers. Her loud comment drew undue attention from everyone in the establishment, further diminishing our special moment.

To add to our dismay, we were charged for the unrequested dessert and an additional fee, which I assume was for presenting the ring. This was neither communicated nor consented to.

Lastly, while our server observed us capturing our special moment, she did not offer to assist, which would have been a redeeming gesture given her involvement.

Having worked as the Director of Guest Communications at the Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, I understand the importance of feedback in the hospitality industry. My intention is to provide constructive criticism in the hopes of improving future guest experiences. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

And they never got back to...

We have been going here since we first moved here two years ago. Loved the cocktails, dim sum, and friendly, professional service from the bartender. However, after our experience there last night we will never be going back. Beside sub par service (we can live with that occasionally), the dim sum that we have been getting regularly was terrible...the tuna tartare was bland and pulsed to a pulp, the emu carpaccio was cooked and was maybe, maybe a half half an ounce of meat. The cabbage they use for garnish is usually dressed but instead it was dry and flavorless. We split a duck entree because we love it so much. It was presented ok but once we started eating it we both commented on how bland everything was...especially the sauce. We had both just had duck in Bend two nights before, so we were really disappointed that this dish didn't even hold a candle to it. It wasn't until I looked closer at the meat (about halfway through) that I realized we were eating beef. It was gray around the edges, stringy, and, well, tasted like beef. I felt like we had been had. I reserved a few pieces (would have been more but my husband has to clean his plate) to show the server. When I asked about it he seemed confused but said he would ask the kitchen. He came back and said that yes it was duck. He also said the owner, Kimber was back there and confirmed it was duck. I can't believe that when given the opportunity to fess up they didn't at least try to say it was a mistake. No one even came out to the table to talk to us and no one offered to discount it either. Let me be clear that I am a chef and know what duck tastes and looks like...and that wasn't it. I really liked going to Magenta for the atmosphere and cocktails but I don't feel like I should give them my business any more if they are pulling that kind of crap. So disappointing...and to top it off it was my...

I am really disappointed to be having to write this review. My first experience was pretty good, the food was very tasty (we ordered the crab cake and biftek), but the service was poor. It was very disorganized, slow, and they didn't have much knowledge about the menu, including the wine. My girlfriend and I decided to have it again for takeout because we weren't happy about the service but enjoyed the food. Unfortunately, the biftek was super overcooked and dry this time. Our third experience was pretty awful. We went for the special menu over Valentines Day weekend. We were there for 3 hours, outside in the cold, and we barely had a server wait on us. It took about an hour to get our first course, and each one after that took at least 45 minutes. The $56 Filet Mignon finally arrived to us 2.5 hours after our reservation time and was overcooked and charred. They ran out of the special dessert that was on the fixed menu and we still got charged for it. The people next to us left early because they had already been sitting there for 2 hours without the main course and were disappointed with the meal. When we went inside to use restroom the servers were just standing around talking and we hadn't been waited on for over an hour. Don't waste your money here, its severely overpriced, food is hit and miss, and you don't get what you paid for.

PS. We have never had a problem with Snug Bar, the bartender is nice, professional and the...