I visited Wild Salsa in Dallas this past Thursday. The waiter was very kind and I appreciated his service. The food and drink I had ordered so far tasted good, so I didn't really have an issue... Until I ordered my entree. I checked the menu to make sure it was something I could eat with my texture and food sensitivies. I am always patient and communicative when I go out to eat because I know that part of my disabilities include limitations to what I can and can't eat. The menu did not say that there would be carrots and corn on top of my cheese enchilada.
I was about to head out and had wanted to take my food to go, but I knew that I wouldn't be able to eat my food. I asked if they would be able to take it off of the bill and our waiter went to get a manager for me. He came up to me and I explained the issue. I was very kind and was trying to explain that it's my own sensitivities and if they can't make a new one for me or just take it to the back and make it look like the carrots and corn weren't there, then I would like it taken off the bill. I think that the manager saw that I was in a wheelchair and assumed that I was therefore stupid, because he spoke to me in an extremely condescending tone.
He said "You ate that queso, right? That's the same queso on the enchilada." With a weird "gotcha" smile on his face.
I explained again "I don't have an issue with the queso. It's the stuff on top of it; I wasn't expecting it to be there and I will not eat it because of my sensitivities."
Then he just took the dish and walked away. No further explanation, nothing. He didn't communicate whether or not he would take the enchilada off of my bill. When the waiter finally returned I asked him what the situation was, and he said that the manager had told him that they wouldn't be taking it off of the bill. I would have appreciated communication from the manager. I would be way more understanding if he had just said "I'm sorry you can't eat this, but at this restaurant our policy is that you'll have to pay regardless of whether or not the food is eaten."
I have never been to a restaurant where they weren't willing to compensate or return food, but I am also understanding that it depends on the restaurant. I feel like I was talked down to by the manager, that he assumed my competence and intelligence based on the fact that I was in a wheelchair and maybe by how I spoke when I was anxious (I hate confrontation).
I paid for everything and left the restaurant in tears. I felt humiliated and confused, like I had missed something and maybe I was just being unreasonable and stupid. But I do feel that the manager was just incredibly disrespectful and non-communicative. Just because I am a wheelchair user doesn't give the right for someone to assume my capability and talk down to me the way I was. Regardless of my disabilities, which are nobody else's business, I shouldn't be treated with any less respect. My issue isn't with the food, with the waiter (who did a great job by the way!), or even the fact that I was made to pay for something I couldn't eat. Just the way I was treated.
At least the chips and...
Read moreIn the past, my wife and I have visited Wild Salsa in Downtown Dallas numerous times over the years. It was a staple for us and we always recommended to others and frequented it anytime we were in Dallas for staycation. Unfortunately, the treatment my wife received when we got into town this past Friday night has permanently forced us to cross this establishment completely off our "places to eat" list!
I dropped my wife off at the front door while I circled the block to find parking. This was around 10:20pm and she was told by the hostess that the kitchen closes at 10:45pm. We saw on Google that the restaurant was set to close at 11pm that night so we thought we had time since we knew exactly what we wanted to order. My wife shared with me that she sat there and no one greeted her until about 10:25PM. The server, Nessa (SP?), welcomed my wife by rudely stating the kitchen is closed and that she can only get appetizers. My wife explained that the hostess shared that the kitchen closed at 10:45PM and that she was sitting there for a while. The server blew my wife off and stated the kitchen closes at 10:30PM, which is new information and different from what was said earlier. Plus, it was not even 10:30PM yet.
My wife, who wanted actual food, told the server we wanted more than appetizers and hence we will go somewhere else since the kitchen is all of a sudden closed. The server stated rudely well, have a good night then. My wife responded it will be difficult at this point. The server then said fine and threw the menu in my wife's direction as she was walking out!
My wife called me at that point and I told her to go back in and speak to the manager before I pick her back up because that was completely unprofessional and unacceptable to treat a patron that way. My wife spoke to the manager on duty (Eduardo) who was not sympathetic at all. He blamed my wife and asked are you sure the server threw the menu at you (as he picked the menu up off the floor)? My wife pointed out that fact that the menu was on the floor. If it was or wasn't intentional it does not matter. You do NOT throw a menu in the direction of a guest while they are in the vicinity and then leave it on the floor!!!
At this point, I told my wife to get the hell out of there because obviously the situation was useless. No one seemed to care to delight a restaurant guest. We ended up checking in to the Hyatt Regency and ordering room service.
In any event, Dallas has way too many fine Mexican restaurants that won't treat guests like trash...much less regular, loyal guests. Never again. The quality of this place was going downhill anyway and this was simply the nail in coffin we needed to move on. We will NEVER be back and we will no longer recommend Wild Salsa to any of our...
Read moreWild Salsa in Downtown Dallas is a vibrant spot that offers a lively atmosphere accompanied by bold and appetizing Mexican flavors. Upon entering, you are immediately greeted with a welcoming ambiance and warm hospitality, which sets the tone for the dining experience ahead. However, while the service is generally good, there were moments where it felt slightly excessive and rushed, making it a bit challenging to savor the moment without feeling hurried.
One of the highlights of the menu is their coconut horchata, which stands out for its exceptional sweetness and precise quality taste. This drink is a delightful and refreshing concoction, infused with just the right amount of coconut flavor, perfectly balanced to bring out its natural sweetness without overwhelming the palate. It’s an ideal accompaniment to the meal, providing a soothing contrast to the more robust flavors on offer.
On the other hand, where Wild Salsa shines with some menu items, there are others that leave room for improvement. The mahi mahi tacos, for instance, were somewhat disappointing. While the presentation was visually appealing, the fish itself was served a bit too raw for comfort. This undercooked nature detracted from what could have been a delightful taco experience. Additionally, the corn tortillas enveloping the fish were unfortunately too soggy, which compromised the overall texture and enjoyment of the dish. This lack of structural integrity in the tortillas made it challenging to appreciate the flavors and textures as intended.
Despite these critiques, Wild Salsa proves to be a restaurant with potential, largely owing to its atmosphere and exemplary efforts in hospitality. It's a place that can offer delightful culinary experiences with some enhancements to certain dishes. With a focus on refining the preparation of their tacos and perhaps allowing guests to linger a bit more before rushing through the courses, Wild Salsa could truly maximize its dining experience...
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