Meraki — Restaurant in Litchfield

BEWARE RAW CHICKEN

I have frequented Meraki many times but never again. Last Friday I ordered their chicken dinner from the Dinner Club menu. The instructions they provided say heat the chicken for 12-15 minutes at 325 degrees. I cooked it for 20 minutes at 335 degrees and then discovered it was still completely raw in the middle. THEY SERVED ME RAW CHICKEN.

I returned to inform them of the mishap, mainly so they knew what happened and could ensure it didn’t happen again. There were other diners inside so I tried to discretely speak to Patty. Unfortunately she instantly got defensive, claimed my oven might not be calibrated correctly. She then claimed they undercook their chicken on purpose so it is finished when reheating at home. She saw the pictures and still tried to say they undercook it on purpose and it is up to me to finish cooking it at home. I repeated that I was given raw chicken and they needed to know so they don’t kill someone. She didn’t seem to care too much, but definitely didn’t care enough. She even stepped away to serve another customer even though there were two other staff members available. She eventually offered me a replacement meal or my money back (which I didn’t want and refused). I really believe she only eventually offered this to get rid of me.

What I didn’t tell Patty is that 2 years ago my daughter was hospitalized in intensive care due to food poisoning with campylobacter, which is usually contracted from uncooked or undercooked chicken. I know too well the risks of the food they served me. I was simply trying to inform them so they don’t make someone seriously ill. Her attitude to my genuine complaint and concerns were dismissive and uncaring. I hope she did tell the kitchen staff what happened and the need to be more careful but I doubt it based on her attitude towards me.

Never again.

AN UPDATE:

I went back a few days later to speak to Martin about my experience and his wife’s response to my review. His response was that he hadn’t read my review and he believes it is ok to sell chicken at room temperature that is seared on the outside and raw in the middle, for customers to finish cooking at home within 4 hours. This is false. This is a health hazard and a breeding ground for e-coli, salmonella and campylobacter to multiply to levels that can make people seriously sick or even kill. I also requested of Martin that Patty update her reply to my review and write an honest response to the facts. I’ve posted this update because she chose not to post an...

I cannot comment on food or service, but I can definitely comment on the atmosphere. A very good friend of mine worked here and they said that they were treated extremely rude by the owners. They have a condescending attitude towards staff, well at least my friend. They would put the new staff at the counter by themselves when they were still training! And God forbid you take a 15 minute break on an 8 hour shift. The owner will tell you it's busy we need you on the floor, illegal, just saying.......... Sometimes business owners become too complacent when they have great ratings about their "FOOD". But if some of you actually knew how employees are treated, you might think twice before giving them your business. To any business owners, please never forget that your businesses thrive because of your good employees!

Actually, I didn't mention any names so you should probably be a tad more professional than assuming without solid proof. Of course you're going to lie about the way you treat certain employees, after all it is public. And isn't it funny, you mention a specific name that I did not. Apparently, you're aware of your poor behavior. Complacent much? Have a...

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Meraki each of the last 3 days and it’s been exquisite all 3 times. The sandwiches are truly a work of art, both in taste, and appearance (they even smoke their own meats here!). Truly divine, they are a spectacle in themselves and a true staple of Litchfield, Connecticut. What’s more, the staff is incredible, both Ava and Taylor have made this experience one I’ll never forget, really bringing forth small town charm of this little restaurant. Through humor, charisma, and personality, Ava and Taylor taught me about their wonderful town, life in Connecticut, and brought joy to my day that I would have never otherwise felt. These ladies are incredible at what they do. And alas, that brings me to the owner, an incredible woman full of charm and energy, she really tied the entire experience together. Without her, none of this would be remotely possible. A round of applause for Meraki, one of the best restaurants I’ve stumbled upon in New England, and an experience I will never forget. I highly recommend you give this wonderful...