It's disappointing for me to write this review because I really wanted to write a positive one for all the vendors of my wedding. However, due to Americano's poor time management and not giving priority to catering my wedding, it caused my brother-in-law (BIL) to miss seeing his brother (my now husband) and I get married. If you're considering using them to cater a wedding or special event, please continue reading my review.
We had an intimate 17 guest backyard wedding and chose Americano for catering. My now-Husband placed the order with the catering person, Camila within the specified time frame they required for catering orders. We had discussed this was for our wedding. She said they could label all the entrees with guest's names - which was great given we're in a pandemic. We asked that the food be ready at 3:00PM for pick-up, and it was also stated in our catering quote that Camila sent us, so 3:00PM was understood. A few days prior to the wedding, my husband went in and paid in full, and also added a tip.
Wedding day: My BIL showed up at 3:00PM and the food was NOT ready for pick-up. My BIL said they were taking their "sweet time" packing up everything. When he was asked if this was for an event, he said it was for a wedding. Only then did he notice that they picked up the pace a little.
As the bride, you don't want stress or bad news right before your ceremony. I'm glad I didn't know about this until after the ceremony when I saw my BIL walk in with bags of food. It was then that I realized, he was not there for the ceremony. He also did not see his boys play their part in our wedding.
He said they sent a whole chocolate cream cake thing for being late.
Next Day: I called Camila the next day and let her know that while the food was delicious and the packaging of it was great, a dessert DOES NOT make up for my BIL missing seeing his brother get married. You can never ever get that moment back. She said they were late because they got really busy during the time they were prepping our order. I don't see how that was my problem. They had notice of our order with time, and were also paid in advance.
She also said that our order "wasn't a big order". I let her know that while I understand they probably get bigger orders, we still had an agreement in writing for our pick-up time and should be honored.
That tells me, that they didn't care to fulfill our order on-time and preferred to give priority to other customers. I would've told the other customers, hey sorry your food is going to take a while because we're really busy right now fulfilling a WEDDING ORDER. They would've had a happy bride and I'd be leaving a 5 star review right now recommending them for weddings, instead of 1 star.
After a couple phone calls with Camila, she said the owners were willing to give us 10% back. Imagine my shock, just 10%??? I let her know if they could give us 50% back, (which we thought was fair), I would not write them a review. I let her know 10% was unacceptable, and did not even cover the tip my husband gave them. Tips are earned when you go above and beyond - which they did not. After another phone call she said the owners would give us 20% back. We accepted but we're not happy with it. I DO NOT recommend them for any wedding events or special events for catering.
UPDATE: I had told Camila I would write them a review about this. She said that was fine and they wanted me to be honest and would accept the consequences of my review. Fair enough. I wrote a Yelp review for Americano's stating what happened. It was Flagged by Yelp and taken down. wonder who could have done that. I attempted 2 more times and was again, flagged and removed (pic attached of my 3rd attempt). So this so far is the only place I can share my review. That does not put them in a good light and shows they don't stand by their word. Nothing I said violated Yelp's rules about reviews. You be the judge. What upsets me the most about all of this is they didn't care this was my wedding, and said "we weren't a big...
Read moreA Culinary Gem in Livermore - Unforgettable Americano Experience!
From the moment we stepped into Americano in Livermore, CA, it was clear we were in for a treat. This restaurant is a true culinary gem, offering an exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary American cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you yearning for more. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, with a touch of elegance that sets the perfect scene for a memorable dining experience.
The menu at Americano is a testament to the chef's creativity and passion for quality ingredients. We started with their signature appetizers, which were both innovative and delicious. The Calamari was perfectly crispy, and the Pico de Gallo had just the right amount of zest. Each dish was a delightful journey through flavors and textures, showcasing the best of local produce and meats.
What sets Americano apart is not just its food but also its impeccable service. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about their offerings. They recommended the Chicken Parmesan and the Ribeye, and both were cooked to perfection. The Chicken was tender and flavorful, while the Ribeye was juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Americano's commitment to quality extends to their drinks menu as well. The wine selection is impressive, featuring both local Livermore Valley vineyards and international favorites. The cocktails were innovative, with each sip complementing our meal perfectly.
Not to be overlooked is Americano's atmosphere. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for any occasion - be it a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual night out with friends. The outdoor patio is especially charming at night, with ambient lighting creating a magical dining environment.
In conclusion, Americano in Livermore, CA, is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in high-quality American cuisine. With its exceptional food, outstanding service, and lovely ambiance, it's no wonder this place is a hit among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're craving a hearty meal or a light bite, Americano has something for everyone. A five-star experience through...
Read moreFrom the moment we walked in to the time we left, Cami made my girlfriend and I feel welcomed and appreciated. She immediately greeted us, let us pick our seating, and handed us menus. It was our first time here but the ambiance and decor spoke to an Italian warmth that was wonderful. Italian music was playing and Cami let us take our time looking over the menu. We ordered Rick the Rock and Yaaas, Queen! sandwiches, at which point my girlfriend asked if the fries or onion rings were better options. Cami noted she loves the onion rings so we went with a side of those for her combo. We admired the plaques on the wall highlighting news articles associated with Americano which were wonderful parts of their story that should definitely be told like feeding first responders and front-line workers freely at the beginning of the pandemic. When the food was set to come out, Cami brought us both a side of the French fries and onion rings for my girlfriend and I to see which we preferred and enjoyed more; this was a wonderful and surprising gesture that definitely ensured we would be back and letting our friends know to head their way as well. The sandwiches were HUGE! Tough to get a bite fully with how big they are but they are extremely packed with flavor and quality ingedients; we have our new sandwich spot and can see why everyone races about them online. Cami and my girlfriend chatted about her pregnancy and how a lot of pregnant couples become loyal guests and she finds it exciting to see families grow up each visit. We very much appreciated what she gave us for an experience and can't wait to stop back in again next week!...
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