Tuscany Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in Poquoson

May 13, 2018 was a wonderful day for my daughter and our family. We were celebrating her graduation from Hampton University and the receipt of her doctorate in Physical Therapy. This day was also special because I and the other mothers in the group were being honored on Mother’s Day. Like so many graduates, my daughter decided to have a celebratory dinner with her family and friends. Unfortunately, Tuscany Ristorante Italiano on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, VA was the chosen restaurant. Shortly after my daughter and her guests walked into the restaurant (approximately 2:15), she was greeted by an unprofessional and very rude server. The majority of the family was not settled at the table before we were spoken “at” in a very contemptuous and condescending manner regarding the method of payment for a large party. Instead of asking quietly and politely how would the bill be paid, the server barked out loudly across the room that the meals had to be placed on one ticket. When the server was informed that the restaurant’s group policy had not been disclosed at the time of reservation, she returned later and snapped that there must be at least four meals on each ticket. Later, when my meal was served, I had to ask that the crab cakes be returned twice because they were too salty. When I asked that I be compensated because the crab cakes had to be returned and were intolerable to eat, the price was reduced by a meager $3.00 by the manager until I questioned the fairness of the cost of the meal. Later, the server loudly insinuated that another member of the group, who had momentarily left the table, had left without paying for her meal. This was an absurd and groundless accusation that further revealed the server’s ignorance and her discrimination towards us as a group. The overall treatment of my daughter, her family, her friends and myself was appalling and discriminatory to say the least. A group of African Americans (5 Men of Color and 8 Women of Color) made up of Christians (some ministers); a senior citizen; mothers (5); veterans (3); educators (principal and teachers); doctors (3); entrepreneurs (4); college-educated (most); hard-working (all) adults and their children who were casually to professionally dressed walked into the restaurant expecting a relaxing ambience and kind service. We received neither. I mention our status and attire, not as a sense of entitlement or superiority, but only because payment was clearly not a concern for any of us. Those who are expected to serve others should treat all individuals, regardless of religion, race, color, level of education, or socio-economic status, with respect. Cordial service should not occur on a few days and given to a few People of Color but should be expected and required every day, all day, for all people -- regardless of color. There is no other explanation why the server immediately assumed that we would not pay for our meals or why I was treated so flippantly by the manager, or why a family member was accused of leaving without paying, and why the group as a whole was treated so disrespectfully throughout the course of the meal except for the fact that the ignorance of racism and racial profiling is still prevalent in America in 2018. The owner(s) of this restaurant should take a closer look at whom they hire to represent them and their business and ensure that their employees are educated in the prevention of discrimination and espouse the equal treatment of all...

Last night, my oldest niece celebrated her birthday dinner at Tuscany in Newport News. Our party included 14 adults and 2 children, and she had made a reservation several days in advance. The side room was reserved for us, and things started off well with a staff member filling our water glasses.

However, once that was done, there was a long wait before anyone else came to assist us. Eventually, Roberta came in. She introduced herself in a very curt manner and said she’d be back with menus. When she returned, she again spoke very abruptly and informed us that because of our party size, we should share the menus.

When someone in our group asked for water, Roberta snapped that they didn’t have water because they weren’t seated at a place setting, and she’d “have to see if someone could move it.” My husband and I ended up rearranging the place settings ourselves so everyone had one—including water.

Service continued to be impersonal and brisk. Roberta passed out menus and disappeared. She came back much later for drink orders, then again much later for appetizers and entrees. Every interaction with her lacked warmth or even basic friendliness—no smiles, no effort to be personable. Drink refills were never offered, and the long gaps between visits meant we couldn’t even ask.

When the food finally arrived—except for one incorrectly delivered dish by Roberta—it was delicious. But the disjointed and indifferent service really took away from the experience. A younger staff member did eventually come by to offer boxes, which was appreciated.

Later, we waited over 15 minutes for someone to bring out the birthday cake. When it finally arrived, it was slammed down on the table. We then had to track someone down for plates and forks—again met with attitude and more slamming.

When my niece asked to speak with the manager, she was told that Roberta was the manager. Honestly, that was disheartening. As a leader, she should set the tone and be an example for the staff—but her behavior reflected the opposite.

To be clear, the food was delicious. And while it felt like we waited a long time, I don’t believe the delay was on the kitchen—it was the service process that was completely disorganized and cold. There was also a 25% service fee automatically added to our bill, which felt excessive given the quality of service we received. I’m not sure if my niece was informed of this when making the reservation.

Sadly, we won’t be returning—at least not while Roberta...

Hidden gem. So a popular chain has a slogan, "when you're here you're family". This is here! You're treated like family. There's a little wear on the restaurant some cosmetic imperfections but it's like going to grandma's house. It's so full of good food, good stories, and good smells that whatever minor flaws you might see melt into the background. Now onto the food! This is real food! It's going to take a minute to get it. They prepare it when you order. So they cook your pasta and your sauces when you order. Nothing is sitting in a warmer waiting and then reheated to be hot. How great is that to get real food?! And there is so much flavor! They bring you garlic knots, and salad. Real salad that has vegetables with life and color to them, not a pale colorless imitation bagged salad. We ordered the bruschetta. My daughter who hates tomatoes (it's a texture thing) are these bc the flavor and they seeded the tomatoes! We had nothing to bring home if this dish! My son built his own pizza. He wanted meatballs and pepperoni. I'm not a fan of meatballs but thought I would try. Oh baby! Next visit in going to have to get something with meatballs! It was like gyro meat, tender melt in your mouth packed with flavor I'm going to eat your leftovers if you don't, kinda experience with these meatballs! My hubby didn't want pasta and asked for vegetable to be subbed they did us know there would be a charge which is fine. And it was worth it! They were perfectly cooked and seasoned! Complimented the dish perfectly. And he had no leftovers! My daughter got her favorite, fettuccine alfredo. Her first bite she almost cried. I think it was the experience of REAL! We've been duped by chain flavor or lack of for so long that learning about this place has opened our eyes to how enjoyable eating can be! I got chicken duchess (that's spelled wrong but close enough I think you'd know the dish on the menu) chicken, pasta, mushrooms, and peas. I like the flavor of mushrooms but don't eat them bc texture. (Yes we are a weird family) anyway this was so good I ate the mushrooms! If someone can do that I have to share bc others need to know! So please go. Enjoy the opera music, share some stories with the family running the establishment, and enjoy some of the best food you will have had in a long time! Happy eating! Sorry for...