Saturday, September 19, 2015

September 19: Writing Prompt #262-Are you being served?

What’s the most dreadful (or wonderful) experience you’ve ever had as a customer?
The first thing that comes to mind is our search for a good, local Mexican restaurant in our new hometown here in WA.  We went to several in our small town and were unfortunately disappointed more than once.  We found a couple of decent ones in the town one over from us, but still not our go-to.  Finally, I found a restaurant with 100% positive reviews in the little town of Tenino, WA about 30 minutes from us.  I couldn’t believe it. You never see 100% positive reviews, so we had to try it out.  It’s called Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen. The reason why we consider it the most wonderful experience we’ve ever had as a customer is not only because of the food, but more so because of the service.  Our first time there, it was just the two of us, and we started out with the guacamole (big chunks of avocado and lots of big flavor too), then we tried two of the special dishes, which were very authentic and delicious as well.  During our meal, we had a visit from the owner, Don Juan, and he was so gracious and concerned about making our experience wonderful. He shared his story with us about how he got started and just made us feel very at ease and lucky for finding his little piece of success in the world.  When we were finishing up our dinner, he brought out his grandmother’s famous flan.  We had not ever ordered it. He told us it was on the house, and we had to try it. He was right! It was the best flan I have ever had.  It made me rethink my stance on Mexican desserts.  J 

We have since taken several family and friends there, and for the most part have had the same, consistent experience with good food and even better service. When we took my husband’s parents there, we were privileged enough to meet Don Juan’s dad, who sat down with us, had a drink, and expanded on his family’s story, being very honest and open about all they had been through to get to the positive place they now are with the restaurant.  Unfortunately, our last experience there with some friends was not as good as all our times previous.  The service was not as attentive and personalized as before.  But, then again, it appeared Don Juan and many of his family members who had made our experience so awesome were all off that night. And more power to them.  They deserve a night off and another chance for us as customers. We will not stop going there because of one less than stellar experience, and even with the misstep last time, it’s still the best Mexican restaurant we’ve found within 50 miles of here.  Congrats, Don Juan!! You’ve done a great job. Keep up the good work. 

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