Hi,
We had a dinner at Raffis this week and I'd like to comment on few things.

First of all, we got the table quickly and air was fresh despite the fact that it was on the smokers' side. The ambiance is great, candles good idea. We also got our dinner quite fast, but I was disappointed on the presentation, flavour and texture. Well I had a pasta
dish but I expected it to be quite different. And I was disappointed that there was nothing green at the side.
For the price of 70 marks you'd expect a bit of extra. Dishes were very basic, I think the presentation or the visual side had been totally neglected and what I also was missing was that the waitress did not give any recommendations or today's specialities.

Ok, we were given two lists, and I supposed that the other one was like that but she could have explained and given us some advice. I wish waiters would act more out of their own initiative! Of course customer can always ask, but it would be so much nicer and you'd feel abit pampered and special if they offered their own ideas and suggestions! Because I'm sure they know a lot better what a certain dish looks like and what ingredients have been used and it would be ok to actively suggest and offer deserts etc.

Ok, I know it's not customary in this culture to force anything on you but customers are there to be pampered, and treated! And a bit of flirt and game, twinkle in the eye only adds to the flavour!

I'm not saying that service would have been bad, no! But it is often too businesslike and straight to the point,
and as if discussing options takes too much time! And, what I think is important, is the eye contact and smile!! Now there is something that could be copied from other cultures, certain opennes, put your personality in the game and you get so much more out of it!

When a waitor passes the table, he could occasionally ask if things are ok, or would there be anything else they could offer. Sometimes they are a bit too passive and it can never be justified with a busy evening. And this time it wasn't too busy at all! Why should the customer be always the active part, clinging onto sleeves or skirt hems, please can I have this and that...

All in all, it is a nice place to have a dinner, but I hope the menu will be improved. It's basicly quite small things that make a difference and they can't cost too much.

   [20 Feb 2002 05:18:20]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Susanna