We spotted this very cool looking restaurant in a prime position - right opposite the mesmerising crashing waves, the surfer dudes and with clear views of a few surrounding islands. This was highly enticing for a drink and maybe a meal.
We booked a table...for the following night and were asked for RM100 as a deposit.
The next night we arrived right on time and were seated right in front of the aforementioned waves. The young lady showed us to our table with about as much enthusiasm as a sloth crossing an unused road. Our two menus were sort of slapped down to the tabletop as she turned to walk away. No smile or welcoming posture and absolutely zero eye contact.
Still, what a great spot to occupy. Front row table to Mother Nature’s waves. The view had (temporarily) kept my disappointment at bay. Our table was without any condiments or napkins but, again, the view, the ocean and the buzz around the beach kept us busy and in full people-watch mode.
The vast majority of people both in the mostly full restaurant and on the sands directly in front of us were Chinese and there was frantic and relentless posing while the accompanying selfies were in full swing.
A nice chap approached and took our order for a beer and sprite to make an old-fashioned English shandy. Sadly, that was the last we saw of him table-side. I know for a fact he wasn’t kidnapped as I did spot him at the bar almost two hours later. Ironically, he was ‘Hidden’. See what I did there 😉
Yes, the place was packed but one expects ones waiter to reappear at some point to take your food order. One is also aware that to refer to oneself as ‘one’ sounds so pretentious it’s sickening, so please remember I’m being sarcastic.
Again, though, that view kept us occupied and it was one of absolute beauty. Did I mention the view?
About an hour later when I realised we were close to malnutrition, fortunately a waitress casually wandered by and asked if we wanted more drinks. Barely alive, I managed to order thusly and asked for the nachos and a soda.
The menu, by the way is quite varied with pasta, fries, pizza, burgers, salads,
Some Japanese fare and plenty of other snacks and plates. The prices are high. In some cases, very high. The cocktails sound and look great. There maybe an online menu so you can prepare for the expense and have a a mortgage in place.
Still, THAT view 😍
The nachos arrived and they were bloody delicious. There could have been a few more but they were damn good. The accompanying dip was very tasty.
The gentleman performing the fire show on the beach in front of us made lengthy preparations for his show, all the time with his back to the waves. Those waves punished him numerous times by saturating his ‘fire show kit’.
Still, insisted upon keeping his back to the sea and was punished further. This proved funnier than it should have been. In a fit of rage he gave the ocean ‘the finger’. Moments later, the ocean replied with another. I laughed. Sorry, Mr. Fire show guy but when you ignored the little plastic thing that will undoubtedly end up in the ocean I lost all sympathy for you.
In spite of this, the fire show was clever and an unexpected bonus since we were so close to the flames.
We decided to leave before he finished and thus avoided the possibility of having to tip.
Due to probably the worst table service we have ever encountered in many years, my tip to the waiting staff is, change your profession.
I went to the cashier to pay the bill and was handed a receipt for the correct amount of RM51.75 including tax. I explained that they owe me RM48.25 in change as I had paid the RM100 deposit the previous evening.
I was told that I had to spend the full RM100 and therefore it was implied there would be no change. I immediately explained what any sane person would say. That I had not been told this was the ‘deal’.
For a minute I wasn’t sure how this would play out but in fact, without any argument my RM48.25 was returned and I left the immediate area never to return.
So, in conclusion. The drinks were as you’d expect. One Heineken = RM15. One Sprite = RM8. One Schweppes soda= RM8. One small bowl of delicious nachos =RM20.
One sensational view, general vibe and surrounding activity = RM0
The experience could have been more pleasant had the service been appropriate. The management don’t have to try you see, because nature has provided everything.
Seriously, the table needs napkins to catch the beer sweat. The waiter/waitress need to be trained in standard restaurant courtesies.
The prices are high on quite a few menu items and to a degree, this is a compromise regards the locale. Sadly, though we wouldn’t return.
Thanks for the views, though 👍More
