La Campagne Cuisine Provencal

I typically do not take the time to bother to write to restaurants regarding my disappointment with my dining experience however, I felt the need to express my opinion following our meal at your restaurant last evening. My wife and I have been long-time diners at La Campagne. In fact, a very good friend of mine was a chef there well over 20 years ago. Therefore, we know the standard that the restaurant used to have. However, last evening was a great disappointment and I am embarrassed that my Uncle treated everyone to dinner (there were 7 of us) at your restaurant based on my recommendation. I will provide you with several specifics: The prices are outrageous for the cuisine. Every meal had the same vegetable, brussel sprouts, on their plate which shows a tremendous lack of imagination. And brussel sprouts would actually have been ok had they not been previously frozen (I suspect based on their consistency) or just plain cooked to death. They were mush and resembled the consistency of mashed potatoes. To a person, we left there saying “I can’t believe the portions were so small for the price”. Not a single person left the restaurant full, not even my 12-year old daughter who doesn’t even weigh 100lbs! And we ALL had appetizers, an entrée and dessert. I do NOT measure the quality of a restaurant by its portions, but for the prices charged (I’ve never been to a restaurant where the filet mignon is the most expensive item on the menu-it’s usually provided as a courtesy to those who don’t see anything different and appetizing on the menu). And at $38, something larger than a 6 oz filet with overcooked vegetables and weak, tasteless potatoes would be appropriate. My daughter NEVER finishes her meal, being a petite 12 year old, and even she came home and cooked up some mac and cheese! We were the ONLY people in the restaurant. Really! The ONLY ones! And yet, we were pouring our own wine all evening and not a single person at the table got a refill on their water. Hmmm. I would have suspected better service than that. When we got the bill it said $69 for beverages although we brought our own wine and the younger people at our table drank water. When we questioned the server about this he said “Oh, I forgot to cross that out. It should say gratuity”. What I suspect happened was that he hoped we wouldn’t notice and that we would end up adding another dollar amount for the gratuity onto the bill. I suspect this only because the night was DEAD in there and he needed to show something for his efforts that evening. Regardless of whether or not my suspicions are true, I am sure we received such lousy service for our ‘party’ of 7 because the gratuity was guaranteed because of your policy. Gratuities are provided for good service and an exceptional meal and should NOT be considered a requirement. Two people at our table later stated that their apple pie was burnt. But we aren’t a family of complainers, so they forced it down in an effort to enjoy the evening. And my Crème Brule was exactly that. I realize fresh fruit I this area is in season, but could you spare a couple of mint leaves and a raspberry or two as garnish??!!! I make better Crème Brule than that at home. And what does the dollop of ice cream cost you as a side to the pie? I’m sure we paid way too much for the miniscule tablespoons full we received. Could you spare the food? At the prices you offer I would expect exceptional quality (which I’m sorry to tell you, your restaurant does not have) or some food on the plate. As it stands, I am so embarrassed for having suggested we eat there, I am considering going to a butcher, buying some high quality meat and lobster tails, and preparing a fine dining experience of surf and turf for my Aunt and Uncle in an effort to repay them. What I will probably end up doing is paying my previously mentioned friend to come over and prepare the meal. My wife and I have dined all over the world, seriously. Unfortunately, we have made our last trip to your restaurant and I suspect that at this rate you won’t be in business much longer anyway. There are also several websites that ask for diner feedback. Unfortunately for you, this review is going to end up on several. Now if you’ll forgive me, I need to call my Uncle.