I need to put a disclaimer on this review as it is by no means indicative of any previous Wagamama experience I have had.
Anyway, we decided on impulse to head to Wagamama in the Valley for a quick meal on the 2nd of Jan and arrived to find that although there were quite a few free spaces, they were obviously busy. We listened as the rather sweaty, stressed out host explained to the family before us that they had large groups waiting for tables but after a quick discussion of other options, decided to stay.
We were actually seated quite quickly and after a 10 min wait for a waitress and a few words exchanged with the Generation Y princess who arrived after us but tried to order before us, we placed our order and sat back to wait for our meals. Wait we did.
Usually meals at Wagamama arrive very quickly but we could see they were busy so we waited patiently and eventually Shane’s Yaki Soba arrived as did the Sweet Potato chips with Wasabi mayonnaise (yum). Unfortunately my main meal failed to materialise.
Our very stressed out waitress (looked like she was the only one in the restaurant) eventually noticed and went off to check on the meal but it still didn’t arrive after another 10 minute wait, so the waitress disappeared again and finally my Prawn Lomen made it’s appearance. What a shame I ordered Chicken Lomen!
I guess it was lucky for them that I had filled up on the Sweet Potato chips because I wasn’t in the mood to make a fuss and really, they were so apologetic I didn’t need to. Obviously they didn’t charge us for the meal which I would have left but they put it in a take away container, gave us a further 20% discount and a heap of vouchers for freebies as well so we didn’t have too many bad feelings about the experience.
I had a very tasty Hungry Jacks Flame Grilled Chicken burger on the way home.
I will be going back to Wagamama because I appreciated the way they handled the disastrous evening and because the food is great and the service (usually) good. I have however made a vow that if I ever see a sweaty, stressed out host at Wagamama again, I’ll make a different dining choice.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hilarious. We experienced the same thing on Jan 30. They keep claiming it is a one off night of short staff, but it seems to be a regular thing now.
Pity, as they were doing so well in the beginning.
Strange, never had any dramas there at all. Although one time the steamed rice was gluggy, but they apologised and gave us vouchers. I still recommend them.