This small item on a restaurant bill ignited a massive argument – don’t overlook it!
- Replies 3
Dining out is one of life's simple pleasures, especially for those of us who have seen many a menu in our time. It's a chance to gather with friends and family, to celebrate, or simply to enjoy a night off from the kitchen. But what happens when the bill arrives and there's a charge that takes your breath away – and not in a good way?
This was the unfortunate experience of a Perth diner, Reanna Ho, who was left in a state of shock after a night out at Canton Lane Chinese Restaurant in Cloverdale. The evening was supposed to be a delightful gathering for nine, but it turned into a financial fiasco when the bill came to a staggering $944.30. The culprit? A single 'live lobster' dish that cost an eye-watering $615.
The restaurant had indeed warned Ms Ho that the lobster's price would be based on its weight and the market price. However, she claims that the staff failed to disclose the price per kilogram or the fact that the five serves of noodles accompanying the lobster would be $15 each. It's a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of transparency and communication in the hospitality industry.
'Though I paid the bill, I could not shake the feeling that something was off,' Ms Ho expressed in a Facebook post that has since sparked a war of words between the diner and the restaurant. The following day, she learned that the lobster weighed a hefty 4.5 pounds – over 2 kilograms – and was priced at an astonishing $120-per-pound. 'We didn’t assume the lobster would be cheap, but $120 per pound seems unreasonable, even during the festive period,' she wrote.
The incident raises a significant point about the expectations of diners, particularly when it comes to 'market price' items that can vary greatly. While Ms Ho and her party were aware that lobster is a premium item, they were not prepared for the price to be nearly double what is typically expected. It's a reminder to all of us to inquire about the cost of such items before ordering, to avoid a nasty surprise when the check comes.
Moreover, Ms Ho questioned the absence of the lobster head in the dish, which should have been noticeable given the weight of the lobster. 'With such an expensive ingredient, shouldn’t it be the restaurant’s responsibility to ensure transparency by confirming the price and weight with the customer first?' she argued.
The restaurant's management responded to the outcry by admitting that the price and weight were not communicated to the customer, but they insisted that there was 'no deceiving involved.' They explained their cooking process, which includes using the lobster head, and justified the high price with factors such as chef wages, ingredients, and the seasonal surge in lobster prices.
As seniors who often dine out and enjoy the finer things in life, it's essential to be vigilant about these details. We should feel empowered to ask questions about menu items, especially when the cost is not clearly listed. It's not just about avoiding a hefty bill; it's about ensuring that the dining experience is enjoyable and fair.
The story of Ms Ho's costly crustacean is a cautionary tale for all of us. It's a reminder to always confirm the weight and price when ordering market-priced dishes. And if you find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate to speak up. After all, a good meal should leave you feeling satisfied, not taken advantage of.
We'd love to hear from you, our readers. Have you ever been surprised by a bill when dining out? How did you handle the situation? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights could help fellow diners avoid a similar fate.
This was the unfortunate experience of a Perth diner, Reanna Ho, who was left in a state of shock after a night out at Canton Lane Chinese Restaurant in Cloverdale. The evening was supposed to be a delightful gathering for nine, but it turned into a financial fiasco when the bill came to a staggering $944.30. The culprit? A single 'live lobster' dish that cost an eye-watering $615.
Canton Lane Chinese Restaurant posted a statement about the issue on their social media page. Image Credit: Canton Lane Chinese Restaurant, Facebook/Reanna Ho
The restaurant had indeed warned Ms Ho that the lobster's price would be based on its weight and the market price. However, she claims that the staff failed to disclose the price per kilogram or the fact that the five serves of noodles accompanying the lobster would be $15 each. It's a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of transparency and communication in the hospitality industry.
'Though I paid the bill, I could not shake the feeling that something was off,' Ms Ho expressed in a Facebook post that has since sparked a war of words between the diner and the restaurant. The following day, she learned that the lobster weighed a hefty 4.5 pounds – over 2 kilograms – and was priced at an astonishing $120-per-pound. 'We didn’t assume the lobster would be cheap, but $120 per pound seems unreasonable, even during the festive period,' she wrote.
The incident raises a significant point about the expectations of diners, particularly when it comes to 'market price' items that can vary greatly. While Ms Ho and her party were aware that lobster is a premium item, they were not prepared for the price to be nearly double what is typically expected. It's a reminder to all of us to inquire about the cost of such items before ordering, to avoid a nasty surprise when the check comes.
Moreover, Ms Ho questioned the absence of the lobster head in the dish, which should have been noticeable given the weight of the lobster. 'With such an expensive ingredient, shouldn’t it be the restaurant’s responsibility to ensure transparency by confirming the price and weight with the customer first?' she argued.
The restaurant's management responded to the outcry by admitting that the price and weight were not communicated to the customer, but they insisted that there was 'no deceiving involved.' They explained their cooking process, which includes using the lobster head, and justified the high price with factors such as chef wages, ingredients, and the seasonal surge in lobster prices.
As seniors who often dine out and enjoy the finer things in life, it's essential to be vigilant about these details. We should feel empowered to ask questions about menu items, especially when the cost is not clearly listed. It's not just about avoiding a hefty bill; it's about ensuring that the dining experience is enjoyable and fair.
The story of Ms Ho's costly crustacean is a cautionary tale for all of us. It's a reminder to always confirm the weight and price when ordering market-priced dishes. And if you find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate to speak up. After all, a good meal should leave you feeling satisfied, not taken advantage of.
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