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09/23/2003 Archived Entry: "MIDLAND HOTEL REVIEWS"

MIDLAND HOTEL REVIEWS

The reviews about the food, service and atmosphere at the Midland Hotel continue to be mixed....from "above and beyond" super excellent to "they need a lot of help".

There is no doubt in my mind that John is a very good chef, but what a chef sends to the dining room isn't always under his control or the way he wants it. There are many factors involved. John is a talented young man who can turn out beautifully presented and delicious food. I hope they make every effort to keep him there. But he can't be there all the time, as any restaurant owner knows, and what happens in his absence is also his responsibility.

As a case in point, if there is prime rib on the menu, people expect it to be fresh, slow roasted and hot out of the oven, especially if the price beside it brings on that expectancy. If it comes to you and it's gray, you have a good idea it has seen the inside of a microwave and that is not a good thing. You must have good numbers of diners ordering it in order to sell that particular item. The same goes for KC strip and porterhouse steaks, etc. There isn't much profit margin in either. Most people don't complain about the price if the quality of the food they are served meets their expectations.

We will continue to patronize the Midland as we want it to be successful in all aspects of their operation. There are several things that need their serious attention. I don't know if they are being addressed or not as I haven't seen any changes, or heard of improvements from others. Some of the same complaints of problems regarding the training of wait staff persist.

It's nice to have a competent bartender if they are going to operate a bar. I suppose they sell mostly the more common variety of mixed drinks and beer. But I know they don't do well beyond that area. It would be simple for them to buy a bartender's guide so they could look up what it is the customer wanted. Sometimes they aren't even close!

The last person to mention this to me wondered how acceptable they were to suggestions about improvements. I simply don't know. I sent one item back the last time I was there as it wasn't even close to what I ordered....and I can only remember doing that one other time in my life. Since their success or failure affects all of us, maybe they need to put out a suggestion box if there is no other way to communicate these concerns. They have a very difficult job and we all need to be supportive while they get the kinks out. Meantime, we need to be assured we can depend on consistency in the quality of food and service when we choose to go there.