This is the very first time I have written a negative review on-line, but this was too ridiculous to not warn others of what they may experience. NOTE: If you do a Google search, it is not hard to find comparable 'BAD EXPERIENCE' reviews for Joust; eg. menumania is one. We have been regulars at this restaurant from before the ownership changed hands and afterward, with no great qualms until recently. We visited on a Sunday for a special occasion. Greeted by Nadia, an excellent waitress, we were ready for an enjoyable time. However, ALL OF THE 'HOT' FOOD WAS LUKE WARM AND BLAND. At the very least, when you sit down for an 'experience', not just food on a plate, you expect the food to be hot. We asked the owner, Joy, whether there was a heating problem with food dishes, who promptly disagreed with us, without assessing it herself, stating that we need to scoop from the bottom. We had, but it was just lukewarm, and awful. We had ordered a lemonade for our daughter ($4.50-more expensive than a flat white!), Ginger ale and orange; Totaling: $13.50). After another attempt at reasoning with the chef to no avail, we decided that it wasn't worth the money. Cold 'hot' food, and greasy 'clean' plates wasn't doing it for us. We told the waitress, Nadia of our intent to leave as the meal was lukewarm and bland, and she relayed our concerns to the owner. The owner wanted to charge us for the drinks we were unable to finish, due to our leaving. We received no interaction, or apology from owner. When we had contested paying the full total; for the unfinished drinks, we were told that they get a few bad customers like us each day or so, and that was just way it was. After taking a moment, and letting what happened sink in, I decided to try and reason that calling a disappointed customer a BAD CUSTOMER, and being so indifferent about customers dissatisfaction was not the way to treat regular - referring customers, or anyone for the matter. Very few people complain, even when there is reason to; so for them to be getting REGULAR FACE TO FACE COMPLAINTS, that says something; listen to those who pay your wage! The manager, Joy was intent on out-talking me, not listening and stating that my partner was lying about what she had heard her say. I was taken aback at how ludicrous her approach to business and customer service was, to the point that I got pretty irate. Upon raising my voice, I was told to "get out" by the chef/joint owner. Needless to say, if they continue to treat customers the way that they do, keep raising the prices for refreshments, show a huge lack of basic interpersonal communication and experience, and disrespect their customers - who dare speak up, they will not grow, and will likely upset regulars. If you want to eat here, BEWARE, IT HAS GONE DOWNHILL! Quite simply, the owners don't have as clue.
nzbrewster says about Staniforth Road
K99 BARN FIRE 111-STRU STANIFORTH RD TE ARAI