Dear Editor,
On my very first visit to New Amsterdam this past holiday season I decided to grab a bite at Demico Restaurant. There was no air conditioning in the restaurant although I saw huge air- conditioners installed on the ceilings. If they were indeed working, then I believe they are in need of servicing, because they are not working to the maximum.
The fountain at one of the entrances of the restaurant was anything but a fountain. Seeing no one at the cashier, I stepped up to the ordering counter. The cashier was nowhere in sight. No one was even behind the counter where the items would’ve been delivered. I stood there for quite some time. However, all this time the back was packed with employees– some sitting and chatting and carrying on– while I was simply awaiting a Demico cashier to take my order.
It only took that to turn me off. I wanted to leave this restaurant and find somewhere else to get my snack. Then, out from the back, the cashier appeared– hardly with a smile on their face to serve a patron. I decided to order a cone, and after that I’d have my snack.
I arrived at the delivery counter, handed my receipt to the same cashier, because no one was available at the delivery counter. The back was still busy with social activities of chatter, laughter and idling. I stood there watching. They saw me looking.
The cone machine apparently was giving out liquid ice- cream. The cashier told me that the cone is too soft, and asked me whether I will take a ‘scoop’ cone. I accepted that offer, though I was getting more aggravated at the horrible experience at this place.
She delivered a ‘scoop’ cone to me, which, if I wanted, could’ve simply made at my home. What a waste of money, I thought.
The cashier was there this time when I decided to order some food. I asked if they had chowmein. Apparently she had to travel to the back to ask if they had chowmein, and then returned to tell me that they did. Then all of a sudden, after paying for my item (which was to be used in the restaurant), the cashier seemed to be having a difficulty with the computer. After about five minutes I collected a receipt. Persons were awaiting their turn behind me all this time. I could imagine what was going through their minds.
After waiting on my chowmein for about 10 minutes, it arrived. I was at the counter to collect. To my amazement, I noticed that they placed the food in a styrofoam container. Immediately I informed the attendant at the counter that they must’ve mistaken– that I intend to use that item right there in the restaurant.
Lo and behold, I saw the attendance picking up a waiter and handing me the item, which I was supposed to be eating in their restaurant– in a sanitary food- box, with a sanitary spoon! I was at my wits’ end! This was it! I could not take it anymore! Are these people for real, I asked myself? How could they ‘serv’ me food to eat in the restaurant in a ‘take- away’ manner?
Luckily, instead of making a scene, I bit my tongue and moved on to my seat where I ate my chowmein. I was stark- raving angry. The piece of fried- chicken in the food seemed to be reheated from a previous cooking sometime ago.
Has there been any kind of close supervision on this New Amsterdam restaurant from the Georgetown- based team of executives? Do they know how ‘Qik Serv’ New Amsterdam is operating?
They are operating at a very poor standard and this is definitely not acceptable.
Yours faithfully,
(name and address supplied)
Editor’s note
We sent a copy of this letter to Banks DIH Ltd for their comments and received the following response from the Area Manager Mr R.A. Matthews:
“Many thanks for your recent correspondence relative to the New Amsterdam Qik Serv and the comments made by a reader. We can advise as follows:
The Department’s Air Conditioning system is functioning as it was during the entire pre and post Christmas Season.
At no time will the Front Counter be unattended. This will be inviting situations which will compromise the Department’s security and financial viability.
We recently (November 2007) installed a new Soft Serv Machine in the New Amsterdam Qik Serv. Both machines are operative. Admittedly, as a result of the volume of Cones sold on 24th December, there was some “scooping” to assist in the service. This enabled the Machines’ Refrigeration systems to re-generate, which is normal in these matters.
The New Amsterdam Qik Serv is a Fast Food Service operation and items are generally sold in disposable containers as opposed to an ‘A La Carte’ dining facility with a full service menu.
I wish to reassure your reader that the Department is well supervised and managed. As with all situations which require a human input, there will be slippages which are regretted.
Additionally, we enclose for your attention a copy of a similar letter sent by a reader in February 2007 in which very similar issues were raised. We also note over the Christmas Season letters of a similar tone were published in the media.
Please accept our Best Wishes for a Healthy and Productive 2008.”
