Today we decided on Treats. It was my first time here for lunch and if I was here back in the olden days, I don't remember what it was like. I ordered a BLT with fries. It was a decent sandwich. (but thats it) it wasn't $13 good. I didn't really like my fries either. they were overcooked and soggy. There was a lot of other choices on the menu, so I didn't have to choose what I did. It tasted ok, I thought it was a bit over-priced for what I got. Lunch isn't usually that expensive unless its some place totally AMAZING. (like a new all you can eat Sushi place for example) Ok now I wish my lunch money today went to something like that. I would have loved that. So ya, I guess all in all, I didn't love todays choice. I wasn't that satisfied with what I ordered. If I had it to do again, I probably wouldn't. "M"
It's been a lot of years since I have eaten at Treats. I remember it was once one of our favorite restaurants, so I'm not sure what happened. I was looking forward to checking it out again. I don't know if I am getting more critical after a year of writing these blogs or maybe it really is because there is bad food out there, but I was not impressed today. I ordered a taco salad with chicken which should be a pretty safe thing to eat. My first bite had me wondering why there were croutons in a taco salad. After closer inspection I realised they were cubes of chicken not croutons. Yes they were dried out spicy cubes of chicken, edible but not great. The rest of the salad was fine, a few too many onions for me, but overall is was good. The menu had a lot of options on it that looked good and it took me a while to decide. Treats has been around for a lot of years so they must be keeping some people happy but for me, after a year of eating at a different restaurant every week I now know why I got stuck with a few favorites places. I hope that these blog entries will not only help the readers to find places to try, but maybe a few restaurants will read the blogs and make some improvements. Time will tell. "J"
Hey, I was just googling up some good places for lunching in Lethbridge and your blog popped up. I read so many of your posts just now as I too get in a rut when it comes to taking people out for lunch or super! I'm a new follower! I love hearing what other people have to say about local places and remind me of some spots I haven't been to in a while!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are hacks. You are neither food critics or writers. Just because you go out to eat every Thursday does not make you an expert. Do you really know good food? What restaurants around the world have you ate at? I really don't understand why you do this. Does it make you feel good to damage the reputation of restaurants. Your comments can potentially can cause people to lose money and possibly jobs.
ReplyDeleteThese people have never claimed to be "experts or critics" they are using their freedom of speech to blog (which millions of people do everyday) about an activity the participate in. I appreciate what they do, as a consumer who eats out regularly in lethbridge, I am sooooo dissapointed in so many local restaurants with regard to their poor service and food quality!!! You don't have to be an expert to know a bad eating-out experience when it happens. It's not damaging reputations, it's simply telling it like it is. Maybe the business owners will take the OPINION (as we all are entitled to one) of these local bloggers and use it to better their company for the experiences of their customers. (One would usually use common sense here to see that, but I do realize that common sense is not common). I feel so sorry for you, must be hard to sit with that stick up your back side.
DeleteThanks for your comments hooper00. You are right, we are not experts or writers but we do eat every day and know the difference between a bad meal and a good meal, good service and bad service. Our intent is not to criticize the restaurants in Lethbridge but to give our honest opinion about our eating experience that day. This is purely for fun and entertainment. If restaurants don't like what we have to say then they should make some changes. Lethbridge has great restaurants here and we hope to encourage people to get out and try them all. "J"
ReplyDeleteTreats has lost it over the years,they serve you skins with a tiny amount of sour cream and when you ask for more they charge you for it . Every thing you need more of they charge for . wow these things usually come with your meal.This makes me not want to come back.SEE YA
ReplyDeleteWow... Hooper00 brings the rage. If I eat at a place and tell my friends it sucks, does that make me a hack as well? If a restaurant is good, they get a good review...if it needs improvement, it says so. I say keep the reviews coming, because it keeps restaurants honest!
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that this is a review by ANONYMOUS writers. What if this review was written by an owner of a competing restaurant trashing a competitor? How helpful would that be Jeff Rasmussen? I can't wait for the next review by "J" and "M". How credible.
ReplyDeleteI kind of have a problem with blogs like these.. i mean, everyone is entitled to their own opinion but like you said, you havent ate at these restaurants in a long time, how would you know if there food is always like this? I eat at treats on a regular basis, and i dont remember the last time i ever had a bad meal. The servers and management have always been great to me, and so has the food. Maybe you shouldnt be so quick to criticize... theres a reason you hide behind a blog with no name.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you make it known who you are, Instead of flying under the radar acting as if you might know something about the industry. Just because you and your Partner go out for lunch every Thursday doesn’t mean you can SLANDER Local companies. How do we know that you’re not a local restaurant owner just trying to hurt others to profit on your business.
ReplyDeleteI find what you’re doing to be offensive and wrong, what are you hiding from why don't you publish your names, or will the truth come out that you two are just a couple Mid to late 40's , Plus size men, live in your mothers basement spend all your free time playing Dungeon and Dragons. oh ya unemployed. My mom always told me if you can't say something nice...... Well why don’t you walk up the stairs and ask your mom to finish the Quote.
I hope after reading this you guys will come out of the basement, If your man enough to write it be man enough to stand up and say who you are, I would say that there are people who have put their heart and soul and life savings into these business’s ., Only to have a couple of Anonymous guys. Try to ruin it. Maybe you should tell us what business you guy work at or what company you own.
I will publish this as anonymous and when you give us your name , I will do the same. I would even meet you clowns for lunch. maybe at your establishment. But Im sure we would have to wait for the circus to come to town..
I agree this is going to far. Its one thing to open your own Blog site and give your opinion, But to publish it in the Lethbridge Journal on a full page ad, way to far, I have a business in town And the LAST PLACE I will spend my marketing dollars is in the Lethbridge Journal or the Lethbridge Herald . Also if I was put in a public bashing forum like this, you could be sure that there would be legal action taken. I hope the business's in question would get together and do the same.
DeleteLegal action???? What these men bring to the table is not against the law. Do your homework before you spew at the mouth Mr. Local Business Owner. There is no case here. It would essentially be laughed out of the court room. In fact, I am quite confident it would be tough to find council STUPID enough to even represent that sort of dribble. I wouldn't!
DeleteI think a couple of the anon's, RickJames and Boo Hoo are all the same person. Just an observation.
DeleteHeard about the "controversy" and had to check out the blog, I don't see anything wrong with it, I see it as an opinion and there's nothing wrong with a little constructive criticism when it comes to eating establishments and a $13 sandwich is definitely worth criticizing. As for the guy talking about legal action, (I almost fell over laughing at this), you can try to take a blogger to court, but even in the slim chance you win, the cost to do it would outweigh the tiny settlement you would receive especially from a blog that isn't really that negative. I've been to some shitty restaurants and these reviews are nice compared to what I would write. All in all, I think it's a great blog and I will be checking in once a week for some entertaining reading. Also if you need an idea of where to check out, I'd head over to Diaz Restaurant (the old Dionysios) on 13th street north, went there with three buddies for lunch a couple weeks ago, excellent service and the food tasted like Chef Ramsey was cooking in the back.
ReplyDeleteI must be reading this Wrong , But i don't think this person said anything about legal action on the Blog site, I believe they were talking about the the Lethbridge Journal Thats how I read it. But your right it would be hard to tke a blog site to court , But not the Lethbridge Journal. I read the Lethbridge Journal's inserts by the nomads and most of the reviews are negitive and slandering, And you might argue the freedom of speech issue but there usally is a name attached if you want to use the constituional right. I would also bet that this FREEDOM OF SPEECH person is very close to the NAMADS maybe a personal friend or related. In closing I would like to know what Restaurant FREEDOM OF SPEECH ate at to have Chef Ramsey cook his food. I find it hard to believe anthing you say, Plus I believe you are invested in that restaurant, Nice Sale Pitch....
DeleteFirst, the restaurant with excellent food is in my reply if you actually read it. Second, I believe all newspapers in the world have a disclaimer in them about opinion related articles. Third, I don't know the Nomads and don't care about the Nomads, I care about freedom of speech and now that you bring it up, freedom of the press. And last but not least, if you are this sensitive to someone's opinion I suggest you move somewhere that restricts peoples thoughts and ideas when it comes to any type of news medium, like China.
DeleteI go to Treats for their Popeye salad which I must admit I really enjoy. The environment is relaxing and the service is generally ok, but I too agree the price is a bit high for what you get. I wouldn't say I would not eat at Treats, but with all the restaurants to choose from in Lethbridge I can say I only come here about once a year.
ReplyDeleteCalling each other names isn't going to get ANYONE here taken seriously. SERIOUSLY.
ReplyDeleteThe prices at Treats aren't all that far off of other restaurants in the area. Besides, there is a reason you are given a menu with the prices written on on it BEFORE you order. If you think that a BLT amd fries isn't worth $13.00, don't order it. It's THAT simple. As for your chicken/crouton hybrids, well, evey restaurant is allowed an off-day. Or slightly over-cooked chicken. I'm sure if you would have asked fo server for some kind of reparation for your "faulty" meal, (rather than gone home and vented about it in a highly public place... very fair, by the way), you would have received it and come to experience how great Treats is, how the staff will bend over to try and give you a good experience. I'm sad that you didn't give the restaurant that opportunity.
Furthermore, I'm certain that the controversy surrounding this review is not based upon this blog. I am all for free speech; however, I, like the many people I have talked to, believe that an anonymous blog should NOT be posted in the Lethbridge Journal like it is an actual, reputabable review.
That being said, keep blogging boys. But if you want to be taken more seriously within the restaurant community itself, I'd highly recommend giving the world your real names, rather than hiding behind "J" and "M". And maybe teach "M" how to be less colloquial.
I agree. Blog is great. Posted anonymously in Lethbridge Journal is ridiculous though. But, I don't blame these guys. They are just putting an opinion on a blog...big deal. Its not their fault. I'm surprised that the Lethbridge Journal ran this stuff though. Wow. Goodbye advertising dollars.
ReplyDeleteI like the the blog though. Good work.
It's not like Rush Limbaugh calling someone a slut and losing all his sponsors. I think now that the word has gotten out, more people will be reading the journal whether it be because they've always enjoyed it or that they want to check out the articles people are talking about. There is no such thing as bad publicity. Hello advertising dollars.
DeleteWhat my concern is.....WHO ARE THESE SO CALLED RESTAURANT CRITICS.....what are thier qualifications, what training have they had to make such claims....do they have the knowledge of restaurants operation and expenses (ie: food costs,labour costs, operational costs, etc.) I think not!
ReplyDeleteAs a Canadian Red Seal Chef for the past 38 years these blogs are completly uncalled for. They have done nothing but take down what the aspiring and established have worked very hard for and TRASHED them while advertizing for establishments that they feel are to their liking....which is basically any"Chain Restuarant" that comes to Lethbridge.
They should learn about the Culinary Arts and re-evaluate their so called opinions with a little knowledge.
You don't need to be educated in the culinary arts to know what tastes like crap or what constitutes poor service! Nice try tho! :) The operating costs and such are I no concern to the average joe PAYING to eat at the establishment. That's up to the establishment and of course, meal prices are a reflection of the establishments overhead. However, with that being said, consumer expect to get what they are paying for in a timely, palitable manner. Stop making excuses.
DeleteI didn't take food science at the university, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
DeleteThere needs to be a like button on this stuff.
DeleteTwo guys opinions doesn't make it true for everyone. Why are so many upset by these guys' PERSONAL opinions?!? I, personally, am confused with the lash out here. There are easily accessible reviews like these all over the internet and in newspapers across the country. The only thing that should come of it is better food made and improved customer service. Restaurants are collecting money for their products and plates they should NOT have an off day. One never knows whose walking in to buy a plate of food at that restaurant for the first time in months, or years, or possibly for their first time ever. First impressions account for a lot!! Sometimes you actually work hard at your own careers to make the best for clientele of your own and by lunch time you are really hungry for GOOD FOOD or just plain craving something. Being disappointed should not happen. Not at a customers expense. That's just dishonest and a restaurants loss regardless of what other people go out and say to others. If people pay from their pockets they should dang straight get the best food/services for their money. I don't see this blog as trashing on anyone or anything whoever these guys are (and that in itself, anonymous or not, is not relevant) they are real everyday people merely giving their honest opinions for their experience on that particular day. When you go out to eat you are usually hungry for a meal you expect will be better and faster received than something you can go home and make. Off days? Don't be running any business if you are going to charge the public for your "off days". That is so far from ok. If you own a restaurant or cook for one take reviews like this and make better food, it's that simple. Don't let your quality slide because you're cheap or lazy or having a bad/"off" day. You are running a business. Just like everyone else you get what you put in. This sounds like a much deserved reviewed. Take it as constructive and do better.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Treats goes, public reviews online by other people, probably no different than the authors of this blog are labeled GROSS and So HIT and MISS. So clearly, this "J" and "M" are not the only ones who feel this way. Consistent good food will get the most positive reviews. Take it or leave it. But other restaurants will get the business if you are cooking gross food, dry, crunchy chicken or are working under a lot of "off days", hit and miss won't fill the tables. Restaurants put themselves out of business, it has nothing to do with reviews online or in newspapers at all. You choose your quality.
I bet the "Off Day" excuse wouldn't fly if your surgeon had an off day and removed your liver when you were scheduled to have your appendix removed. Employees are fired daily for having an "off day" and not doing what's expected. Why should restaurants or any business for that matter, be exempt? It happens, I get that, but OWN up to it and RECTIFY it rather than persecute someone for sharing the fact that your product and service was less than satisfactory.
DeleteNo surgeon in the history of mankind has ever removed a patient's liver instead of an appendix. That is a guarantee. Surgeon's do have bad day's though. Maybe diagnosed someone with appendicitis when they actually had a perforated bowel. Sometimes those patients get very sick and some even die. Guess why? Because Surgeons are human beings and human beings make mistakes.
DeleteLets publish every mistake a surgeon makes in the Lethbridge Journal...but better yet, lets make it anonymous! Fantastic idea!
Obviously my flippant attempt at humor got lost in translation. Surgeons make mistakes, as does everyone was a portion of my point. Anonymous 8:10...I don't disagree with you in that fact. What my point was is that these places that make the mistakes and get called out for it should rectify it instead of making threats.
DeleteI know the consequences of human error all too well. Because of medical error I almost died a year and a half ago. I, personally, did not post anything in publications however, other physicians that were involved in my care DID post in publications in 3 cities in southern Alberta and guess what?! They did it anonymously. "Dear letter to the editor". They HAD to do it anonymously to avoid persecution within their field for standing up for what's right. Obviously, a far different line BUT, anonymity is not unique to the Journal, this blog and restaurants.
These types of anonymous publications are NOT as rare as they seem. But again, I believe my point was lost. I just feel that rather than make threats and rave about the right and wrong of an article, we should be looking at the bigger picture. A restaurant made a mistake (oops, happens), got called on it (damn), and should rectify it (easy). I don't feel we should be censoring the press because a restaurant owner got a fair review (far nicer than I would have given) and is now having a temper tantrum.
What are you taking about, Your right human error happens all the time but do we allow the person to rectify the wrong or do we run home to our computer to bitch about it or even worse put it to print. Give the person an oppertunity to right the wrong.
DeleteWe are all truely sorry that you had medical complictions, that sucks, But I find it hard to believe that you never said anything about it , Seeing how you have responded in this blog in the two days with multiple threads on everyones comments. It sounds and looks like to me, you enjoy to hear or see yourself talk. And I'm sure you will have something to say about this seeing how this topic has consumed you. You of all people should know not to sweat the small stuff.
The business in question WAS given every opportunity to rectify it's mistake. They could have simply posted a reply on the blog, like other business owners have. Easy. In my opinion it takes big balls to do that and I would have applauded that.
DeleteIf I was only interested in hearing myself talk, I would have posted LONG before now. The reason I am posting a great deal is because I feel strongly about freedom of speech and freedom of the press. I don't believe a business with a less than standard reputation in this city should have the right to completely silence the press with threats. Sorry if that is offensive to you.
This was brought to my attention from an outside source and THAT is what brought me here. Not my need to hear/see myself talk.
Whether or not YOU believe I didn't "say anything" is of no consequence to me. The platform I chose to express my concerns with was a face to face conversation with the medical professional that I was dealing with. I don't see anything wrong with that. The platforms the other people involved was their choice, not mine.
Your absolutely right, I have learned not to sweat the small stuff. But in my opinion (and again, that's all it is), this is not small stuff. The freedoms we are awarded in Canada are not small and they should be respected.
And again, you are correct in saying I will respond. This is something I feel passionate about. If my response's are offensive to you or annoy you in some fashion ... that's ok. It's your right to reply or not, to read or not ... because your FREE to do so. Enjoy your day! :)
After reading all that has been posted I do agree that a blog of this type is good, what I don't agree with is the Lethbridge Journal giving this FREE AD space/ Because lets be honest the NOMADS are not paying for this full page colour ad in the Lethbridge paper. I would also say that some of these business's and or partners are paying for the advertizing of this paper only to get slapped in the face. If I was a business, I would pull all my advertizing money out of this paper. Lethbridge is a small, tight nit city that was built on the backs of people taking chances in small business, Lets not hurt that. you don't see major box stores advertizing in small city papers, Its the Mom and Pop type business's that do, They don't have millions of Dollars to print full page colour ads, Maybe the Lethbridge Journal should use that space to highlight Lethbridge Local Business's in a Positve way. Not a one side opionion.
ReplyDeleteAMEN to that!
DeleteHave you even read a Lethbridge Journal SomeOne? I have and from the articles I've read it looks like they spotlight small businesses, people just starting out and local businesses that have have been here for decades. One opinion doesn't make a newspaper, if that was true all newspapers would be out of business, because no matter what you do, you can't please everyone all the time.
DeleteJust because you're a local business doesn't mean you can have shitty service and expect people not only to come back, but to praise your business. That's just ridiculous. Fact is if you own your own business in Lethbridge, you better make sure that the people representing it are doing it correctly, like a waiter, waitress or chef for example.
DeleteSo after reading the review: Just a question, How can you have over cooked , soggy fries? The last time I over cooked anything in a deep fryer it never came out soggy! this statement could not be any further from the truth. This is why I take there creditability into Question. And why when I pick up a News paper there should be creditablity to what I'm reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure a lot of us could read your post here and question your credibility/education as well since your spelling is atrocious and over cooked fries that sit out long enough in a steamy area can definitely become soggy, overcooked fries. Plus you weren't exactly the one eating them. I'm pretty sure "M" knows what his fries tasted like. But good one anyway anon! Keep trying.
DeleteThanks for pointing out my spelling errors, But as far as education I'm in grade 9 At St.Francis junior high school, I work as a dish washer at a local restaurant. And I'm doing a report on this site, My teacher told me to not respond back...But... As for you I feel sorry for your kids, to have a parent so perfect. your such a Jerk.
DeleteI think your teacher is giving you sound advice. Good luck on your report kiddo! :)
DeleteFirst of all, I would like to send my sincere apologies to those who have had an unfulfilling dining experience at Treats. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond. I welcome all of your concerns – it gives me the opportunity to address these issues and learn from them.
ReplyDeleteTreats Eatery has been in business for 29 years in total, the past 21 at our current location. Our goal has always been to serve our clientele the freshest food possible in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere with responsive service. In addition, we strive to correct mistakes and deal with complaints as they arise. We accommodate our clientele’s needs as they’re requested, as quickly as possible. If we’re unable to satisfy your needs we will delete it from your bill.
It is unfortunate that we were not granted the opportunity to do so for your party. Your claim that ``the business owner in question was given every opportunity to rectify his mistake” is not true in this particular situation. In addition, your claim that I am trying to silence the press with legal action is completely unfounded – nothing could be further from the truth. I arranged a meeting with four other restaurant owners so that we could meet with the media group we had concerns with to state our opinions in a professional manner .We stated our displeasure with their format of reporting and also afforded them the opportunity to state their position on the matter at hand. We feel it was a positive and productive gathering. We also understand that this newspaper is a business in Lethbridge, just like ourselves, and they’re just trying to deliver the people of our community a product that will satisfy those who patronize it. Threats and blogging are the furthest thing from my mind. I will deal with this media group in a professional manner – I may require their services to better my business in the future.
It is unfortunate that some customers have had a bad experience with Treats, in the same way that I have had with this media source. It has been said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. It has also been said that everyone deserves a second chance. To ask for a second chance or forgiveness, but to deny that to others would be hypocritical.
I welcome all constructive criticism in the same way I welcome positive feedback - at anytime. I am sorry, but I will not be blogging or visiting web sites, as I have never done so in the past, until this contentious issue came forward. I prefer personal contact with people, I guess, because that’s the nature of the business I am in.
Feel free to contact me at 403-380-4880 or at Treats - 1104 Mayor Magrath Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 2P8. My door is always open. Once again, my apologies to those whom they are owed and thank you for letting me clean up my side of the street. What others do with theirs is up to them.
We look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,Wally Schenk Owner, Treats Eatery.
Now that's a restaurant owner who will continue to stay in business despite people's personal opinions or one or two bad experiences. Way to Go Wally! I'll eat at Treats any day knowing you are this with it, reasonable and mature about running a business. Thanks! Can't wait to come try the food at Treats!
DeleteWally, you rock! I would like to personally extend my apologies to you as, in my mind, you were not the "business in question". When this matter was brought to my attention, you weren't even mentioned. It was a completely different location. I want you to know I had no idea that your business was involved, it was not you that I was directing my comments towards. However, I can see how it may have been perceived that way, and for that, I apologize. I used "business in question" in order not to be slanderous and "out" the location that I was referring to.
ReplyDeleteI admire you coming onto the blog and speaking your piece. In my opinion, that says alot. I personally have never had a poor experience at your establishment. And admittedly, your attention to the concerns addressed, shows me that you care not only about your establishment but your patrons as well. Hats off to you Wally, thank you!
wow it took me a while to find this page (kept looking for Lethbridge lunch nominds.com) First off I would like to say that I have been reading some of the reviews on the local restaurants around town and seeing some of the positive as well as negative comments of these establihments and im shaking my head thinking there is a group of so called business men who go around every thursday and eat lunch and post their opinion and call down a certain business's and post it on a web page or local journal. A real business man would confront the other business and voice his dissatisfaction personaly not blog about it (unless he goes back to his office after lunch and gets paid to blog about it) I have eaten at alot of these establihments and provide service to them as well and see first hand at how hard these people work at having a successful business if they didn't they would not be around still and if you are a group of so called business men then maybe you should open your own restaurant that way you could have the best lunch and not have to drive anywhere. Oh and next time when you take a picture of your next meal...aim the camera a little lower at the pethitic thing between your legs and post a picture of that and see how many people blog about it!!
ReplyDeleteThese blog postings are no different than "Urban Spoon" or any other commentary-type website or blog. There is absolutely nothing wrong or "unprofessional" about these blog postings. People are entitled to their own opinion. Everyone needs to chill out and realize there are millions of postings like this in all cities around the world. I'm sure the nomads never intended to start this blog as a means to piss people off, but obviously you other "businessmen/women" who are posting hate on here are taking this a bit too personally. This blog is no different than word-of-mouth from a friend to a friend.
DeleteIf you want to see naked pictures of men's privates Leroy, there are better sites online to do it, just so ya know
DeleteSounds like you would know those sites quite well
ReplyDelete