I had made reservations to go to Resaurant 561 for my son's birthday, as we had gone there several years ago and had a very nice time. Keep in mind, that I had informed the restaurant in advance that we were celebrating a special occasion. However, until last night, I have NEVER walked out on a restaurant before in my life. After being seated with my wife and 2 children, we sat for a full 10 minutes during which NOONE came by to take our drink order, or even give us a glass of water. Meanwhile, at least 5 or 6 waiters and waitresses stood idly by in plain view near the open kitchen. I don't know about you, but when a restaurant charges $28 for a New York Steak, and touts itself as an upscale dining restaurant of the world class California School of Culinary Arts, I expect not only world class food, but world class service as well. In my mind, leaving a customer sitting there for 10 minutes basically ignoring you completely is far from world class. Suffice it to say we will not be dining there ever again. I understand that this is a teaching restaurant, but I also understand that when a customer is treated as if they are not even there, then the quality of the food no longer matters.
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