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I gave up going to Papa's a while ago. Many people recommended it when I came to Dalian. I kept on trying thinking I just caught them on a bad day but no, every time the same - cold food, tough meat, not wonderful VFM and service just ok, abysmal buffet and no attempt at assessing customer feedback at all (maybe they didn't want to know!)And the Pizza, I could do better on a bad day after being on a bender.
I find it a little sad with the current reviews. I went there quite a time ago and commented to the management on the bands noise level. They switched it down still to an unacceptable level. I think this is to Chinese taste but not to westerners. The food was great but the service ws abysmal, but the only way is up I suppose. Western people will spend money if everything is good and there are more and more western people coming to Dalian. I wonder if Dalian people are prepared to spend the money that they need to at a reataurant like this. Maybe I'm wrong but the management need to think about the western way of thinking for once if they want to increase turnover.. ps. I remember the original western management was terrible to say the least (chewing gum and not interested).
Over the past two years I have shopped for most of my things at Sanba Carrefor. I have now stopped apart from some western items like tinned tomatoes and pastas. The price of meats have nearly doubled in the past six months and the quality of the vegetables is pretty bad for the price. As for frozen fish - freezer burn. I have seen my weekly shop increase by 30% for the same items so now I buy a lot of my veg/ fruit/ fish/ chicken from the markets. Service standards are abysmal, at the busiest times is when they stock the shelves everywhere, if something is not priced at the cash desk they will try to put it to one side as though you never wanted it in the first place. They always look harassed and in most cases never greet or thank you. Don't they realise it makes their job easier and nicer and helps the day go. I'm being too hard, everything comes down from management and of course if customers have a face like a spanked ass do you try to be nice to them. It probably grinds you down after a while. But the prices and quality --------?
Went to the Abushi last night with some Chinese and Western friends after the reviews on Dalianxpat. Not very busy when I arrived, probably about 12 people, the welcome and service was quick and attentative without being over the top. Beer was ice cold as was the water. Our waitress spoke good English and was knowledgable about the menu. English menu was brought as well as Chinese and some photos explained the sets. You could see the Indian chef through glass so no hygiene problems there. The curries were excellent and the Biryani acceptable. Naan breads were wonderful and lightly brushed with ghee, maybe some garlic naan would have been a good option as well. Tandoori chicken was well marinaded and beautifully cooked. We left with a bill for 350rmb for the five of us as we had quite a few extras including those succulent naan. A welcome addition to Dalians eating out scene and I will certainly go again. ps. the toilets are cleaned regularly and have paper and tissue as well as liquid soap. Heaven not having to hold your nose for those precious few minutes.
andreaitalianchef
Coltsfan
