Double disappointment for Valentine’s

Despite the massive sales of roses/flowers, chocolates and teddy bears on Valentine’s Day, I am fairly sure that most Valentine’s evenings are centered on a romantic dinner. My husband secured a booking at The Crayfish Inn at La Montagne, which unfortunately turned out to be terribly disappointing.
I am not sure what would come to mind when I say “The Crayfish Inn” but I am pretty sure you would expect ‘fish’ and possibly ‘crayfish’? We really wanted to spoil ourselves and on arrival the night looked promising, with a welcome rose and champagne and escort into a romantic setting with traditional red and white linen with scattered petals on the table. The menu, although nicely printed and rolled into a simple bow, looked pretty but was sadly a dismal set menu with a choice of four starters, four main dishes (chicken, lasagna, rump steak or grilled kingklip) and four desserts. Only two basic fish dishes on the menu that one could eat at any eatery in Ballito including take-away, or my kitchen.
We did ask if we could deviate from the set menu and at least order prawns (and pay the additional cost) but were told by the manager this was not possible. The manager did confess that a number of the patrons were disenchanted but the budgeted set menu at R235.00 per person did not permit any deviation. Unfortunately the meal had few redeeming qualities. The crumbed mushrooms were extremely dry and over fried, vegetables were limp, steak overdone, and the ice cream twice the size of my main meal.
On the up side, the staff were attentive and very friendly but unfortunately Mr Manager, I don’t think I will take you up on your suggestion that we return this week and sample your crayfish (unless you are prepared to credit the Valentine meal towards a meal we were really looking forward to in the first place).
Sadly this was a double disappointment as it was not only Valentine’s Day but our first anniversary as well.
The moral of the story: keep your expectations in check and always check out your restaurant and its menu before booking!
A VERMEULEN
Ballito

Steven Schoombee, Assistant General Manager, replies: Apologies for the menu that did not live up to your expectations. Due to it being Valentines Day we decided to do a set menu that people would find enjoyable but unfortunately there were a couple of people that were not happy. It is very difficult at times to please everyone, but we tried our best.
What I could do is offer you to come and try out the seafood buffet when we launch that in a couple of weeks time. You can then see what true hospitality is all about as we will even do something special for you as it was your anniversary on Valentines Day. We will credit you for your Valentines Meal and the Buffet will be on us. Looking forward to welcoming you back at La Montagne again.