Restaurant Review: Casa Corona

This requires an introduction. First, it is a letter written several years ago and I had to pull it out to post it because I was running late and what I was writing for today was descending into real garbage as my brain went mushy due to the late hour.

The experience IS several years old, some current standards could be different, but I never received a response from management, had several similar type experiences before (I'll never publicly call out a restaurant on ONE meal; everyone has an off day) so I have no problem giving them a negative review.

Douglas Richert

doug.richert@gmail.com

June 13, 2011

General Manager

Casa Corona

7044 N. Cedar Ave.

Fresno, CA 93720

Dear General Manager:

On Wednesday, June 8 2011, I had a very disappointing dining experience at Casa Corona. It was a little after ten when I entered and sat myself at the bar. After years in the restaurant business in both the back and front of the house, I usually prefer the bar as the service is usually a notch above. Tonight was not the case.

I sat for several minutes before being approached by what I thought was the barback, as he was concentrated on breaking and cleaning the bar. When finally approached, I said I wanted a menu and “I’ll start (emphasis added) with water.” For the rest of the night, no one asked if I wanted anything else to drink or offered to refill the glass. This is also the first Mexican restaurant were I haven’t even been offered chips and salsa, let alone an upsell attempt on appetizer. In fact, the only interaction with the bartender was when he asked for the three ingredients I wanted in my combo plate burrito.

After the initial delay in approach and ordering, the food did arrive in a timely matter, but, with the exception of the refried beans, barely warm. If I had to guess, I would say the steam table had been broken down to be cleaned and the cook relied on the cheese melter to heat the food. He was not successful. Even, if hot, the food would only have been average. The chicken in the enchilada was flavorless and the burrito was so light in ingredients it tasted like a flour burrito instead of the ground beef I had ordered.

As I have mentioned, I have worked in the restaurant business and understand the need to clean up and get off the clock. I understand closing duties and the need to start them before end of service can lead to a different experience for the 10 pm guest than the 6 pm guest. But, if they are charged the same prices, shouldn’t they have the same experience? I feel that I was ignored by the bar staff who were busy cleaning and an afterthought to the kitchen. Since the late night priority seems to be closing the restaurant, I will do my part by not creating anymore work for the crew of Casa Corona.

Thank you for your time.