When you go to a slightly upscale place that serves thali, there are a couple of things you expect as a standard – good service and friendly servers who coax to have just one more helping. If you are headed to Panchvati Gaurav though, then better cast these expectations aside, because they will be throttled heartlessly.
Around 10 of us made a reservation on a Sunday afternoon and a few of us reached there before the others. The steward then very rudely admonished us that all the people from our party were not present! He told us that he could have easily seated others in the 3 places he had set aside for us? What was unbelievable was that he was actually complaining very loudly, inviting stares from other patrons in the place.
It almost felt that we were there on some discount coupon or were there to enjoy a free meal!
Needless to say, such discourteous behaviour was the last thing we had expected. And when we told him that he was being ill-mannered, he just stormed off.
Add to it, the waiters took forever to get us refills and we had to literally raise our voice and become churlish before they paid any attention. Perhaps, they are used to people yelling at them before they get down to doing their job - with nary a smile.
And it was all the more embarrassing because I had guests from Bahrain to who I had spoken very highly about the quality of service and food. I was let down totally by the former. But luckily the latter bit held up.
The food was non-greasy and wholesome.
But the next time I want to enjoy some good thali in the burbs, I think I will stick to Rajdhani. The people there make you feel like royalty in comparision.
VinitaBhatia
