Was on my way home from work when my guy and I decided to drop in at Uncle's Kitchen. Now I had heard of this place sooo many times (not most recently, but still...). So we go all the way to Malad (through the horrible traffic on Link Road).
When we entered, there were only 2 tables occupied (this was around 8 pm). The tables were clean. Water was served promptly, and we got the menu immediately too. What ticked me off first was that the captain (who perpetually looks like he swallowed a lemon and behaves as if he is doing you a HUGE favour by getting you the menu) kept hovering while we were looking at the menu. I mean - give us five minutes to atleast see it! It is very irritating when someone is standing right next to you when you are looking at the menu.
We were not very hungry, so we ordered garlic rice and paneer manchurian. The captain couldn't really recommend any dish, nor was he helpful in suggesting how a dish would be. Just his standard 'this is spicy' 'This is non-spicy' replies. I can figure that out for myself, thank you. So the food comes. The plates are those cheap plastic ones, as are the food bowls.
Now this guy just keeps(nearly plonks) the food on the table and walks away. No, he does NOT serve it. Does not turn up later to ask if we need anything else. The boy who was clearing the tables was prompt (the same guy who served the water). Food was VERY AVERAGE. Nothing different or great. Very much like you would get at the next chinese restaurant. Very much the 'Indianised chinese' (which I was very much expecting, and don't mind having at all.). Not the kind of food that would leave a mark.
So we just ask for the bill. That guy plonks down the bill and mouth freshner too. I mean, WTH? If you are having a bad day, don't show it to the customers. I am NOT a bad customer, I am polite and ALWAYS tip very well. I have been to some of the best restaurants in the city, and have NEVER faced this kinda service. Even the busy waiters at some small udipi-restaurants are more polite. These guys need to realise that they are not doing anyone a favour by running a restaurant, and this attitude is not going to take anyone anywhere.
We tipped the water-boy well, and left. I am not going back to this place for sure. There is nothing here that would make me want to visit again. Food - just regular, and service - I wouldn't be surprised if he would have told us to carry our own food from the kitchen. Slam down this review all you'd like. For all I care, I'm a regular Mumbaikar writing an honest review.
foodie.me
