Dear Mavros41

Many thanks for the review - glad you enjoyed your trip here.

I class our chili as medium spiciness. But some people can't handle it and some like to pep it up... Good tip on the hot sauces. We have about 50 different types from slightly spicy to melt-your-face-off (Those are my favourites).

Look forward to seeing you down here again soon.

Best Regards


Charley

Dear William W

Although it's great to hear from someone who enjoyed our food, it's disheartening to hear the staff slacked off.

I only take one holiday a year and unfortunately, when the boss is on the other side of the world, it's possible (probable) the daytime staff weren't as attentive as they should have been.

I apologise sincerely for that and thank you for bringing it to my attention.... I'll make sure someone gets one of my 'serious talks'. If you happen to make it back through here, I'd be more than happy to make sure that bottle of Laos is complimentary.

Best Regards


Charley

Dear Gautamlaos

I was on holiday when I read your review. I'll be honest, I've really been looking forward to replying.

Let me start by explaining something - My restaurant is a secular places. Religion plays no part in its operation. I cater for the stomach, not for the soul.

Having said that, we have successfully catered for Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus many times before. And also for people with gluten, peanut, dairy and shellfish allergies. We've made vegetarian, vegan and Jain food. All of these had one thing in common - the guests TOLD us what they wanted and we obliged.

Now let's get to your incident.... You ordered Chili Fries. When they arrived you began to eat them. Halfway through you asked what was in them. And when you discovered it was beef, you told us you were a Hindu.

As you probably recall, you showed us on your phone how 'chili' was described according to Google. However, you didn't like Google's description of 'chili fries' though since nearly every recipe contains beef.

I sort of feel bad for you... But honestly, 'chili fries' are a standard dish across the world and they usually contain beef. If you didn't know, you could have asked.

Now do you remember you told me you thought the dish was 'cheese, fries and chilies'? That's a reasonable guess if you don't know any differently. However.... once the dish arrived that was clearly covered in meat, wouldn't that be a good time to ask whether that meat was beef or not?

Considering that (according to you) your eternal soul was at stake, why would you eat half a meal before asking what was in it?

But to put your mind at rest, I asked a Hindu friend what would happen and his answer was 'Nothing'. He said only certain sects of Hindus don't eat beef. And *accidentally* eating beef isn't a sin at all.

'Causing the death of a cow' would be a sin for some Hindus (I'll assume your shoes and belt were imitation leather). Therefore you don't need to 'repent for the whole of your life', but if you want to, please do so.

There are roughly 4200 religions in the world. Many of them have 'rules' about what can and can't be eaten. My menu is A3 sized... I can't accommodate everyone's beliefs AND run a successful restaurant.

You and I have very different perspectives on this.... You think it's my fault because the menu didn't list beef. I think it's your fault because I feel you should have asked once you saw there was meat on your meal.


Regards


Charley

Ahhhh Martin, Martin Martin....

Here's what really happened that will clear up some of the confusion.

Your party arrived 45 minutes early for your booking - which wasn't a problem at all. I greeted you at the door and looked for your table.

The problem was you told us the booking was under your SURNAME, but it was booked under your first name. We couldn't find it because we were given the wrong information.

The reason for asking (not 'barking') "Which restaurant?" is quite simple.... At least 3 times a week, someone walks into our restaurant thinking we are Snapper (to the right) or Tapas Cafe (to the left). It's happens much more often than we mess up a booking. It's not a question of stupidity, it's just what happens.

I'm glad the food and service were top-notch and really excellent. Apologies for not noticing you leave, sometimes that happens in a busy restaurant. It's much more likely that I didn't see you rather than I deliberately ignored you. I try to say hello and goodbye to all my guests.

Summary, if you want delicious Mexican food, then try this restaurant. But remember which name you booked your table under and don't be so sensitive if I don't notice you on your way out a busy Friday night.

Regards


Charley

Dear JamesABryan

We look forward to your return visit. It's extremely gratifying to hear we're doing a good job on all fronts.

This last 18 months have been crazy and space HAS been limited on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Booking is advised, especially for groups of 3 or more at peak times.

We have an idea for making more space, but we need the landlord's approval. If/when it happens, you'll notice it immediately.

Hope to see you again soon.

Best Regards


Charley