This weekend the Mister and I had dinner with two of our two dear friends, Sean and Matty. This dinner was important for two reasons: 1.) we hadn’t made a date with them in AGES; 2.) It had been way too long (almost a year!) since we had eaten at The Grovewood Tavern.
From the Website:
The Grovewood Tavern & Wine Bar offers an atmosphere that is clean, friendly and relaxed. Customers can socialize with friends and new acquaintances in an easy-going atmosphere while choosing from our wide selection of fine wines; domestic, imported and micro-brewed beer; and select liquors. The patrons of the Grovewood Tavern & Wine bar are a diverse and friendly bunch, who come to enjoy fine beverages, fine food, and, of course, fine company.
Our menu features “familiar-exotic” foods from around the world at down-to-Earth prices. We present weekly specials along with customer favorites, so you’re sure to find something to please!
I really love the Grovewood Tavern’s laid-back kitschy look. It’s cozy and inviting, making you want to stay for hours (too bad we couldn’t – but more on that later).
Upon being seated, each table is given a plate of freshly baked bread and garlic dipping oil – check out those whole cloves!
Having a considerable amount of time to scan the menu (I did my research online 
), I already knew what I was going to order. Moroccan Mahi-Mahi: Grilled and served with artisinal lemon oil, with roasted spaghetti squash and lentil salad.
Sorry for the poor picture quality – the restaurant was very dark!
This was delicious – exactly what I was hoping for. The Mahi Mahi was cooked quite well and the lemon oil infused the entire fillet with mouth-watering, fresh flavor. The lentil salad was incredibly refreshing. Crisp and tangy, it did a great job of cleansing the palette. But my favorite bites were spent on the spaghetti squash! This was cooked to the perfect consistency and seasoned with something sweet (maple syrup, perhaps?) but balanced with subtle spices.
Everyone else really enjoyed their meals, as well. Great food…better company…fabulous evening!
UNTIL…
Now, let me give you a bit of context. While the Grovewood looks super laid-back and comfortable, the prices are not. The Mister and I spent more than $50 total for just two entrees (no drinks!). That being said, I don’t mind splurging for a good meal and an opportunity to relax and chat with good friends. What I do mind is being PUSHED OUT.
Le me give you the run down. We had just finished our meals and paid the bill. The Mister was in the middle of a story and we were all having a really great conversation. Note: other patrons were doing the same — i.e. enjoying each-other’s company after finishing their meal. But they must have had an “in” with the manager or something, because what happened next was simply not cool. Dear Grovewood Tavern, perhaps KICKING patrons out of your restaurant isn’t the best way of getting them to come back. This is simple customer service, people. I understand if we lingered for an extra 30 minutes…but it had been 5 (tops).
The “manager” (or bus boy with a huge ego) came to our table and said the following: “Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed your meal. As you can see we are kind of busy and I could use the table, so….yea….” —AWKWARD SILENCE —
Dude, are you kidding me? This has never, EVER happened to me before. I was actually a bit in shock – we all were! The thing that REALLY put me over the edge, though, was the fact that I had seen this “manager” making the rounds to other tables to “welcome them” and ask them about their meals. We were never “welcomed,” just “goodbye-d.” And we’re cool people – totally approachable! Grovewood Tavern, I MIGHT give you one more chance, but if you pull these shenanigans again, I might need to add you to my Black List — even if your food is spectacular. Because what’s the point of having an amazing meal if the whole experience leaves a bitter taste in your mouth?
Moral of the story: if you go to Grovewood Tavern — ORDER DESSERT — because $8 is definitely worth being able to enjoy an extra few minutes of conversation with your friends.
Have you ever experienced something similar? How did you handle it?
