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Restaurant charges diners $95 to slice up birthday cake

A restaurant in Italy has been slammed online after charging a group of diners a hefty cost to simply cut a birthday cake into slices. A family attended the high-end restaurant in the southern area of Arezzo to celebrate their mother's birthday, after they had asked the restaurant in advance if they could bring in an outside cake. After enjoying their meal, which came to a whopping €659 or $1,083 AUD, they were slapped with another fee of €58 or $95 to cut the cake and bring it to the table. Local news outlet <a href="https://corrierefiorentino.corriere.it/notizie/24_agosto_26/arezzo-ristorante-chiede-58-euro-solo-per-tagliare-la-torta-lo-scontrino-diventa-virale-e-il-gestore-quasi-si-scusa-267975fd-2227-4beb-9621-3bffb3aa4xlk.shtml" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Corriere Fiorentino</a> reported that the cost of slicing the cake was more than the cake itself. Two of the dinner guests shared the story of the expensive fee on a local Facebook page, claiming the restaurant said it is the rule of their establishment and they were required to pay it. The owner of the restaurant told the Italian media site, "We do not charge a cover charge and we mainly serve dishes of our own production, so we try to discourage those who bring things from outside." "If we consider that in Arezzo the average cover charge is 2.5 euros per person, there is not such a big difference," they said as they explained the group of diners was 13 people. "My restaurant has to pay for the waiter who serves at the table, the dishwasher and other related services. We have to recover them somehow." However, the owner did admit, "I wasn't there that evening and my employees were perhaps too fussy in managing the situation that had arisen, perhaps cutting the usual price a little or even not charging anything for the cake." "Better 50 euros less and people going home happy than this misunderstanding in which we are all damaged." Image credits: Corriere Fiorentino / Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

George Calombaris bans "racist" diner

Celebrity chef George Calombaris has publicly slammed a diner's "racist" review of his Victorian restaurant, The Hellenic House Project, and banned them from visiting his business. The diner left a negative Google review of the restaurant yesterday, claiming that it was the "Worst 'non' dining experience ever!" The diner claimed they had to wait six weeks for a booking to arrive at the first sitting, and had issues with the manager who they ordered food from. They alleged that after 45 minutes of waiting for their food to arrive, they had to find a waiter themselves and was told the manager had "forgot" to put in the order. "Typically, we weren't offered any compensation except that our food would be out in 5 mins. Which it wasn't. I should've realised it was going to be a disaster when I had to ask for the menu after 10 [minutes]," wrote the customer. "Like others, we've dined in many, many restaurants and were keen to try this 'authentic Greek' experience. It was far from it. "Practically none of the staff were Greek (including' the Manager who was of Indian descent) and the menu didn't reflect what has been posted online. Calombaris - this place is a joke and you've certainly got a few people fooled," they concluded. They gave a one out of five star rating for everything. The celebrity chef hit back at the scathing review by posting a screenshot of it on Instagram with the caption: "Won't lie. I am 99 percent a very positive human. But this is horrible. "Yes. We made a mistake with your order. We are humans. And yes my manager is Indian. You know who you are guys. You're not welcome ever to @thehellenichouseproject," he added. "You don't have to speak Greek or be a Greek to work at THHP. You just have to be a good human. I am so proud of my team. I hate racism. F****n hate it." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvRLCjGSYZy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvRLCjGSYZy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by George Calombaris (@gcalombaris)</a> </div> </blockquote> Various celebrity chefs have come to his defence including, My Kitchen Rules judge Manu Feildel. "Well done George, people like this should just stay home. And that is a very polite way to say what I really feel like saying," he commented with an angry emoji. Calombaris' former MasterChef co-host and celebrity chef also came to his defence, with a quote from diplomat Mohamad Safa. "Our world is not divided by race, colour, gender or religion. Our world is divided into wise people and fools. And fools divided themselves by race, colour, gender, or religion," he commented Former MasterChef contestant Nicholas Fredrick Riewoldt also commented his support and said, "5/5 across the board when I visited @thehellenichouseproject love you GC ❤️". Another former MasterChef contestant Dan Churchill also defended Calombaris. "Standing up for your team mate, huge. You often ask if this kind of note means the individual needs a hug. Absolutely love @thehellenichouseproject," he commented. Images: Instagram

Food & Wine

Karen’s Diner slammed for "crossing the line"

Karen’s Diner has been slammed for crossing the line and body shaming a man for his receding hairline. The popular restaurant popped up and instantly became a sensation where the staff are basically required to be “very rude” to customers. However, in this instance, the staff at Karen’s Diner in Brisbane went a step too far and made a comment about a man’s receding hairline. “What’s one thing your f***ing sign says,” the visibly angry man yells at the workers. “No body shaming,” he said as he pointed to the sign of instructions which must be followed. At the man’s feet are some napkins and straws which suggest the man may have thrown them in fury. <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7146733441411828994&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40bechardgrave%2Fvideo%2F7146733441411828994%3F_r%3D1%26_t%3D8Vycdj6hoP4%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26item_id%3D7146733441411828994&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> The video was shared to TikTok by Bec Hardgrav who said that during her time there, the staff were commenting about people’s looks. “They were making offensive comments about people’s appearances," she said. “They told my friend she needs to brush her hair, like how mean is that. “They told my other friend that she was too old and threw cups at us. “I know they’re paid to be mean to you but it was a little hectic. Safe to say I probably won’t come back." Some people commented on the video saying that people should not go to the restaurant if they can’t handle the banter. “You should all know the risks before entering. If you’re too soft, don’t eat there,” someone wrote. “Karen's shouldn't go to Karen's diner,” another commented. “Do people not understand the concept on this place? If you’re going to get offended and mad, don’t go- simple,” another wrote. Others however, were on the man’s side saying he knew the rules more than the staff did and applauded him for his stance. “Literally the guy at the end is on the right,” someone commented. “There’s a difference between Karen’s and bullies,” another wrote. “The guy at the end is well in the right,” someone else wrote. The Karen’s Diner website also has the house rules which must be followed otherwise people will be asked to leave for breaking them. “No racist, sexist, homophobic or ableist comments or slurs will be tolerated,” the list begins. “No body shaming, no sexual harassment, any damage or vandalism of the venue will lead to instant removal from the venue, keep your food and drink on your tables, don’t throw them, it’s not fun. “Even though this is Karen’s Diner, OHS rules still apply. We are a functioning restaurant so do not interfere with hospitality processes. “Just sit down, shut up, eat your food and bring on the banter.” Images: TikTok

Food & Wine

REVIEW: Does Karen’s Diner live up to the hype?

Karen’s Diner: a restaurant franchise with intentionally bad service and equally as bad food. Marketed as a one-of-a-kind interactive experience, it seems quite appealing – as I myself come from a customer service background and understand how frustrating it can be to keep up a polite facade when consumers are blatantly rude and demanding. Going in with an open mind, we set off on our search for a good meal and an overall unique experience. To ensure we were going to eat that night, we booked our seats in the Karen’s Diner Sydney four days out, and excitement grew after we spent the ensuing days reading the rave reviews posted on social media. The office was buzzing with excitement. Could we become repeat customers? Time would tell. Shortly after arriving, we were immediately shoved aside for an additional 20 minutes waiting to be seated, and the staff weren’t even vaguely apologetic about the wait time. However, hungry and keen to try a few different burgers, we weren’t about to be deterred. Walking to our table, the servers shoved a bottle of table water and glasses in my arms. I was caught quite off guard by that and found it somewhat hazardous. Immediately, I became aware of the ambiance and felt awkward, as it is neither welcoming nor inviting. In photos we’d seen earlier, the venue looked like an old-fashioned style ‘50s diner, specifically designed as the perfect backdrop for the “unique” experience. The venue itself could do with a thorough clean though, with the floors sticky and covered in streaks of grime and spilled drinks. I was unsure whether or not this was part of the act, but there’s a difference between standard OH&S practices and supposed dinner theatre. Our server was neither mean nor polite. I don’t usually like to be judgmental - as long as the job is done efficiently. The overall service experience was inconsistent. The waitress was cold and direct, all while seeming to be disinterested in putting effort into the gag of purposeful meanness. We ordered drinks and she immediately started to roast us – which wasn’t particularly funny or enjoyable (we ordered the most basic soft-drinks, FYI) and considering that a majority of the customers were hanging onto the edge of their seats for the “rude” service, her act was less than impressive. Moving onto the food, we ordered two vegan burgers: The “Vegan Karen” and “Oktoberfest Karen”, as well as two regular burgers: The “Deep Fried Karen” and “Royale Karen”. I am confident the food here is a catfish situation and honestly felt somewhat betrayed. The food looked appealing and delicious online, especially through photos on Instagram – but in reality, we were served up a variety of pale and tasteless burgers, which I personally found reminiscent of cardboard. The sauce on the Vegan burgers tasted like glue and even had the same texture. I think it was just off, as the mock-meat was rubbery and cold and the buns were for sure expired. As for the burgers served with meat - the contents fell out of the bottom and dripped down the hands of my coworker, leaving her less than impressed (her exact word was “filthy” – which I’d have to agree with). For the price tag ($120 all up) I would expect a satisfying meal, with quality, fresh ingredients. For the same price tag, you can visit your local KFC and have a way better dining experience. If I was looking to improve the customer experience at Karen’s Diner, I would start by using fresh produce and revising the prices to reflect what is actually being served and sold. I would also offer the staff training – or hire aspiring actors, rather than those who put minimal effort into the experience. Overall, would I recommend Karen’s Diner? Absolutely not. For $120 and everything Sydney has to offer, I would simply find somewhere else to eat. I rate the food 2.5 stars and the service (or lack thereof) a solid 2 out of 5. When we paid the bill, they gave us the classic Karen “F*** off,” and you know what? I very gladly will. Image: Supplied

Food & Wine

New pop-up “Karen” restaurant delivers rude service on purpose

A unique pop-up dining experience is set to open in October, with a very different and potentially divise gimmick. Karen’s Diner will serve up American comfort dishes alongside terrible service and ‘Karen’ stereotypes. The diner’s catchphrase, "Great Burgers & Rude Service", has already started to create a buzz, as people anticipate their grand opening in Sydney this October. The restaurant is the latest project from the Sydney-based experiential hospitality company, who have previously been behind Wonderland Bar — a Mad Hatter-themed pop-up. The 1950s-style diner pokes fun at ‘cancel culture’ by flipping the golden rules of hospitality on its head. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844383/burgers.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c873ce11fa5b4295b174c7f61e365ccb" /> Image credit: bemorekaren.com The tongue-in-cheek concept was inspired by the rise in complaining ‘Karens’ in popular culture, a pejorative trope referring to an entitled and privileged white woman, often seen demanding to "speak to the manager". As part of the unique dining experience, staff are encouraged to be rude to patrons, while customers can have fun and go along for the ride. Despite the controversial service, the creators of the venue have assured customers that the food will be of an extremely high quality, with a menu of comfort classics including burgers, wings, shakes and cocktails on offer. Their menu items even feature Karen-themed names, with drink titles including 'The Music Is Too Loud’, ‘I’ve Been Waiting 10 Minutes for Some Service’, and ‘You’ve Just Lost My Business’. There will also be a number of vegan and vegetarian options available for those with dietary requirements. The hospitality group regularly works with actors, so their staff will definitely be brutal in their off-beat offences. Viral Ventures co-founder Aden Levin says the concepts are all designed to be fun and offer customers "something they have never experienced before". "Particularly after the last few months, we just want people to have fun and this is our approach to all our venues and pop-ups around Australia," he says. For more information or to book a table, visit <a href="https://www.bemorekaren.com/">bemorekaren.com</a> Image credits: Shutterstock / bemorekaren.com

Travel Trouble

Restaurant shock as diner leaves $16,000 tip to help pay staff

A customer at a restaurant in Texas has made the restaurant owner’s day by leaving a very generous tip. It was left by a regular customer who had been dining at Houston’s Irma’s Southwest restaurant for the last 15 years and left a $9,400 tip on an order of shrimp tacos earlier this week. The tip equates to $16,700 AUD and was left with an instruction to the restaurant owner to “pay your guys over the next few weeks”. "Basically we are going to split that among the staff members, not management. So, about 30 people will split the $9,400 evenly," restaurant owner Louis Galvan <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/texas-restaurant-receives-9400-tip-coronavirus-outbreak" target="_blank">told</a> Fox News. Galvan says the tip "reinvigorated" the restaurant. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835221/tips.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d8cb6aac8aaf45ec8cb34a21a8903e5a" /> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> "Honestly, we were going to close, but now we're going to try and make the best out of this deal," he said. "We're going to make this thing work." "I think he came here just to [give that tip]. He came down here specifically to do that and wish us the best of luck. Everyone was amazed." The customer’s act of kindness inspired others to visit the restaurant. "Another regular customer came in and left a $100 tip on a $90 ticket after he saw the report," Galvan said. "He came in just to purchase lunch and leave another gratuity." </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

Outrage after diners charged $72 to cut birthday cake

It should have been a happy occasion, but one woman’s birthday celebration turned sour when she was charged $72 to cut her birthday cake at a Mornington Peninsula winery for just six people. Sue, who organised her friend’s birthday lunch at Stillwater at Crittenden, told 3AW the party was furious after such an exorbitant charge for a $10 passionfruit sponge cake purchased from a local bakery. <img width="600" height="923" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7815958/dde87aa872564f6f2b932d2b5454f191.jpg" alt="Dde 87aa 872564f 6f 2b 932d 2b 5454f 191" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> “We sang happy birthday and everything ... they charged me $72 for the cake to be cut,” Sue said. “If we’d have known we’d have literally cut it with a butter knife.” However, the restaurant’s director, Zac Poulier, told the Herald Sun that the woman made the booking for 12 people and was aware of the $6 per person service charge. “It was in the booking notes under her booking that she might be bringing a cake and she was aware that there would be a cakeage charge,” he claimed. Poulier was also annoyed that rather than taking the issue up with the restaurant, she went straight to a radio station. “Absolutely it’s disappointing … we did charge $72 but that was for 12 people, not for six and this lady was told at the time of booking about the fee.” Tell us in the comments below, do you think the woman is right to be angry?

Retirement Income

Dad responds to judgemental diners after his toddler’s restaurant tantrum

A dad has posted a photo of his daughter throwing a temper tantrum on his blog to change judgemental attitudes towards parents. Clint Evans, the dad behind <a href="http://www.byclintedwards.com/" target="_blank">No Idea What I'm Doing: A Daddy Blog</a>, and his wife took their kids out to a family dinner, when his toddler had a tantrum. He was forced to take her out of the restaurant to calm her down, but not before receiving judgemental stares from other diners. In a post to Facebook, Evans writes: "She had a meltdown because mum wouldn't let her throw chicken strips. So she screamed, and screamed, and kicked and kicked, and since I was the only one finished with my meal, I had the pleasure of dragging her out of Red Robin." He continues: “I carried her past the bar and everyone stared at me, most of them childless, I assumed. No one with children would give me that straight faced, lip twisted, look that seems to say, ‘If you can't control your kid, then don't go out.’” Evans has something to say about that. “Well... no. I can't control her. Not all the time. Not yet,” he says. “She's two and it's going to take years to teach her how to act appropriately in public, and the only way I am ever going to teach that is to take her out and show her what's right and wrong. By saying no a million times, letting her throw a fit, and telling her no again.” He ended with a plea for people to take a second to rethink their criticism and try to empathise rather than judge. “I get it. Kids are irritating when they are loud in a restaurant. I know. I’m living it. But before you get angry and judgmental, realise that what you are witnessing is not bad parenting, but rather, parents working hard to fix the situation. You are looking at what it takes to turn a child into a person.” Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2017/01/superstar-grandmas-picture-book-defying-old-stereotypes/">“Superstar Grandmas” children’s book defying old stereotypes</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2017/01/the-new-grandparenting-handbook/">The new grandparenting handbook</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2017/01/hilarious-video-of-grandparents-worrying-about-their-granddaughter/">Hilarious video of grandparents worrying about their granddaughter</a>

News

Dick Van Dyke treats diners to a performance of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”

Iconic film star Dick Van Dyke, 90, has treated diners at a Santa Monica restaurant to a spontaneous performance of his hit song “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” with the help of his a cappella group The Vantastix. The group popped into a Denny’s restaurant for breakfast and gave their fellow diners an unforgettable meal. Take a look at their wonderful rendition in the video above. We think you’ll agree, Van Dyke is just as talented as ever! Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/08/great-grandma-rides-with-30-bikers-on-her-80th-birthday/">Great-grandma rides with 30 bikers on her 80th birthday</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/grandpa-declines-seat-on-rio-train/">Grandpa declines seat on Rio train in the most impressive way</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/d-day-veteran-sent-200-get-well-cards/">D-Day veteran sent over 200 “get well” cards from strangers</a>

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Restaurant charges diners $95 to slice up birthday cake

George Calombaris bans "racist" diner

Karen’s Diner slammed for "crossing the line"

REVIEW: Does Karen’s Diner live up to the hype?

New pop-up “Karen” restaurant delivers rude service on purpose

Restaurant shock as diner leaves $16,000 tip to help pay staff

Outrage after diners charged $72 to cut birthday cake

Dad responds to judgemental diners after his toddler’s restaurant tantrum

Dick Van Dyke treats diners to a performance of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”

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