We are looking for the unsatisfied customer from last month who ate about 3weeks ago on a Monday evening.
It was a couple that spoke English, ordered the House white wine and then I explained them our dishes of the day which was Sofrito served with the Greek roast potatoes and a bit of rice , chicken souvlaki served with greek roast potatoes and vegetables , Mousaka, fresh sardines and courgette keftedes.
They ordered the courgette-keftedes and two portions of sofrito.
As they were eating I remember well having been at least twice and asked them if they everything was Allright as we normal do... the answers was something like "OK thaks" if I remember well ...
Nothing came in my attention that something was wrong but but when they finished their meal and the bill arrived the man came inside to pay and told Noufris who happened to be at the till that this was the worse meal they had in Arillas . Noufris was very surprised and protective tried to ask about what it was wrong and even said that if they were not satisfied they would not have to pay buthe man insisted to pay and so he did and then left............
Two days ago we received through our Brouklis website (http://brouklis.com)a rather offensive anonymous email from probably the same couple . Between all the offensive words there was a complain that the food was not presented well and that rice and potatoes does not fit together... the lady was not feeling well the next day as I filed them up with carbohydrates etc.
I did answer but they email they 've given me is not existed as there name used is "anonymous"
I felt very bad as we can not react on this......
I just had to share this... perhaps the people concerned can see this and they have the opportunity to accept an honest answer from me. As I do expect an apology from them too.
The dish we served, "Sofrito" it is a traditional Corfiot
speciality and we do serve it with the greek roast potatoes and rice ( we
serve that dish for at least the last 23 years every Monday in our
Taverna) At that night we served all portions ( about 20) at our taverna
exactly the way we served theirs....
After Noufris told me what happened I was asking all customers who had
the same dish in order to find out what is wrong... none has reported anything
wrong ( I did mention that one of our guests did not enjoy this at that
night)
From a very confused and depressed taverna owner.
Oh Dimitris
Please do not worry as some people will never be satisfied and are born to complain!! It is the same problem that apartment and hotel owners can have with Tripadvisor - such reviews are left online and the service providers have no redress at all!!
I think that everyone will soon go online and point out the good service and wonderful food you provide and the complaint will soon be out of site amongst all the favourable reviews.
Perhaps the couple are just generally unhappy people and want a good moan!
Te be honest, most people see through the comments made by miserable people!
Regards
Angela
Dimitis, As the Old English saying goes "There's nowt so strange as folks", with all due respect, your culinary integrity is up there with the best traditional corfiot fare,sorry to hear about your experience with the odd couple,I work in service industry so I can certainly emphasise,some people just make no sense at all,for what it's worth on my recent visit to your place two weeks since I had the Mousaka and if I remember right the wife had the Stamna,..thoroughly enjoyed the meal it was lovely.
Cheers
Bob K.
Well I for one am very glad that I now know Sofrito is served on a Monday as one of my favourite dishes. Not sure if I will be able to resist the chops though. As for the customer Dimitris, as Angela has said, try not to let it bother you. They had plenty of opportunity to tell you their thoughts and chose not to. 20 days and counting x
Actually I missread a little (but then I am supposed to be working and not on here) and thought they had posted on TripAdvisor! Subsequently I have now added a simply glowing review on there to go along with the rest of the wonderful reports xxx
Hope you get it sorted Dimitris xx
It was my displeasure to read this very offensive E-mail that Brouklis received. If any meal does not come up to ones expectations, or maybe one feels one can offer constructive criticism, there is a right way to achieve that. Numerous 4 letter words, linked to an offensive e-mail from "anonymous", especially an e-mail, that cannot be replied to, just maybe, is the wrong way to put, what could be, a valid point across. Should have asked to see the Manager to sensibly explain his/her problem
All Tavernas/Restaurants can get it wrong, sometimes, we all know that but equally we should possibly be helping them by offering genuine feedback on any meal. Is it a British idea to sit through a meal that we are not happy with and when asked "Everything OK?" say "Very Nice, we'll see you again" –
Hmmmm! – Been there and done that!!
If you don't like rice then ask if they can serve what you want with chips or small salad. If you don't like salad on your plate then specify "no salad" Places want you to enjoy and get you back for another meal.
I have sent a meal back which came with rice and I did not order rice – Not a problem. We still eat there.
I remember once when we had some very nice lamb and Greek roast potatoes it came with mixed veg, from a can. I just mentioned at the end of the meal that mixed veg may not be enjoyable to all. I happen to know that the Taverna owner asked others their opinion. Now the lamb is served with whatever fresh veg is available. Equally I have ordered half a chicken and received a quarter. Queried at the time and got another quarter.
(And a bottle of Retsina on the house!)
All I can beg of all out there is:-
Do not be embarrassed if you feel you have a valid point to put across concerning any meal that may not be what you hoped. Don't just order a meat dish without asking what accompanies it. Don't eat chips? -ask for a salad etc etc. All our custom is very important to all places who offer food. They want to get it right and good honest Feedback is essential to help for the future. – Not after the event with an e-mail that I would not even print in case my toilet tissue ran out.
Negg
I can not add anything to what Eggy has said, nor to any other posts. We ate at Brouklis a number of times in May including both Monday nights (just for the Sofrito) well the first Monday for the company of two other couples as well, four of us ordered this meal and it was as delicious as it always is. We ate there often in the two weeks......Jo the lamb chops were beautiful.
Some people just enjoy complaining, this couple would have made a number of complaints about their holiday I am sure, and as for the abusive mail it only shows what sort of ignorant, mannerless cretins they are.
Don't trouble yourself with worrying about them Dimitri, the people that matter are the ones that return again and again, and they only return because your food is excellent, as is your company.
Val n Bill xx
Dimitirs - we ate in your taverna several times on our visits in 2001 and 2004 and still remember them like yesterday. The food was fantastic. My husband remembers not just your fantastic food but he recalls that it was the first time that he used a card machine brought to the table. Had not used one in the England either. Anyway, I digress. We are returning to Arillas on Monday and cannot wait to eat again at Brouklis.
Please do not let the email upset you. Some people are just not worth it.
Dimitris
As Angela said some people are not happy unless they complain. You gave them a chance to speak up and it's their fault they didn't!!! There is No need to be nasty. If the food is not to their taste it is not your fault. As for his wife being poorly because of too many carbs, well I'm sure you didn't force feed her!!!
I worked in hospitality years ago and the things people complain about is silly. Down to my wife has 6 mushrooms and I have 5!!!! Don't worry as people who have dined in your place will know the standard produced. I will certainly be eating there later in the month!! I look forward to it x
Ok, google has let me down & just come up with a tomato based sauce. So I'll ask the stupid question...... what is Sofrito??
We're over at the weekend & plan to visit Brouklis on Monday evening so a hint would be good :)
Sofrito is slowly braised veal, or in most cases beef cooked with garlic. It is divine.
oh dimitris, how upsetting for you.
no complaints from this family, the food and service is always first class.
even my son when we visited last september said it was the best meal he has had in greece (and he's a fussy devil!!!!)
ger x
Thanks Jo, that's made my mind up, Monday evening it'll be :)
How awful to get such an email when the people concerned had plenty of opportunities to say if there was anything wrong with their meal whilst eating it and also afterwards. The way they have complained is typical of someone where there is actually nothing wrong and it's actually bullying & harassment - avoiding complaining in person and then hiding behind an anonymous email address. I would put money on the fact that there was nothing wrong at all with their meal. They perhaps were looking for something a little closer to the food served in McDonalds or a pub that simply puts frozen food in the microwave - whereas the food served at Brouklis is traditional, home-cooked Corfiot recipes.
Do not let it worry you Dimitris. Hundreds of people have wonderful meals at your fabulous, traditional taverna and these 2 are just out to cause you worry and stress. Take heart from those who say at the end of their meal "that was delicious, thank you". Can't wait to eat at Brouklis again next year.
Dimitri, I have eaten in your taverna many, many times and never had a meal that was less than excellent. Knowing you I also can imagine the effect this would have on you. All I can say is remember "You will never please all of the people all of the time" Ask yourself, would you really want people like that as customers?, You deserve better,
Ivan
Dimitris
We have eaten at Brouklis many times over the past nine years and have never had cause to complain portions and quality of food is spot on No complaints from this family.
Al Sal Becs & Neil
There is never any excuse for offensive language and such bad behaviour. I am sure you realise that this is not typical of the English people who visit Arillas. We like to eat in a variety of places in the resort including Brouklis and have rarely had something we didn't enjoy. We would certainly do as Eggy says and let the proprietor know if there was a problem. I hope you are able to forget this and continue to provide your excellent service
Boss wasnt me I always have the bifteki,, and very good it is yiammas, xxxx
This really saddens me as we were in the Brouklis that night and know how much Dimitris was upset about the remarks the couple in question made. My Husband Kevin had the Sofrito and really enjoyed it as always.
I feel sad for this couple as throughout the meal they were looking up tripadvisor instead of enjoying the ambiance and hospitality of this wonderful establishment.
Pauline x
Dimitris, I can only agree with what everybody else has said on here. Please don't let that email get you down. He is a horrible bully and a coward. Whilst you are one of the most genuinely lovely people I have ever met, that also serves some of the most tastiest, delicious food in Corfu!
Haven't been back to Arillas unfortunately for a couple of years, but we will be back and when we do your Sofrito is definitely on my list of food to eat.
Sharon xx
Ok Boss you know that we will be in on the 14th July (hope you have got the reservation for table 13) with Phil and Jen.
I am sure you will be in good form and I am sure that the food will be up to its usual standard (yet to have had a bad meal at Brouklis)
unfortunately we will not be paying, but as you know we are happy to was up.
Just make sure that the young man who waits on the tables is on his best behaviour.
As for the unknown couple who were in Brouklis and complained about the meal, I feel that they are the losers on this occasion.
Unable to stand up and be honest, who if the feel were served a meal that they thought was not suitable for them, they have to hide behind a false email address to which you were unable to reply.
You are better person than these people and I know with out doubt that honest people would bring the matter to your attention so that you could deal with the matter in a professional way.
The fact that they sent an email of the nature you describe just goes to show how small minded this couple are.
I feel you are more depressed about the nature of the attack by email than the fact that they were unhappy about the meal.
Brouklis has an excellent reputation and I am sure it will not be tarnished by the people who complained.
Looking forward to seeing you soon
John & Dot xx
I would be pretty sure that you won't trace them on this forum. The fact that it is really difficult to get a table in Brouklis should say it all and like others have said you will always get these moaners. I remember there was a really bad review for Rainbow in the past which also seemed very unjustified. Seems they liked Sidari so were very disappointed..However upsetting it is please try to put it behind you as nobody would agree with them on this forum.
Honestly, some people!! Any 'adult' who can spend the time to send an offensive anonymous email that complains about the choice of food groups that they decide to put in their own mouth doesn't deserve your time or energy.
I arrive at yours on Monday night - sofrito with rice and potatoes please!
I love Roula's Sofrito, one of my favourite dishes. We all know the huge reputation that Brouklis has for excellent Corfiot cuisine and much more besides. Forget them Dimitri. They aren't worth bothering with. Just carry on doing what your taverna has done for 40 years, and you will enjoy another 40, and even more with full tables and happy customers.
Phil
Hi boss don't worry about the moron who complained about their meal we have eaten in your taverna many times and have always had first class meals and service.some people complain about everything and any thing,we heard a woman moaning that her butter was too hard to spread the other day ,also went on Billy the Greeks boat trip from kaluodis village on Tuesday and she complained the whole time that he was going too fast ,what part of SPEED boat did she not get.so carry on doing what you do best,providing super food in your lovely taverna,we shall se you soon Ian
Why do we all do this to ourselves?
Every year we send questionnaires out to the parents of the children in my class. 99% are positive and lovely to read but if we get one negative comment, that's the one we fret about, talk about and it leaves a shadow on the whole year. We wonder why we bother but bother we must because 99% love us! And the same for you and your restaurant, the problem is theirs,it was not fair to send you the e-mail anonymously but how typical of their type. Let it go so many people love your food your service and you! See you in August x
Kalispera Dimitri,
I was drawn to this topic because I couldn't understand how the words, 'Broulkis', 'customer' and 'unhappy' could possibly go together.
Your taverna is excellent both for food and for hospitality. You always explain the dishes in advance, how much more helpful could you possibly be?
I agree with all the other comments, that these people are very rude and not worth worrying about.
We haven't been able to afford a visit to Arillas for the third year running, and we really miss our favourite place on earth, and our favourite taverna.
Love to all your lovely family,
lynn xx
Dimitris
I think you have your answer now but , beware.........
.... If I have Sofrito I do not want rice, just a few extra Greek potatoes.
(And I know you will do the business)
and.... Wegg wants a childs portion!
and ... we want a corner table
and.... I want a cushion on my chair
and..... I want Retsina served in a diddy glass not a wine thingy!
and..... if I want sardines I want the heads on and just the eyes removed!!
(Hate it when things stare at me when I am eating)
Neill
There is just something not right here . . . . . .
Why send an anonymous E mail that you can't respond to? I can't see that cowardice could be the reason because whoever sent it is sat at a laptop in another country being a "keyboard warrior"
I am not even sure why I am pointing this out but can anyone else see that this behaviour doesn't seem consistent with an 'upset customer'?
Perhaps it's just my suspicious mind.
Any Dimitris , I would treat it with the contempt it deserves and TRY and forget it mate
Hi Demitris and family,
Don't often post on this forum but felt this really did need a response. Your taverna is always the first we visit when we arrive in Arillas every May and September. This year as you know Nigel's son Paul and family were there at the same time as us. I would describe Paul as not being a particularly adventurous eater(maybe I misjudge him)but both he and his wife voted Brouklis as their favourite place to eat.
I always remember the article you wrote for the forum about how we should order Greek food (ask the waiter/owner what's especially good today? and take their advice) We have always done this and never been disappointed. We always order several dishes, share them and graze. Absolute heaven!! Can't wait to see you all again in September. Please don't let these idiots upset you (at least they didn't ask for mint sauce with their lamb!!)
Lots of love
Carol & Nigel
i agree Truth - the more i read it the stranger it seems.
Dimitris - I think there is something strange about that couple ....
Morning, I am here in arillas with my wife for the first time, we arrived last friday and go home next Monday and are really enjoying our stay (at the tria, phil and Helen are fantastic hosts!) we have eaten at the tria many times but the lamb on a Sunday has to be recommended! We have also eaten in arillas three time at the brouklis, two dinners and one lunch, all have been excellent, we have as dimitri pointed out on his post been asked if everything was ok at every meal, our response has always been positive and we were not lying!
As some one else has pointed out this 'Person (?) is a bully and a coward, to not speak to you on the night is the cowardly part followed by the bullying in the e-mail. We have loved the food at the brouklis, as we have elsewhere in arillas, I do not think it is possible to have a bad meal here! We have started having our chat about where to have our 'last night blow out meal' it's bit of a tradition of ours when on holiday to have the last night in our favourite resteraunt and the wife has said already she thinks it will be in the brouklis!
Dimitri please ignore this stupid person, I can understand that this is probably difficult as this is very insulting to you and your staff and your business but just carry on doing what you and your team do really well! As a foot note we had reason to complain at a hotel a few years ago, another guest advised me to 'give the hotel a chance' I am glad I heeded his advice as my complaint was dealt with swiftly and in a professional manner to my total satisfaction, lesson learnt!
I also apologize for my countryman's bad behaviour and manners and look forward to eating with you again before we go home.
Like some others, I don't post very often but I am sitting here with my mouth wide open in astonishment, both at the behaviour of these customers and at any suggestion that the food at Brouklis is in some way sub-standard. It's an exemplar of corfiot food in my opinion, traditional, the best of fresh ingredients and served in magical surroundings with impeccable service. it's usually first on our list after we get to Arillas and as I sit under the vines for the first time, I always shed a little tear of pleasure to be back there
I am so sorry Dimitris for one of my fellow countrymens discourteous, incredibly offensive behaviour and their complete inability to recognise good food when it is served to them. How is it that the more that some people travel, the narrower their horizons get? And to use an anonymous email? its almost beyond belief but really does show that they are the ones with a problem.
So, please don't take this one off incident to heart, Brouklis is fantastic in all respects and I can't wait to see it again in September
THANK YOU all for your support and comments.....
I definitely feel much better today ...
Good to hear that Dimitris. All the forum can't be wrong.Best wishesx
well we had a lovely meal on our last visit and shall be dining here again during the next two weeks. Dimitris - don't let these morons get you down - some folks are just professional complainers. bang out of order.
I haven't been to Arillas yet but will be making a bee line for Brouklis on the Monday after we arrive to try out this wonderful sounding dish. Some people make me ashamed to be English.
In fairness Dimitris said they spoke English but that doesn't neccessarily mean they are from England.
Don't be too ashamed Yvonne, all countries have their bad apples ..... :-)
I was so disappointed to read this. What a wonderful taverna Brouklis is and what a fantastic and friendly person Dimitris is. I have been so busy with work and havent had a chance to post any of my reviews but after reading this I prioritised my review on TA for Brouklis.
Keep up the good work Dimitris and we will see you when we return next year!
We had a perfect meal there on Tuesday and will be back for more in a couple of days time. I remember last year a couple of people moaned about their meal (after they had finished all of it). Sadly, there will always be those who abuse good hospitality. See you soon Dimitris!!
Another very happy Brouklis customer here. After 4 visits to Arillas we've yet to have our evening meal anywhere else! I'm sure everywhere in Arillas is great for food but somehow Brouklis is just that bit more ...... hmmm what to call it? Wonderful anyway in my opinion.
Sorry about the time you had with a customer, unfortunately, not all English people are good people, as not all Greeks are, this couple were obviously, just being two of the bad ones!
Please do not get upset, they are not worth it! especially as the do not have the courage to say who they are, so that you would be able to reply to them!
We all know how good the quality of your food is, has been, and always will be.
I am a member of Trip Advisor, so will have a look on there, and make sure that your tavern is described fairly, and accurately.
Will eat an extra meal with you in September!
Boss, I've just read through this and and cannot understand why anyone would fail to make you aware of anything wrong at the time of ordering, or the dish when it arrived, only then to go on the offensive hiding behind email.
To me, who's been back year after year, your recipe for success is far more than just the fabulous food you serve, its the care and attentiveness we get from your charming welcome, hospitality and environment, to the point we leave satisfied, happy smiling and looking foreword to the next time... don't let one complaint without foundation disturb you, think about the thousands that have left happy.
See you in a few weeks :)
Martin
Update, we spent the evening in corfu town, excellent evening, we ate at the bellaisimo (think spelling is correctish!) and the food was very good. Due to this idiots poor behaviour it made us aware of the dish sofirto (dodgy spelling again) my wife loved it! And surprise surprise, it came with rice and potatoes! I am checking her carb intake hourly but she seems fine to me! We have now booked the brouklis for Sunday, sadly our last full day before a reluctant return home until the next time!
Dimitris, I have just seen this and I'm so sorry you have been made so upset by this awful person/situation. Please do not give this any more of your time, you have always been a total gentleman, the food is always a delight and the time you spend explaining your dishes is unbelievable to watch, the number of languages you just slip into, is such a talent. Do not give this person any further power to hurt you, dump it all in the trash where it belongs.
I have told my granddaughter all about your amazing taverna and your lovely food so you will definitely be getting a visit from us during our stay - if we can get a table!
Don't change a single thing, please and don't let the bas@*@** grind you down xx
Hi Dimitris, i agree with everyone else that has posted on here. I really don't understand why someone would say that the meal is fine at the time and then post an offensive anonymous email!!! There is no point - it does not allow you to respond and to correct the situation if there was anything wrong. It does nothing to help you and it does nothing to make things right for them, complete waste of time.
I have eaten at your restaurant many times during the 4 visits to Arillas since I first starting visiting in 2006. I have only ever had fantastic food and would completely recommend anyone visiting Arillas to come and enjoy whatever you have on offer, but especially your "specials."
I am sure by now you are no longer concerned given the overwhelming positive response you have had from everyone on the forum. One poor review and hundreds of extremely positive ones.........says it all.
Will hopefully visit again soon and will definitely have the Sofrito - which is one of my favourites. I believe it has garlic though???? (If you remember my husband teased you when we were there a few weeks ago that I don't like garlic...........I then polished off a whole plate of tzatziki to myself!!!!)
hi dimitris
our family have been coming to arillas since 1986 and have eaten at your taverna many times, I have eaten lots of different meals and have enjoyed all of them as have all the family its a sad time when people complain after the fact when you have no chance to respond we will be back in arillas in 4 weeks and will definitely be dinning with you keep your chin up and carry on as you always have
david and Jayne mulligan
ps sounds like he may be related to the famous cat complainer
Hi Dimitris
You always get one rotten apple in the barrel, we have eaten at your restaurant many times (last time in mid June when we discussed the Arillas map and George with you) and have always enjoyed the food and friendly atmosphere, don't let this one get to you just keep up the good work and be your normal chatty friendly self.
Keep up the good work and well done to you and your family.
Quote from: dave mull on July 04, 2014, 08:01:49 PM
ps sounds like he may be related to the famous cat complainer
:D indeed Dave! It seems that every other summer there is one who tries to prove something to who knows what ;)
I love it in Brouklis and no one can take that away from me :)
Can't wait to eat at Brouklis, have heard only excellent feedback about the place.
See you last week in July!
There seems to be more than 1 issue here,
1st if you do not enjoy the food speak up.
2nd if you have something to say then say it,be man enough to at least put your name to your email.
3 rd if you have to resort to foul language then as far as i am concerned you have lost the argument.
Sally and I love the food in Brouklis and have to be dragged off to other taverns for a change.We never have had any complaints over the food.
These people just have no idea of greek cooking and the wonderful flavours you get from a dish.I think maybe they should have gone to a certain American fast food place that has a Scottish sounding name and is based in Sadari.They might have enjoyed proccessed beef in a bun.
For me, Brouklis is my 'mama mia/Shirley Valentine' typical Greek experience. One thing this topic has told me is that I need to sample something else apart form their divine lamb chops. (I may still have as a side order lol)
Ha Ha Jo! I always ask for Bourdetto (a magnificent fish dish with to die for tomato based sauce, that Roula cooks to perfection) but when it is not the right night I have Sofrito (fabulous, exactly how it is served) or Bifteki (which once again, Brouklis serves one of the juiciest and tastiest in the village.) But that is the problem. I always order the same ones because I know I will enjoy.
I promise that when I eat there next week I will try something new. The traditional Table 13 date with JohnTheRef and Dot on 14th July however, will be normal service. Bourdetto, Sofrito or Bifteki, followed by Galactoboureko. Washed down with krasi. Or Mythos. Will decide at the moment.
See you there Jo and family meluvvers!
Phil
OOOO Brother, Only just seen this,can't believe my eye's. You know I say what I mean but always try and see the other persons side, I tryl to stay away from any kind of trouble but if this couple ever come back and we happen to be there, stand back because they might just get exsterninated. Lol. Don't worry you know how many loyal very happy people enjoy the meals and hospitality that they get at Brouklis and have written proof of just a few. Love Viv & Pete xx
Lol.
My feelings exactly, Viv.
Angie
We just got back early today after 3 wonderful weeks and as usual we had several fantastic meals from Dimitris, I could not believe what I was reading, it sounds like it is the ramblings of a deranged person, I will not elaborate further.
For a number of years I have not ordered a meal from Dimitris he Just brings me food that he knows that I love, we go back many years and I can honestly say I have never had anything but gorgeous food, service and sometimes a bit of ribbing due to me not wanting to decide what to eat.
Dimitris, see you again in about 11 months and keep up the good work, please remember many of us love and know your food, wonderful taverna and family.
Ttfn. M & M.
Dimitri, there is nothing more I can say that has not already been said! When my husband and I and some friends ate at your wonderful Taverna at Easter we all had a fantastic meal as we always do. And as Negg says, if a customer didn't want to have rice, for example, then say so. It is never a problem. Don't waste any more time worrying....not worth it. I think you have your answer when you see all these lovely, supportive comments. See you in 2 weeks, Nicola. X
Hi Dimitris arrived in arillas on Monday. Planning a visit to your beautiful taverna. What night do you do the spit roast lamb?
Sonia dearest, it's Sunday. Jen and me are in room ten, right by the bar, Come and say hello......
Phil
Just back to base at Mathraki after a delightful meal here... I had spit roast lamb... Hubs had chicken, both excellent, strangely I requested no rice as don't like it... And Dimitris said we don't serve rice!! Silly me too shy to say hello but will do next time we go..... Beautiful meal xxx
You, shy? that's a new one! no need for shyness with Dimitris, he loves to chat. give him my regards, that lamb is superb, I have been told, had everything but that, will definitely have some in Sept. Joys favourite is the Mousacca.