Othello's in Bricktown

[bandnerd]

Is it really necessary to post the correspondence between the two of you? I think you need to figure this out in private instead of trying to drag inferno's name through the mud, metro.

So you had a bad experience, we've all had them. Rarely do we get the chance to even speak with the person who is in charge, and it seems you're really taking advantage of this chance.

Perhaps without the anonymity of the internet you wouldn't be so bold.

[Karried]

I think people can make or break an evening by focusing on negative little things instead of being appreciative and commenting on the good things. If I had my friends here from CA, I'd just be so happy to be with them, I wouldn't notice the lack of a wine choice.

To say a new restaurant in Bricktown is a 'joke' on a public message board, based on a few items lacking on the menu is actually pretty punitive to a new business wanting to be successful.

I'll come visit just to give them some business..

[oldglory]

It takes a lot of $$$$$ to keep an inventory up maybe they overshot the amount of business they would do that week, and cash flow was off. The liquor supplier could have been out, or truck broke down, lots of stuff can go wrong. Now if you eat at this place 3-4 times a month and they still have the same problems then you have a leg to stand on. Give a place a chance..........

[Easy180]

Got this review from a dining out website....Place sounds real horrible

Could possibly be the best restaraunt I've ever been to!

I just moved to OK from Phoenix which is known for it's upscale restauants, but I must say, upon ariving at Othello's in Bricktown, I was instantly impressed with the restaraunt; the dim, romantic lighting, and the selection of jazz music playing.

We were quickly greeted by our waiter, Robert, who was very helpful in recommending appetizers, as well as dishes and what wines would be good to try. We ordered a sampler appetizer with bacon cheese french fries (for my husband), artichoke and spinach dip (for me), and our new favorite, the mozzerella cubes with marinara suace which are absolutely amazing!

My husband ordered chicken parmesean and I, the spaghetti and though both dishes are typical, they were also to die for! Our waiter was very curteous and on top of things and I was very impressed by he and the chef who came to our table to see how the food was, and also greeted us as we left the restaraunt to see how everything turned out.

The prices were decent, the food was delicious, and the experience was unexpected and unforgettable. I Can't wait to return! [14 Dec 2006 16:38:00]

[metro]

geez Karried and bandnerd. Perhaps you didn't read my post, nowhere was I blantly rude or not willing to talk. I think my posts were level headed and open to discussion. For crying out loud, this is a public forum in which people review their experiences on restaurants. My experience and several others I might add mentioned they're experience was bad. I never demanded him to rectify the situation. Nearly 5 months ago when they opened, I told the manager (as you can read in my correspondence) the problems we had, wasn't very rude, and left it at that, not expecting more.

I've bet you two have had bad experiences at a restaurant or elsewhere and have posted them on this website. In fact, Karried, I believe you mentioned a bad contractor on your tile work, that you later had come out and fix! I probably contribute more food reviews on this website than anybody, and the overwhelming majority of times, they are good. Sampling new restaurants is my one of my hobby's, if I like to post my experience than so be it. Don't tell me you all never go to a place or stay away from a place, depending on someone else's experience. I wasn't and still don't attend dragging Inferno911's name through anything. You can read other bad reviews of the place and no one is mentioning them. I simply told him if he is going to call me out like he tried to rectify the situation, then to get his facts straight. Nothing wrong with that as far as I can see. Most places generally have "The customer is always right approach". FYI, we did enjoy our evening despite being out of several wines and food selections dispite it being aggrevating every time we tried to order something they didn't have it and the place was empty. There is a reason people do reviews of restaurants. Most real cities have real newspapers that have real food reviews unlike the Oklahoman (don't even think they do that period). I can guarantee you that when they get a bad experience in the NY Times, Daily News, etc. they wouldn't be near as nice as I was and their reviews would have a far more profound impact.

Hey Easy180. Do you mind sharing the food review website you got your comment off of? Not just for this restaurant, but it might be a welcome site for us to read reviews of other restaurants.

[Karried]

In fact, Karried, I believe you mentioned a bad contractor on your tile work, that you later had come out and fix!

metro, I'm not trying to make you feel bad.. I was saying that a statement such as ' Othello's is a Joke' might be a bit harsh for a new restaurant starting out based on your complaints.

In my mind, the complaints seemed minor but apparently they were more important to you and ruined your evening.

As far as my Granite work, I didn't come on here and say this company is a 'joke' before they had a chance to rectify the situation. I 'had' them fix it because it was a costly mistake that affected the entire look of the kitchen.

They made it right and I'd gladly use them again.

I like to hear reviews of restaurants and have given some myself. I know people have different levels of expectations and something that might ruin your meal wouldn't phase me ( or I've learned not to let it ruin my night).

If something is really wrong with a place, I'd like to hear it.. but not having a few choices of wine that you wanted just doesn't warrant ' joke ' to me. How many people will read 'Othello's a Joke!' and not even give it a chance?

It sounded like the owner of the restaurant was eager to hear your recommendations and make it right but there was no follow up on either part.

[metro]

Karried, well I understand you didn't intend to make me feel bad, but you and bandnerd, sure did do a good job of it. Where might I ask you anywhere in this thread in my review of Othello's did I say Othello's is a joke? I sure couldn't find it anywhere in this food review thread. The only place I saw it was in the title of the PM that inferno911 sent me, so that mean's he typed it in the title of his PM to me in which I later replied and didn't change the title of the PM. You don't know my experience or wasn't there nor was bandnerd or anyone else, so how come you can't give me the benefit of the doubt for not having the same experience as me. I especially would considering most of the people on this thread who reviewed the place gave bad reviews too. I have nothing personal or anything for that matter against the owner and I'm sure he's a great guy. Other people who don't know everything first hand, often blow the thing out of proportion like it has now. And FYI, it wasn't just the wine, I didn't care about the wine, I don't like drinking it to be honest. It was the wine (which our Cali guests wanted and were disappointed who kept trying to change their selection since the others were out, although they and us still made a great time of the evening, FYI we were celebrating my fiance's and I engagement so it was a little upsetting but we still had a great night, just a bad experience ordering wine and food, if you will re-read many of our food selections were out. After 4 or so choices are out, your appetite doesn't change if your hungry for a particular item or two and it's out. That narrows down your choices. I'm not arguing I couldn't be nicer, I know I'm sure not perfect and don't claim it, but if you RE-READ everything I've said publically and privately, I think my comments are level headed and not too harsh. And like you said, there was no follow up. I left it at that and was FINE WITH IT. However now he's coming back on here saying he tried to offer gift certificates, etc and it flat out wasn't offered. That was my whole point for talking about the topic again. I was okay with chalking it up as a loss and probably not eating there again. He was making himself sound like he did everything to rectify when in fact, he didn't offer or follow up with me. Anyhow I rest my case, it's stupid and pointless and this point.

[Dungeon Master]

I just wanted to mention,

I visit with the owner of Othello's on many occasions as he is outdoors alot visiting with folks during the slow periods. I've eaten his food and really like it. He's a really nice guy and seems to treat folks on a professional and concerned manner. Although I can't speak for everyone's visit there, I can say he seems like the type of guy that would try to get things right and try even harder to correct any problems that might have been out of his control.

It might be worth just one more visit to see if things improve. And if you do return and things are much better or not, I hope you let him (the owner) know. I would sure want to know "either way" being a business owner. That's how we learn, from our mistakes and from honest critics. And if a business owner cares, he will fix what he/she can within their capability.

Just my thoughts,

[Karried]

Othello's is a joke

Metro,

May I please ask why your experience was so horrible. I would really like to know what you would like.

We have had a couple of rocky nights...had a couple of people quit because they felt that they were working to hard : ( but most reviews have been very positive.

I want to make it a place that everyone can enjoy so please give me some feedback, instead of calling the restaurant a joke in a public forum.

I thought I remembered that that was the original Thread starter.. did you change it?

Anyway, ... I re-read your original post .. okay, I'm sorry for not reading it thoroughly.. it just seemed harsh especially since the owner came on here and said he tried to make it right. I apologize for making you feel bad.

[bandnerd]

Frankly, metro, your experience was months ago and you're still going on about it. Most people would have let it go by now.

I wasn't trying to make you feel bad, but perhaps maybe open your eyes a little to how the rest of us were viewing the thread. Posting private correspondence between the two of you, IMHO, was going too far. It just seemed like you had a personal vendetta against the guy.

I can't recall having posted a bad review of a place here. And if I wasn't happy with it, and I did post a negative review, I wouldn't still be complaining about it 5 months later.

[metro]

First off Karried, to clarify no I didn't change the thread title, I'm not a moderator and don't have those priveledges. Just to clarify I never originally titled the thread that either.

Again, since bandnerd still doesn't seem to get it, I did leave it alone 5 months later, I'll repeat, the only reason I brought it up because the owner tried to come on here like mr. niceguy (which I'm sure he really is and genuinely cares and wants to rectify my situation or any bad situation like Dungeon Master mentioned). Basically he put it on me publicly like it was my fault he couldn't rectify the situation. Wanting to clear it up on my end (most people don't want both sides of the story) I simply stated that he did not try to offer me gift certificates and ask for my address as he had claimed. I'm guessing most people would want to clarify anything wrongly said against them publicly regardless of the topic. I posted our exact conversations so NO ONE (PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT THE SITUATION) could have clarification and both sides of the story. Just to clarify bandnerd, the whole reason for me getting involed again in the convo was to clarify that I did not leave it hanging on my end. You of all people shouldn't be so critical of harshness considering your husband Midtowner and his experience with people judging him, etc. on this website. It's not like I've been complaining constantly over the last 5 months about the place. If you want to talk about getting over it, why are you even involved in a conversation that didn't concern you in the first place? You tell me I should have resolved it privately (after I had let it go) , but why didn't he try to rectify it privately instead of coming on this thread and say I offered ............" Yet no one has anything bad to say to Inferno for dropping the ball.

[bandnerd]

Wow. You just make me want to go to the place more.

[metro]

I don't care if you go to the restaurant bandnerd, I'm not stopping you or anyone nor trying to. Heck, if people not involved didn't blow the situation WAYYYYY out of proportion (probably to entertain themselves more than anything), I'd probably give the place a second shot, especially if inferno did want to geniunely change my impression of the place. I don't have a personal vendetta or anything. Your ignorance is more annoying than anything but I understand. As I mentioned you of all people should be more understanding giving Mid's OKCTalk experience. I just figured you of all people on here would want both sides of the story but its apparent you don't.

[bandnerd]

Metro--

1. You do not get to talk about my husband or his experience here. Or mine. You do not know what happened, so don't even try and bring it up. It does not apply to this situation.

2. The point I was trying to make was that posting your PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE with inferno on this forum was going too far. Private messages are that, private. I felt like you were giving the guy an unfairly hard time. Am I not entitled to feel that way?

And yeah, it's entertaining for me. Perhaps if you actually read what I said in the first place you might not think it so inflammatory. I was simply stating my opinion on the matter. You're the one who's gotten all riled up here, trying to defend yourself. I simply said that if you were faced with the owner in person, then maybe you wouldn't be bringing up your private conversations in front of other people like you are here.

I had a bad experience at a restaurant back in January. It was slower than usual, and I felt fairly ignored. But I like the restaurant, and though I was a little put off that night, I will go back, because I enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

I know that sampling restaurants is your hobby...it's kind of obvious...and yeah, I read other's opinions of restaurants. But just because you had a bad experience doesn't mean I will.

What do you do if your fiance doesn't cook your food to your liking, kick her to the curb? It's a RESTAURANT. I know you have all these high and mighty feelings about how you should be treated when you go out and all that, and that's fine. But some of us don't get so uptight about a little bad service.

[Dungeon Master]

I know Othellos has a nice porch outside and along the canal. We could all have a beer and visit (leaving all weapons at home)

[metro]

So I don't have a right to talk about you or your husband on this forum, but you have a right to talk about me and my wife? That's a double standard but your comments are usually one sided so what can I expect?

Especially since you have NO experience or wasn't involved in my situation. Actually I do know a little about Mid's situation because I asked you how he was doing awhile back and you told me SOME (not all of course) background info and thanked me for asking. And yes I do generally care about that situation too. FYI, my wife is an excellent cook, she gets it from her mother. I have a committment to her, I don't to a restaurant. I pay a restaurant for a service I expect at a bare minimum, if I don't get that bare minimum service, then yes it's going to leave a bad taste in my mouth, common sense.

[bandnerd]

That would be nice, DM.

[bandnerd]

Okay, metro. The situation here with Mid and me is not the same as me making a joke about you and your wife (I apologize, I didn't realize you had gotten married). It was meant to simply be a joke, though a bad one. But they are not comparable.

So my comments are only one-sided now? In what way? You were not involved in what happened on this forum with Mid, or me. You just sat back and watched, probably. But that doesn't mean you know everything that happened. But then, I didn't post all the private messages that occurred between me, Mid, and the mods for all to see, either, because I didn't feel that was necessary or anyone else's business but my own.

It is in the past. You brought it up, and I am not speaking of it anymore. I apologize if my comment was offensive, but I feel attacked here because I really didn't think what I ORIGINALLY said to you was all that bad!

[metro]

Finally, you get my point. ORIGINALLY I didn't think what I said was all that bad. Just like you just said! Apparently you and Karried did and the thing exploded. So, let's all be adults, quit entertaining ourselves and drop it already. I brought the Mid situation up because it was the only way to get you to realize how upset I was by you, Karried, and others exploding a situation that wasn't really all that bad and I could suck it up until it got exploded out of proportion. Then I did get on the defense and feel attacked. Mods of all people should be trying to calm the situation down and if they thought it was out of hand should have deleted inappropriate content, not you saying it. By your standards, you should have PM'd a moderator if you thought I was out of line. Anyhow, let's all be adults, quit entertaining and attacking each other and move on. I am, whether everyone else will or not. Peace I'm out.

[Dungeon Master]

Ok, a few beers.


I don't mean to butt in, but then again I really do and I know this is not about me but.... we already have a war going on else where.

Can we have a truce, then a really big beer?

Let's see what another visit to Othellos does and leave the side bar stuff to PMing.

It's only a thought,

[bandnerd]

You weren't out of line in the respect that you weren't calling me "used material" and whatnot. I don't report people on this site unless what they are doing in some way violates my rights as a person and as an American. You weren't slandering/libeling me, and you were entitled to your opinion. But the two situations are still not the same.

You got defensive. It happens. Everyone gets a little snippy here from time. I don't know how you think you know what my standards are, though.

Just had to say that.

Oh yeah, and when the hell does Spring Break start? Damn kids are making me edgy haha.

[Dungeon Master]

Oh yeah, and when the hell does Spring Break start? Damn kids are making me edgy haha.

You're in luck. Spring Break starts next week.

[bandnerd]

And tomorrow, at my school, is a weird day because of the TALENT SHOW so it'll go by faster than normal.

I love my kids, but wow, it's been a long semester. And we don't have any breaks until Memorial Day, and then I'm there until June 1. Again, I love them. But I've had A LOT of them lately. With a lot of deadlines. Craziness of the pure sort.

Bring on the beer!

[inferno_911]

OK...everyone...it's just a restaurant review!

I hold no grudges toward anyone and yes I would like to correct whatever mistakes have been made in the past. In stating this, no I am no looking to give everyone a free meal...LOL

This has gotten blown way out of proportion and we are all taking this too seriously...yes I would like to clear up the situation but geez...

Metro,

I looked back at our chat log (PM's) and I did send the appology and request as I stated...the problem was it was sent to the administrator as a reply. I never noticed this until I just went back and looked. This was my mistake.

Everyone can't we all just get along!!!

[Karried]

How about free beer? lol