Primavera update required

[ditzy]

Has anyone tried the new Primavera yet? We were thinking of going there for lunch one day. Looks lovely now, seen lots of people sitting outside with a coffee but we haven't heard about the food with the new chef.

[shanagarry]

It is excellent. Have been there 4 times now and each time - everything's been fine. In essence it is Villa Medici reincarnated.

The Men's toilet is on the small side and could be an issue in the summer - when they get very busy. The restaurant has the capacity to seat 200 people - inside and out - there could be a queue for the loo - if they all show up!

Watch the chairs - they are on castors and should be fitted with a 'hand-brake'

[mrs-b]

It all sounds very exciting! Any chance of anyone posting any pics?

[tricky]

I always found the menu at Villa Medici quite limited, is it any different now? and what would you recommend shanagarry?

[shanagarry]

I always found the menu at Villa Medici quite limited, is it any different now? and what would you recommend shanagarry?

I tend to be a creature of habit and stick to Pasta (in its many varieties and flavours). My Wife tends to go for their fish of the day. In their new home they have now started a board with 'Specials' - and last Saturday they had Scallops - which were delightful.

The Menu is still the old Villa Medici one - while they wait for their new one to be printed. I suspect the content will be revamped when published.

I don't suppose it will appeal to all - but we like it and on the Winter evenings it is very cosy and has a lovely ambience. During Summer the terrace will be the place to be and will certainly catch the attention of those coming into town from that end. It isn't cheap - but it's good

[sunman]

I don't normally do downers on places but I have to report on a disappointing lunch at Primavera;

taking Shanagarry's point that it ain't cheap, I don't look for cheap but I do look for value, be that low or high cost.

In a nutshell, pizza margarita at €10.50 - too much money, nice thin crust but this is a bit of ham & cheese; lamb shank at €17.50 - again, too much money.

a few mates & I only went for lunch so can't comment on evening ambience but the furniture is nice, kind of New York loftish, and nice, the house wine came & was pretty awful, the waiter,nice guy who I've known for years, asked what we expected for house wine? I thought these days that good house wine is pretty de rigeur, the next step up was ok but at €14 again on the high side.

So, sorry to pop any baloons but IMO it's expensive and struggles to live up to that, won't write it off & will give it another go, 0-1 down at half time

[kappa]

Friends of mine have been there on Wednesday night and they were really horrified with the attitude especially of a "fat waiter with glasses" they have seen around in various restaurants (apart from the rest of rather arrogent waiters). They asked for a bottle of vinho verde - the one which was finalltyserved then appeared then on the bill with 50 euros! That is just rip off! and I think especially nowadays, it´s not the right way to make customers.

[shanagarry]

That must have been some bottle of Vinho Verde for €50 - presumably you checked the Wine List before buying/ordering it?

You are referring to Paulo who is the Maitre D - and while he can at times be a tad surly - he usually responds favourably to well mannered clients. He, like many Portuguese restaurant staff have a different sense of humour to those of us from Northern Europe - which could be construed as arrogant - but that's the last thing Paulo is. I have known him for many years and have always found him courteous and welcoming. I have told him about your comments and he suggests you go back and talk to him.

If you were unhappy you should have spoken to the owner Domingos - he would have ensured your issues were dealt with - as would Paulo.

[kappa]

I think, they were just fed up and just have no interest to talk about - they will just avoid that restaurant and continue enjoying their holidays as they did not like the whole atmosphere there anyway. There are more restaurants where you get more value for money and most of them are much more welcoming.

[shanagarry]

Kappa

Not sure what you are trying to say but you appear to be speaking in the third person and not making any sense.

I suspect that English is not your Mother tongue but apologise if I appear to be intollerant of your submission - which could account for your or your colleagues/friends difficulty at Primavera

[fmm]

I tend to agree with Kappa. If I have a bad meal or am unhappy with the service in a restaurant, I don't bother complaining. Frequently, this just leads to more unpleasantness and what will I get out of it? May get a reduction of the bill or an apology - may get a punch on the nose. THe point is though, that I will NEVER use the restaurant again, no matter what discussions take place.

As far as I am concerned, it is not up to me to improve a restaurant - they are the professionals and if they believe what they are doing is OK, then who am I to tell them otherwise.

So, whilst I am sure the restaurants would like the opportunity to put things right, they should not expect unhappy customers to make suggestions to them.

The old Primavera had very mixed reviews - wonder whether it is a curse. I have used Villa Medici happily for 5 years and intend to use it when I go over this year. But have to say, if I am unhappy with the restaurant, then I will just go somewhere else. As we all know, there are PLENTY of choice!!!

[shanagarry]

We all have our own ways of dealing with bad service - I take the view that if the restaurant is one I feel comfortable in - I will take the time to make suggestions to the owner. If you get a 'bolshy' owner who is not prepared to listen or acknowledge that there is room for improvement - vote with your feet.

In the case of Primavera, I know that Domingos (the owner) would always listen - in the way he has done for all the years I have known him. You are right in that it is not for the customer to improve a restaurant - but the owner can on occasions be blinded to the obvious and would be happy for some direction.

I was one who never liked the old Primavera - I didn't like the woman who ran the place. Their food was good - but there was too much of it and she would not listen to any external 'advice'.

I don't know if you know but the staff in Primavera are all the Villa Medici staff you had serve you for the 5 years you mentioned. At the moment the building that was and still is Villa Medici is a building site and I would be surprised if it was ready for the summer season. The owner is the guy who has the Tapas Bar in The Square and as I understand it he is desperately trying to find a tenant for the Villa Medici building

[fmm]

I am fully aware of who has moved to the Primavera - I live opposite and have suffered for nearly a year with the noise of their builders!

The point I am making is that if I go to a restaurant and it is NOT a particular favourite of mine and I DON'T know the staff, then I am not going to bother to sort out their problems.

Originally, I understand the owner of Villa Medici was going to open a new business there - obviously he has changed his mind!!!

I so hope that we are not going to get a summer of renovations on another property opposite mine - a bit of piece and quiet would be welcome this year.

[shanagarry]

C'est la vie

[kappa]

[quote="fmm"]
Originally, I understand the owner of Villa Medici was going to open a new business there - obviously he has changed his mind!!!

I think he will reopen Vila Medici in May after complete refurbishment.