Slick, fast-talking people who want to seat me at a counter by the bathroom because they have a long wait, where other people are milling about waiting for their table, ruin a place for me. I like spots with welcoming attitudes, and people who use first names only after they see you a few times (not in that patronizing, non-genuine sort of way)and really enjoy the fact that you’re in their restaurant. This guy who was working the front of the Portage Bay restaurant ought to be given a lesson in welcoming customer service. By not even saying “hey the wait is about 30 minutes, do you prefer to wait, or to sit over here at this counter and get some food a bit earlier?” By herding my friend and I over to the counter and then saying, “can you do a big Portage Bay favor and scoot down a seat (even closer to the bathroom door)”, made me say screw it and leave. I admit, I was a bit hungry and cranky, but at the same time I love my Sunday brunches, and I want to feel warm and fuzzy and welcome in a restaurant…..and I certainly didn’t. So we made it back to my favorite El Greco, and filled up on delicious omlettes, pumpkin pancakes, bacon, and damn good friendly service.

Maybe I’ll make it back someday and give it a second try? Maybe not…...