Review Number Two Gets Number One Spot

“Caruso's Italian Café & Catering”

Lemon Squeeze (Summary)

Name: Caruso’s

Location: 5745 Inland Shores Way North, Keizer 

Phone Number: (503) 393-8272

Type: Italian

Reservations required? Strongly recommended

Site: carusositaliancafe.com

Overall Rating: Three Lemon Twists (See rating scale at the end of the blog)

Summary: The place to go for fantastic Italian food in Salem, hands down.

Starting Off

Isn’t it amazing to walk into a restaurant and just know you’re at home? And, really, how often does that happen? Well, every time when you eat at Caruso’s! I had the pleasure of visiting Caruso’s recently and was very excited with my experience.

I walked right in to an “Italian villa” type foyer and was greeted by a friendly host who pulled up my reservation immediately. Upon being seated, within seconds of talking with the host, I was greeted by my server. She was friendly, a smile gracing her face.

I made the reservation for two a half people. My guest, who I’ll call “JB” brought his adorable 2 year old son “Little J.” This was done intentionally. While it is common to go to dinner with two or four people and sometimes larger groups, it is also occasionally necessary to bring the little one(s) to nicer restaurants from time to time. What a perfect chance to test how the restaurant handles children as VIP guests in their eatery. In this case, the booster seat was already in place and they brought the kids menu just as Little J was being seated.

The overall décor of Caruso’s is soothing and frankly, romantic. There are several small dining rooms with the tables angled in different directions so you only see a few people at a time. This creates an intimate environment where you can focus on the members of your party rather than those around you.  It has the typical subtle Italian décor one would expect such as pillars, but is highlighted by candles adorning the table, mood lighting from the ceiling, and Saat Lake on the other side of the glass. It was a perfect setting to make me comfortable enough to focus on my conversation with JB and the amazing food that was about to be put in front of me.

Food

To start off my multi-course experience, I actually got a glass of wine. I ordered a glass of Shiraz, which is imported from Australia. It was recommended by our server because I wanted a sweet wine. I didn’t ask for a pairing wine for the meal as expected, primarily due to my personal tastes---I only enjoy sweet wines, so a pairing may not be the right choice for me. This wine did not have a lot of legs, but was sweet and wasn’t overpowering. It ended up complimenting the meal very well.

Once we received our beverages we got our house salads shortly thereafter. I got my salad dry, but since it had tasty croutons and freshly shredded cheese, it was enjoyable. JB enjoyed his salad and also ordered the soup of the day. We enjoyed these courses along with the amazing fresh-made bread. I could write for pages about this bread. Let’s just say this: It’s fresh, it’s yummy, you will love it.

We had asked earlier for Little J’s children’s spaghetti to be expedited since we all know what will distract the little ones---food! They quickly got the children’s meal out and this was only 15 minutes from order to table. Our meal took slightly longer at around 40 minutes from ordering time. This is expected on a busy Saturday night and with salads, ambiance, and great conversation it goes by quickly.

I ordered one of my personal favorite Italian dishes: Fettuccini Alfredo. This is my preferred mix of cheese, cream, and pasta but Caruso’s showed me how it should be done! It had freshly made in-house pasta, delicious cream sauce, and the perfect cheese combination. I will now have a difficult time eating this at any other  restaurant.

JB ordered the special of the day. For the life of me I can’t remember the name. Isn’t that terrible? A FOOD blogger forgetting the name of the meal his guest ordered? Well, keep in mind I am here to focus on the customer service. That being said, I can still describe it. He ordered a chicken dish which was paired with mashed potatoes and a fresh medley of grilled veggies. JB described the chicken, which I enjoyed a bit of,  as “delicious” and “exploding with aroma.” It was moist and was even rubbed with fresh herbs before being cooked. This is the kind of meal you’d get when you visited a family member or friends home whilst in Italy. Simple--yet perfect.

All around, the food was impressive and really made the menu shine with promise for other entrees too. I cannot wait to get back there. As you can tell, Caruso’s has earned the one eligible Lemon Twist for the food section of the evaluation.

Service

From the opening paragraph, you are already under the impression as the reader that we had a great experience when it comes to customer service. My expectations were that Caruso’s would be average to slightly above average when it came to taking care of their client. Boy was I wrong.

Our server took care of us the way your best friend would. You know, the person in your life you trust to take care of every little detail without asking you or without any effort? She blew me out of the water! When it comes to having a superb experience like this it comes down to the details.

Every time I looked up our server was available. When she turned to us while running back to the kitchen for another table she would ask “How is the wine? Is it what you were looking for?” She would also refill our waters without us asking, or having to push the glass to the side of the table. She was proactive with offering to box up any leftovers.

She went above and beyond making us feel comfortable having Little J there too. She accommodated our request for his expedited meal like I mentioned, and she also made quick comments to put JB’s mind at ease about the slight mess Little J was making, as young ones can do. She was on top of it. And as if that’s not enough, she was doing all of this with a smile on her face and an eagerness to serve.

I cannot express any more the “good feeling” that type of service gives clients. It’s what every other restaurant strives for, it’s what schools train for, it’s what I’m looking for when writing this blog. THANK GOODNESS I went to Caruso’s. Thank goodness. If my excitement wasn’t clear enough, I am proud to give this place on the lake the first ever two Lemon Twists for the Service Section of the evaluation.

Heading out

We got our checks and headed our separate ways. We were thanked for coming in and I was happy that we had given Caruso’s the chance we did. I was so happy that our server got an usually large tip. Wine by the glass ranges from $8-$9 per glass and meals range from $16+  with most entrées in the high $20 range. This is a little on the costly side for Salem, but there’s no skimping on the quality or service. You get what you pay for and what you get is a truly grand experience. Caruso’s gets three Lemon Twists and my strong recommendation for you to visit. Hey, why not for an upcoming holiday, birthday, or special occasion? Head over soon!

Your Customer Service Expert,

Nick

Do you have questions or comments? Feel free to leave a comment below or email me at the address in the profile section of the site.

Evaluation Scale/Rating:

0 Lemon Twists: Avoid the location
1 Lemon Twists: Go whilst drunk as you won’t want to remember your visit there
2 Lemon Twists: The location would be great to visit overall.
3 Lemon Twists: AMAZING location; highly recommended.

Next stop!!

Hey ya'll!!! (a little Paula Dean for everyone.)

I'm thrilled to announce my next location: Caruso's Italian Café & Catering. I'm excited to have the opportunity to visit this exclusive eatery located in Keizer, Oregon. The date of the review will be the 29th. I'll be getting that review over to my editor to follow that and have the blog uploaded in February---I'm shooting for no later than the 15th.

I'm still in the process of choosing the person who will go with me; that'll be fun too. Can't wait to have you folks check this out. Post at ya soon!


Nick

Jonathan’s Breaks Even

Lemon Squeeze (Summary)

Name: Jonathan’s

Location: 136 High St. Salem, Oregon 97301

Phone Number: 503-689-1051

Type: Seafood

Reservations required? No

Site: www.myjonathansrestaurant.com

Overall Rating: Two Lemon Twists (See rating scale at the end of the blog)

Summary: A great place to go to get amazing, fresh seafood if you’re not in a hurry

Full Review

This location is the best place to start a blog like this. It didn’t disappoint, but it didn’t rise to meet my expectations either. Below are some specifics on how I reached “two out of three” Lemon Twists. To be upfront, the restaurant only redeemed itself in the Service section based on our initial seating and first encounter with the staff. Take a look at what I mean:

When you first come into the elegant and upscale (for Salem anyway) location in downtown you’re already excited. It has a classy “waterfront-esque” décor with attractive low-lit dining rooms. Jonathan’s  is a good place to have a meal with a close friend, significant other, or even a small intimate group of friends or family members. While reservations are not required, it would be best for a weekend visit or for larger groups as it can be busy.

The good news is because of our reservations, we were immediately seated. That started us off on the right foot. The table was clean, presentable and ready for some fun! My guest, who I’ll call “SB,” and I looked over the regular menu and also the requested vegetarian menu. We were greeted at our table by one of the hostess staff who got our drinks. I was hopeful the evening would meet all my expectations since the initial service was both efficient and friendly.

But that’s where the service diminished. Once we were “passed” to our server, the excellent client service I was expecting and already used to based on how outstanding the hostess was, never really arrived at the table. Our server came to talk with us eight minutes after being seated, a far cry from the fast service you’d expect at most eateries.

We ordered our meals and received the bread and salads quickly and the meals followed with ideal timing. This fast service with order to table, combined with the excellent service from check-in were the only two aspects that saved Jonathan’s from getting zero Lemon Twists for the Service section of the evaluation.

Our waiter did not check back with us even once as soon as the food had been served until we were ready for dessert (which I asked about rather than being offered). He also forgot the ketchup earlier that he had offered to bring until I asked for it. The food helped alleviate most of the stress I had from the lack of being checked on throughout the meal. SB got the wild halibut, grilled with rice pilaf and salad. She stated that the house dressing was “light and refreshing” and I tried a little of her fish and rice pilaf. We both loved the halibut as it wasn’t heavy but rather moist, not burned like so often happens with fish. The rice pilaf was enjoyable too, but I would stay away from it if you have a sensitive stomach, as it has an unexpected burst of onions in it. This entrée is in the $20=$25 price range

I ordered the fish and chips, for what better way to try a seafood restaurant than to have the traditional dish? While they did have halibut available, I ordered the cod fish and chips, which was served with their fresh French fries. Both the fish and the fries were served straight from the fryer and tasted better than most I’ve had---even along the coast in Oregon and Washington. The portions were smaller than expected for an American eatery, but as SB reminded me “Americans are used to larger portions than they need,” which of course is so very true. The fish & chips meal is in the $10-$15 range.

We both enjoyed our salads and bread, which were clearly made fresh and had a hint of garlic. The food met our expectations and in SB’s case, almost exceeded her expectations. If you’re looking for great seafood in the Salem area Jonathan’s is your place. We also ordered carrot cake for dessert. While a staple for many dessert menus, it tasted fresh and I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s a great choice for any sweet tooth. For the Food section, Jonathan’s passes because it has  met or exceeded my expectations when it comes to food quality and presentation. The restaurant earns the one Lemon Twist for the Food section.

Remember that headline though? “Jonathan’s Breaks Even” --- How did it fare overall? Well, we’ve seen how excellent their customer service was from the reservation being followed through with (very easy to do on their site too by the way) to the quick meal service. But wait! Why does Jonathan’s only get one Lemon Twist versus two in the Service section? In addition to the server forgetting my ketchup and not checking back, there were significant delays in check out along with not offering once to refill my watered-down next-to-empty soda. The last half of the dining experience left a lot to be desired when it comes to efficient and friendly service. They were redeemed only by their earlier successes so Jonathan’s rates one Lemon Twist in the Service section for a total of two overall. My only suggestion to you as the reader is that while it’s an excellent choice for appetizing seafood in the Salem area, I would not plan anything afterwards; you might be late.

Your Customer Service Expert,

Nick

Do you have questions or comments? Feel free to leave a comment below or email me at the email address in the profile section of the site.

Evaluation Scale/Rating:

0 Lemon Twists: Avoid the location
1 Lemon Twists: Go whilst drunk as you won’t want to remember your visit there
2 Lemon Twists: The location would be great to visit overall.
3 Lemon Twists: AMAZING location; highly recommended.

A Few Updates ya'll

Here are a few updates ya'll. I have them in list form as it's just how I'm thinking at the moment.

1. I have completed the review and editing for Jonathan's. It will be posted 1.1.11 as planned.
2. I haven't determined the exact date I'll be going to my next hot spot, but that blog will be posted 2.1.11
3. If you have any ideas on other locations you'd like me to visit, please post those under the second-most-recent blog titled "Ideas."
4. Thank you again for being my blog. Feel free to "subscribe" too! 

Nick

Ideas!

Hey readers!

I am excited to launch the first review on 1.1.11 BUT in the mean time I want your ideas. I have the next few months planned out, but in the long run I want ideas for locations throughout Oregon you'd want me to review. Feel free to post those in "comments" or email them my way.

Are you interested in doing a review with me? Well, you'll have your chance! In a few months, I'll post a note asking for those interested to reach out to me at that time. I am excited for your ideas on eateries now though!

Keep in mind I won't do reviews/evaluations on Chain Locations. Post in 3, 2, 1... NOW! :)

Nick

Review in process

I went to Jonathan's in Salem, Oregon today. The evaluation has been completed. The review is being proof-read/edited and will be uploaded the first week in January. I am very excited to see your comments and ideas!!

Nick

What you'll see

As the reader of this, you are going to want to know what type of perspective I will have and the format of the reviews. I need to be unbiased and fair. As any writer will tell you, that’s not easy. Here’s how it’ll go down.

At first, I will have a monthly review. In the long run this will most likely increase. From time to time there will be other blog postings about ideas, feedback, and a time for open comments. (Comments of course are always welcome on any posting.) I feel that blogs shouldn’t just be HERE IS MY OPINION. The author’s views are important; after all it is their blog. That said, these outlets should be a place for the author’s opinions and feedback along with a back and forth with the readers. These random blogings will be casual and written as such. The formal reviews of eateries though will be reviewed, edited, and re formatted by an Author/Retired Instructor I admire to ensure they’re at the professional level they should be!

To re-iterate the first “Coming Soon” post: I am not a chef or cook. While I have enjoyed over three years of culinary arts classes, I am not in the food service industry and have never been a server. The reason why this blog is important to me and is an excellent read, is that I am a customer service expert. Born into a service-oriented family, I’ve been working in the service industry for a combination of nine years between my work in retail and telecommunications. During that timeframe, receiving many awards and additional recognition for excellent customer service. Combine that status with earned promotions, leadership experience, trainings, and countless meetings--- you are reading the perspective of a leader in client service. Now that you know where I come from and why this is an exciting venture, it would be best to know what I am looking for when I sit down at the table.

Going forward, I will be taking one (random) person with me; at times going with larger groups to put customer service to an even more challenging test. Bringing another individual with me will allow me to get the perspective of another person, especially as we all think a little differently. This allows me to impartial to any one idea or concept while dining.

There are two main categories of what we will be looking at: Food and Service.

Food
Presentation-            Does the food look delicious?
Menu Match-           Does the food match the menu description?
Taste/Temperature-  Does the food taste edible and is it the correct temperature?
Description-             A detailed description of the food’s texture, flavours, and my likes & dislikes.


Service
Greeting-           Were we greeted with a friendly tone and promptly?
Wait time-          Was their a significant delay in being seated?
Ambience-          Is the dining room clean, presentable, and enjoyable?
Professionalism-  Was the server professional and friendly?
Menu Expert-      Was the server knowledgeable about the menu or recommended pairing items?
Drinks-                Was this done without asking and on time?
Check-back-       Was the server attentive once food has been served? Did they correct any errors?
Loyalty-               Did the server “check us out” with the correct bill and thank us for our business?


   
Evaluation and a snap shot will also be crucial for the reader’s easy quick reference. In the restaurant’s review, before the detailed section, there will be a “Lemon Squeeze” portion. This will not only include a brief summary of the location and a quick profile of the establishment, but it will also include the final evaluation. What do I mean? Well, most of us are used to a “Star” format “*** stars for Acme Café” OR a “Grade” format “Suzie’s Place gets a B+”. These are all fine and dandy, but here’s something even easier (and more enjoyable) to see: Lemon Twists.

0 Lemon Twists: Avoid the location
1 Lemon Twists: Go whilst drunk as you won’t want to remember your visit there
2 Lemon Twists: The location would be great to visit overall.
3 Lemon Twists: AMAZING location; highly recommended.

If a location is terrible, obviously they would receive zero lemon twists. For the Food section, if the food meets or exceeds expectations it will be receive one lemon twist. For the Service section, if the location has fair customer service they’ll receive one more twist for a total of two. If they have AMAZING customer service, they would receive two lemon twists for this section for a grand total of 3.

Hopefully the above ideas, descriptions, and templates gives you an excellent idea of the format for “DINING WITH A (SERVICE) TWIST”. I appreciate you reading and enjoy your dining experience!!!

Nick