El Chico

I was trying to eat lunch at this location 6/26/09 with my wife, my 3 year old and my 10 month old. The server came and brought out our chips, salsa and complementary cheese sauce, any other day this would have been luke warm but today it happened to scalding hot, and set one bowl right in front of my 10 month old little girl. Before anyone could catch her hand she stuck all four of her fingers in the cheese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not a good thing! she has been crying four several hours now and all the manager could say was he would buy us dinner next time we came in. This is very unprofessional and inconsiderate. This is not the place to take your little ones unless you want to subject them to harms way!!!!!!

I find eating out extremely stressful. Whenever my family suggests that we go out for dinner I become quite agitated.



The reason is that eating out is a hassle. You have these young kids who treat you like a piece on a chessboard. You become a part of some stratagem.



We are a family of five. The entire restaurant world is set-up for groups of 4 or less. We always have to wait long periods and typically the service is low. Very very stressful.



Last night I took one of my three daughters out to eat. I was praying that she would want to go to some buffet where I had some control over my dining experience (and not rely on others for a special experience). However, she wanted to go to El Chico's. Not wanting to be a stick in the mud, I agreed (although I could feel my stomach becoming queezy).



When we arrived, we were met with a smile. I explained that I wanted a booth in the main dining room. The young lady stated that she could sit us immediately if we would allow her to chose the table. I passed. She, without an attitude (usually you would see a pronounced attitude change with a table request) said, "One moment and I will go check". She came back and reported that there was a table being cleaned and that she would seat us there. Within minutes she took us to our table. It was the best table in the house (just below the Folklorico Dancer picture). As we were seated, chips, salsa and queso were being seated with us. We asked for relish and tortillas and both were at our table within minutes. Now mind you, this is enchilada night and the place is PACKED! Another moment later, our waiter Brandon arrived. We knew what we wanted (if I do not order the Tortilla Soup I feel cheated), my daughter had the Enchiladas and I had the Soup (what else!).



What I am about to tell you next is why I am writing.



Our food arrived about a minute later. LITERALLY, one minute! What kind of organization kind turn an order that fast!!?? It must be El Chico's. I then began to pay attention to the staff. As I observed, it was like watching a machine. Very deliberate and very efficient! I have always spoken well of Charleston's, not because the food is great, not because the ambiance is great, but because every staff member their is your waiter. I actually witnessed the El Chico staffing exceed the level of service that Charleston's provides.



I wish to Thank the Leadership at the El Chico Restaurant in Norman for making some one on one time with my daughter an amazing experience.



I wish that eating out was always like that.