Pine Cone Pub's Nasty Bartender

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Chill. Life is short, man.

Be careful AW. That is a shortened version of what I asked (meant nicely and concerned about her), of another poster at another time that erupted into a closed thread. I know your message is meant to be friendly too.

[Lakepilot]

I've learned one thing about this web site. You don't want to post anything at all negative about a restaurant. It took me a little while, but I did learn. I now only post good things. It's really too bad that we can't all benefit from the good and bad in the area.

I've had some great experiences eating out around the lake and some not so good experiences. But you'll only hear about the good things. I know the restaurants I want to continue to patronize and the ones I don't. But I won't share those negative thoughts.

[Lakesrider]

I think people lose sight of exactly why you go out to eat and how you should be treated at an establishment that you are paying your hard earned money for.
Here someone places a complaint about a poorly demeanored bartender, not knowing about her illness. however exactly why should he care? Seriously. It isn't his problem that she is sick. It isn't his problem if she does or does not have health insurance. He is out to eat and have a good time while spending his money. He expects to have a good service. But it is actually his right to do so. She took away that right, by not treating him with courteousness. I don't care who has what, and I don't care at what establishment I eat at. If someone walked up to me and grabbed my menus, and said "Guess your out of luck" I'd rant to the world not to ever go there as well. Example, I eat at the Village Kitchen. Should I now ask the server or the cook if they have cancer first, so I know if they are in a pissy mood or not? No they are ALWAYS polite there. It is why I eat there up to three times a week. Prime Rib night, always. Brunch on Sunday. Always. I'm with the thread starter on this one. Yeah sorry she is ill and I hope she does well with treatment if this is the case. But she should never bring her problems to work. Bad for her and bad for business. If the place were to fall down and close because of her, how would that help her income. Both my parents died of cancer. Mother Pancreatic, Father Liver/colon cancer. So don't get me wrong. It is a nasty illness for everyone involved, but both of my parents maintained their dignity when dealing with life and other people. If I ever get sick like that, I can only hope that I can use them as my example. So say what you will, the Pine Cone should address this issue if they know about it. It is their responsibility to their paying customers.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

I think people lose sight of exactly why you go out to eat and how you should be treated at an establishment that you are paying your hard earned money for.
Here someone places a complaint about a poorly demeanored bartender, not knowing about her illness. however exactly why should he care? Seriously. It isn't his problem that she is sick. It isn't his problem if she does or does not have health insurance. He is out to eat and have a good time while spending his money. He expects to have a good service. But it is actually his right to do so. She took away that right, by not treating him with courteousness. I don't care who has what, and I don't care at what establishment I eat at. If someone walked up to me and grabbed my menus, and said "Guess your out of luck" I'd rant to the world not to ever go there as well. Example, I eat at the Village Kitchen. Should I now ask the server or the cook if they have cancer first, so I know if they are in a pissy mood or not? No they are ALWAYS polite there. It is why I eat there up to three times a week. Prime Rib night, always. Brunch on Sunday. Always. I'm with the thread starter on this one. Yeah sorry she is ill and I hope she does well with treatment if this is the case. But she should never bring her problems to work. Bad for her and bad for business. If the place were to fall down and close because of her, how would that help her income. Both my parents died of cancer. Mother Pancreatic, Father Liver/colon cancer. So don't get me wrong. It is a nasty illness for everyone involved, but both of my parents maintained their dignity when dealing with life and other people. If I ever get sick like that, I can only hope that I can use them as my example. So say what you will, the Pine Cone should address this issue if they know about it. It is their responsibility to their paying customers.

Your right. Nobody should bring their woes to work, no matter what...especially in that type of position where your dealing with daily customers. I also know plenty of people that have had cancer and just recently had someone close to me die of this dreaded disease. But she never let anyone know how painful it was or wanted people to feel bad for her.

[eillac@dow]

Originally Posted by Lakepilot

I've learned one thing about this web site. You don't want to post anything at all negative about a restaurant.

Originally Posted by Argies Wife

It is meant to be friendly - honest. I enjoy a good dialog about something - even if it's a bad experience at a restaurant. Gimme details - whether good or bad

First of all...don't know how to quote more than one person!

Lakepilot...I do not agree with you. I think all can take the good with the bad. But sometimes when the "bad" is put out .....it can be way over done.

I do not consider myself a frequent poster on this forum, but do alot of reading. I do appreciate the infomation that is shared. I have found many times that people come out "slamming" a business (and MoultonMan...I am not directly referring to you, so please do not take it that way). I think people's opinions should be shared but when someone is unhappy, the anger in them is expressed very emotionally through their words...and sometimes it can be overdone and unfortunately, it can cause damage to their business.

MoultonMan, if your experiences have been that bad...speak with the owners or just write them off. I have never been there, but other family members have been and really like it. I personally do not blame you, if I had the experiences you had, I would say "No way I am going back".

If the women referred to as Marge (and I cannot blame Moulton for given a name...as we all know when we have been upet...we say names...probably worse) if she is sick, then take a minute and pray for her good health!

Like Argies Wife said... Peace

[rrr]

first - I don't believe that Jeri is the person being discussed as being ill.

second - I, for one, posted my opinions not to discredit MM but to point out that the food is really good and the bartender/waitress with the 'attitude' is apparently not always there. My visits have almost all been on Saturday nights or Sunday mornings and I have never run into her. Maybe if I had, I would feel differently.

third - I do want to hear the good and the bad. What you may think is a problem, may not be for me. On the other hand something you may like, I may not. For example, there is a very nice restaurant in Boston that I went to once for a family celebration. It is open with high ceilings and as a result very loud. My memory of that night is that it was very difficult to have a conversation - and I have never been back. It is a very popular place so obviously not everyone shares my opinion.

And finally, I would like to offer my condolences to both AW and GTO on their recent losses.

[moultonman]

Just clarifying my posts and position, as these things get draw-out, it is easy to be misunderstood.

I have stated my gripes, with some compliments inserted.

I have chosen to write this place off. My time out is for relaxing and enjoying, not tolerating rude behavior.

As I have previously noted, I returned despite having had bad experiences because the other folks at the PC were very nice. My last visit changed that.

I respect everyone's opinions on this issue, and really, the purpose of this forum is to initiate a discussion. Hopefully it develops into something constructive, especially for the owners of this establishment who's success or failure affects the livelyhood of many individuals.

I thank those of you who were able to appreciate my position, and also those who challenged it.

My first post started with the question "What's the deal with..." and I think my question has been answered. Unless you are a friend or favorite regular patron, you cannot predict how you will be treated by the person who is the topic of this thread.

So the decision to patronize the Pine Cone Pub is up to you.

1.) Go there knowing that you will be treated kindly based on who you are, or who you know.

2.) Go there knowing to avoid or tolerate someone who may not treat you kindly.

3.) Or as I have chosen, don't go there at all, knowing that you may encounter someone who has historically treated you poorly.

I guess my other option would be to go there on her day off!

[Yosemite Sam]

Does she actually look like Marge Simpson?
I've been there many times and never saw anyone that looked like that!

[moultonman]

Thanks Yosemite for supplying a picture, it helps to illustrate my point.

It is less about physical attributes, and all about the disapproving expression and attitude that is Marge Simpson...minus the blue hair of course!

[Pontoon Goon]

I never really noticed but Marge looks kinda angry AND Hot !!!

[Yosemite Sam]

moultonman,
Don't go there today, Marge is greeting people and she doesn't look to happy!!

[SteveA]

A mother and daughter walk into a bar...

Mom says.. "Did you see that dirty look the bartender gave me? "
The daughter says... "She didn't give you a dirty look... you had it when you walked in"

Disclamier... Not a comment on anyone's post, just maybe a better way to look at what sometimes seems like a slight from someone else.

I find a friendly smile and warm handshake prevents close to 100% of these type problems.

[tis]

That is true Steve and I do usually smile and am nice. But in this case, I don't think it helps.

[chowda]

I can overlook a moderately, bad attitude as long as the food is great and the service is timely. I don't necessarily feel like becoming best buddies with whomever is mixing my drink. I just hope they mix it well. That being said, the only complaint I have with this establishment is they made me the blandest Bloody Mary I have ever been served. I'm not talking about the alcohol portion. It tasted like nothing but plain tomato juice with a bit of horseradish in it. The olive was the tastiest part of the whole drink. That one negative factor aside, the food is great and priced reasonably. The service was prompt and courteous. The brunch is always terrific. I have yet to see anyone with a giant, blue beehive. We'll be back for that alone!

Tis- I'm not sure I understood your initial grievance. Your group was sitting at a table waiting for lunch service and you were then asked to get up because another party wanted your table for breakfast that was supposed to be over? That would classify as well above previously mentioned "moderately, bad attitude".

[jmen24]

Bring in some Mentos, they always seem to resolve a potential conflict.

[luvmypups]

she's waited on myself and my family before, not the friendliest, most personable woman but I just think her tip will reflect that

[tis]

Originally Posted by chowda

I can overlook a moderately, bad attitude as long as the food is great and the service is timely. I don't necessarily feel like becoming best buddies with whomever is mixing my drink. I just hope they mix it well. That being said, the only complaint I have with this establishment is they made me the blandest Bloody Mary I have ever been served. I'm not talking about the alcohol portion. It tasted like nothing but plain tomato juice with a bit of horseradish in it. The olive was the tastiest part of the whole drink. That one negative factor aside, the food is great and priced reasonably. The service was prompt and courteous. The brunch is always terrific. I have yet to see anyone with a giant, blue beehive. We'll be back for that alone!

Tis- I'm not sure I understood your initial grievance. Your group was sitting at a table waiting for lunch service and you were then asked to get up because another party wanted your table for breakfast that was supposed to be over? That would classify as well above previously mentioned "moderately, bad attitude".

We arrived a bit early about 15 of 12. and were told they didn't know when they could serve us as their local breakfast crowd was very important to them and they would keep serving breakfast. (I suppose if we wanted breakfast we could have eaten.) So we asked if we could wait and they said yes. We had waited about a half an hour between waiting and sitting before she came over to the table and told us. The funny thing was, there was noone in sight waiting for the table. It was all very strange. And it's not like we looked or acted offensively! And yes, I felt it was much, much more than a moderately bad attitude!!!! However, I don't remember it being the waitress who is the one who is being discussed here. (She was the one with the attitude the other time I mentioned though.)

I didn't go back for a long time, however, I finally did. The food is very good as I said, and haven't had a bad meal there ever. Sometimes you just have to get over these things. Just ignore those who choose to not be nice. It takes all kinds to make a world. But I know a lot of people who wouldn't ever go back under those circumstances.

[moultonman]

Interestingly there has been no response from the Pine Cone establishment regarding this thread or the attention it has received.

In any event, it would certainly be appropriate, and quite funny, if the offending bartender were to wear a big blue wig on Halloween, when tradtionally, all of the servers at the Pine Cone work in costume.

So belly up to the bar on the 31st Chowda, but remember...

Halloween is the time for trick-or-treat, so sip your drink with caution!

[Yosemite Sam]

Originally Posted by moultonman

Interestingly there has been no response from the Pine Cone establishment regarding this thread or the attention it has received.

In any event, it would certainly be appropriate, and quite funny, if the offending bartender were to wear a big blue wig on Halloween, when tradtionally, all of the servers at the Pine Cone work in costume.

So belly up to the bar on the 31st Chowda, but remember...

Halloween is the time for trick-or-treat, so sip your drink with caution!

LOL.....You have been a good sport about this whole thing which makes me think that maybe there is a "Marge Simpson" wantabe working there.

I'll keep my eyes open for Marge the next time I go there.

Keep smiling!!!!

[jr616]

I have always found that being OVERLY nice to people, even the ones in a foul mood, will eventually crack them!

I always start with a big SMILE - if they do not say "Good Morning, How r u?" I do. With whatever they return I make the conversation engage (whether they like it or not) - asking if they ARE really "fine" or if something else could brighten their day - like a big tip! I say things like "Thank you SO much I really appreciate it" when they bring my food etc...

Killem with Kindness - Trust me they'll crack!

[Pineedles]

It's really nice to see so many Forum members with a positive attitude about dealing with adversity, but I think so many, many times have said they have tried this to no avail.

[Coolbreeze]

Here is an idea, if you don't like the service, go somewhere else. It will reduce the time I have to wait for a table.

[bumble71]

Originally Posted by Coolbreeze

Here is an idea, if you don't like the service, go somewhere else. It will reduce the time I have to wait for a table.

sounds like you don't carry many expectations when giving someone your money huh COOLBREEZE?

[dpg]

Originally Posted by jr616

I have always found that being OVERLY nice to people, even the ones in a foul mood, will eventually crack them!

I always start with a big SMILE - if they do not say "Good Morning, How r u?" I do. With whatever they return I make the conversation engage (whether they like it or not) - asking if they ARE really "fine" or if something else could brighten their day - like a big tip! I say things like "Thank you SO much I really appreciate it" when they bring my food etc...

Killem with Kindness - Trust me they'll crack!

I hear what your saying but when I'm out spending my money I'm not about to try chearing people up. I'm not looking for my butt to be kissed by any means but if your in the service industry of any kind you should act reasonable towards people or get layed off.

[CrawfordCentury]

Originally Posted by dpg

I hear what your saying but when I'm out spending my money I'm not about to try chearing people up. I'm not looking for my butt to be kissed by any means but if your in the service industry of any kind you should act reasonable towards people or get layed off.

I remember being at an event where past director of White Mountain Attractions Dick Hamilton spoke a few words. Of those in the tourism and hospitality business, he said "We're in the smiles business. Your customer doesn't smile, you don't get paid."

So, in a sense, I'm sympathetic to the OP.

However, there's a gal at a restaurant we frequent who has a perpetual look on her face like she's crunching an aspirin with her teeth - and has a personality to match. She's grumpy to the point of entertaining! If we went there and she was cheery, it would be like they left the tomatoe off from my burger

Heck, Cliff Claven kept going back to Cheers - in spite of, or perhaps because of his constant berating by Rhea Pearlman's character!

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by CrawfordCentury

I remember being at an event where past director of White Mountain Attractions Dick Hamilton spoke a few words. Of those in the tourism and hospitality business, he said "We're in the smiles business. Your customer doesn't smile, you don't get paid."

So, in a sense, I'm sympathetic to the OP.

However, there's a gal at a restaurant we frequent who has a perpetual look on her face like she's crunching an aspirin with her teeth - and has a personality to match. She's grumpy to the point of entertaining! If we went there and she was cheery, it would be like they left the tomatoe off from my burger

Heck, Cliff Claven kept going back to Cheers - in spite of, or perhaps because of his constant berating by Rhea Pearlman's character!

I went there today for lunch and a women named Gerry waited on on. She was waiting on the bar and all the tables. She is tall with gray hair and lives in Tuftonboro. She was pleasant enough ,although she forgot to ask us how our meals were. I really don't hold that against her as she was quite busy. The food as usual was very good. I don't think she is the women everyone is talking about , although she could look as if she was crunching an aspirin. She is certainly not cheery cheery, but she was fine. Nothing to complain about!

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by dpg

I hear what your saying but when I'm out spending my money I'm not about to try chearing people up. I'm not looking for my butt to be kissed by any means but if your in the service industry of any kind you should act reasonable towards people or get layed off.

It is not a tough job when you get right down to it (don't get me wrong, you work hard in the restaurant/bar business). Take care of your customers, get the orders right and go home at the end of your shift with little or no residual work or job related worries.

I frequent the bar at Buckeys- They see me pulling in and as I walk in my cocktail of choice is already waiting on the bar for me. The bartenders are nice and efficient- that is all anyone is asking for. Going out for drinks or a meal should be a pleasant experience.

[Sunrise Point]

Ok...Gotta try them, where is Buckey's?

Thanks!

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Pontoon Goon

I never really noticed but Marge looks kinda angry AND Hot !!!

Pontoon Goon: In that case you'll be interested to hear that Marge will be appearing on the cover of Playboy next month! Seriously! I heard it on the radio yesterday!

see.. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8300463.stm

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Be careful AW. That is a shortened version of what I asked (meant nicely and concerned about her), of another poster at another time that erupted into a closed thread. I know your message is meant to be friendly too.

It is meant to be friendly - honest. I enjoy a good dialog about something - even if it's a bad experience at a restaurant. Gimme details - whether good or bad.

Not to derail this but I learned today that my 39 year old cousin in MA drowned last night. He's just a few months older than me. I am closer to his mom than I was to him - by any stretch - I truly mean it when I say "life is short"... stuff like that puts it into a scary perspective, you know.

I agree that MM should have received better treatment - too bad it's come to this, really. Like I said, I'll never argue with anyone about their experience or perception.

"A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still..."

I just try to make sure I've got the facts m'am.

For the record: I take no issue with negative posts about a place but take the good and the bad together to form an opinion of whether I'd try that place or not. I use this forum as a reference for friends coming to visit the area when they ask, "What do you recommend?" as we don't get out that often. I still don't see where anyone has said to MM - "Hey dude, you're WRONG," but I think people have chimed in on their experience. Nothing bad, really.

Peace.