Service was impeccable but could not make up for lack of respect for raw materials and methods. After reading the good reviews here on TA, we expected good, freshly prepared food.
The risotto tasted all right, but had been prepared long before the order was placed. That is one thing that does not work with risotto, because the texture will change irreversably from that nice, super slow flowing liquid to stiff.
The ravioli was much worse: Instead of fresh tomatoes the chef used a can! It makes a world of difference that anyone can tell if they get the chance; Instead of the clear, fresh taste of tomato you taste something sour or bitter (which does not go away with a bit of sugar).
The worst was a tomato dip that came with shrimps (Fritto Misto). It was ketchup with horse radish and it was absolutely disgusting.
We should certainly have complained, but did not think they'd redo everything according to new standards (for them) so we just left in disappointment.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
January 19, 2013
Dearest visitor of Flamingo Beach and Carlos & Carlos,
I am personally hurt that your experience at our restaurant in Costa Rica was not up to your standards, I had send your comment to our Chef in Chicago and the one in Costa Rica to pay attention.
How sorry I am that I was not around, and I am surprise that our dining room personal did not asked you how your was your meal, as we normally do, we could it have done something about it if we had asked.
We truly do not pre cooked the risotto, we simple put it in water and virgin olive oil so the cooking time is shorter, we started doing this contrary to the regular rule of doing it totally from scratch since the timing of risotto is longer than any other dish, and we discover that people resented the waiting time.
Regarding the ravioli, you are also right the marinara sauce that we use is CAN TOMATOES as we learn it in Italy, in fact the plum tomatoes that we use are again Italian, our marinara is one of the best in town is fresh, and we use just the best possible products.
POMODORO SAUCE is simple diced tomatoes , garlic, white wine and virgin olive oil
MARINARA SAUCE: used for the raviolis is the traditional sauce CAN TOMATOES, FRESH BASIL, TOUCH OF GARLIC, VIRGIN OLIVE OIL..
All the restaurants change their sauces as we need to be competitive , some people add anchovies , oregano etc. we don't
Finally we are truly sorry, I hope in the future you allow me to redeem myself before you , please let me know if we deserve another chance.
We thank you for your visit, but a we feel terrible that you did not enjoyed..
Carlos
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