BigLou
Newbie
Posts: 12
Registered: 9-7-2003
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La Fonda Scam Alert...
(Short version of long story). Returned from La Paz in May with *only* 2 500 peso bills. First trip since then back to M had dinner at La Fonda Sat.
night 9/13 and paid the $52.50 check with the 2 500 peso bills. Waiter brought me back $3 change. I complain. Waiter claims I gave him a 500 and a
50. Maybe he thought I was drunk (not even close) or had a wad of pesos in my pocket. Asked to see Dimitri who had just visited our table while
"making the rounds" 5 mins before. "D not available." Demanded to speak to D. Short Latina tells us he's not around and they ain't gonna do
anything about the problem. Wife & I demand to speak to D and finally Sara shows up, not happy. Tells us we're wrong because there's not 2 500 peso
bills in the cash register. "No kidding," we say. "Maybe the missing one is in your waiter's pocket." Duh! Argue back and forth for 10 mins until
she finally gives us the right change. What peees us off more than the fact that they defend a waiter who is both a thief and a liar is the fact that
Sara obviously didn't believe us. We have been all over M for 35 years, eaten at La Fonda many, many times, and nothing like this has ever happened
anywhere before. Obviously my wife and I will not be returning to La Fonda. Ever. WATCH OUT FOR THIS SCAM!
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Mike Humfreville
Super Nomad
Posts: 1148
Registered: 8-26-2003
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I have read for years about the dishonsety of La Fonda. I had a similar experience last year. When I wrote a report (on the then-active Amigos
board) I received many replies agreeing that Dimitri has a major problem. Many of the folks answering my report love the place so much they have just
learned to commit the waiter to the money you are giving him or just pay at the register. WAY SAD to have such a great place go ugly.
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
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Mood: Just dancing through life
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La Fonda
I believe that it is a scam that Demitre wants to sell. He just keeps rolling in the dough!
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The Gull
Super Nomad
Posts: 2223
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rancho Descanso, BCN
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Mood: High
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Had a situation this year where one of the young waiters charged me for a dinner and drinks more than what was served to two people. He was not very
bright for trying that stunt and I took him to the cashier and raised hell in a loud voice. It was resolved immediately.
I do like certain dishes at La Fonda and perfer it to many other options in the area. That is not to say it is the best restaurant, but I am extremely
careful with the bill and paying when I have returned (successfully) four more times this year. It is a shame that Dimytri has these problems and that
his patrons need to act with such fear of getting ripped off.
[Edited on 9-21-2003 by The Gull]
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3370
Registered: 11-5-2002
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Went there once for their morning buffet, cold huevos revueltos and the prime rib was cold,never again willthey get the privilege to see Jesse there.
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Ski Baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Rosarito Beach
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Business in Baja
La Fonda had the best chips and one of the nicest ocean views anywhere for years. Their service was pathetic if not downright rude. This was not
Dimitri's fault as he was stuck with "Union" waiters who knew they couldn't be fired. In spite of all the problems and service, he and Sara made a lot
of people happy for many years. As well as a lot of money!
I personally find it hard to believe they would spend a lot of that money to move the restaurant expecting the same kind of service as before.
Perhaps he got stuck again. I don't know the politics or legalities that are involved with that place but from what I have seen, both Dimitri and Sara
have gone out of their way to be accomodating and cordial to their customers.
And, they still have a great view.
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BigLou
Newbie
Posts: 12
Registered: 9-7-2003
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Great View?!?!?
Yeah, I had a great view of my hard-earned money disappearing.
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3370
Registered: 11-5-2002
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ski Baja
La Fonda had the best chips and one of the nicest ocean views anywhere for years. Their service was pathetic if not downright rude. This was not
Dimitri's fault as he was stuck with "Union" waiters who knew they couldn't be fired. In spite of all the problems and service, he and Sara made a lot
of people happy for many years. As well as a lot of money!
I personally find it hard to believe they would spend a lot of that money to move the restaurant expecting the same kind of service as before.
Perhaps he got stuck again. I don't know the politics or legalities that are involved with that place but from what I have seen, both Dimitri and Sara
have gone out of their way to be accomodating and cordial to their customers.
And, they still have a great view. |
Union waiters are not the reason for bad service, theres ways to get over that and get your employees in check, the bad service is simply the fault of
the management, give me one moth and i would clean that place out and get it working.
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Dave
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
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Jesse, while management is ultimately responsible, if you can't fire unproductive\disruptive workers you cannot effectively manage. Mexican labor law
and black unions are to blame.
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Ski Baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Rosarito Beach
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La Fonda
Lou, I thought you got your money back . I don't blame you for being a little miffed at the incident but it did give you another Baja story free of
charge!
Jesse, this is what I was told when I asked/complained about the service there to Dimitri. Seems like I also read about it somewhere a few years
back like the Gringo Gazzette or Baja Tourist Guide or something.
Do you think that maybe you being a business owner and Mexican gives you an insight as to how to deal with Mexican Union employees. If so, I bet
Dimitri would be willing to get it straightened out with your help if you were interested.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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hey Jesse, waz up with that picture on all
your posts? from the movie "Heat" with diNero and michael corleone from the godfather in it , right?? what's the tie-in?
great movie BTW - you in it?
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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BajaBabe
Newbie
Posts: 5
Registered: 9-17-2003
Location: San Diego, CA.
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Thanks for sharin... We will watch out for this kind of scam!!!
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