Sierra Leone is an amazing country. Also one where things often do not go according to plan. With this considered it’s always interesting how things can work out at the last minute, or how someone can say or do something that lifts your mood or restore your faith at the very moment you’re looking to rip someone’s head off.
I lunched at Palladio for the first time only a few weeks ago, and I’ve been back on average once a week. Yes, I admit – for the Friday buffet if I can make it. Their food is quite good, but I have also been constantly impressed with their service. Even though not perfect, it is consistently good and the staff don’t make you feel they’re doing you a favour by serving you.
Palladio put on an special Independence Buffet and for something like Le70k you get to not only eat till your heart’s content but also receive Independence Anniversary merchandise like pens, shirts and the like. So, I took my hungry self down there on the day, admittedly a bit late for lunch but still paid the full price to get in. I was quite disappointed to find the buffet table half empty. I mentioned this to the lady at the door (Baindu) and she promised me I would get what was due. All my independence merchandise and free lunch! I thought she was kidding actually… until they called me up to ask when i would be picking up the merchandise. Huh? Is this Salone?
So last Friday, I went down there and true to form she was on hand to give me my hats and pens.. and even though I didn’t ask for my free lunch she made sure she informed the waitress lunch was to be excluded from my bill. I mean, really. Is this Salone?
In truth she gave me more than that. Being in the hospitality industry and knowing how far short service falls most of the time, she gave me hope that all was not lost in the industry. If we can have many more of her scattered in other restaurants and hotels then we will be well on our way.
So, if you know Baindu.. tell her she made someone’s day, so much so I’m telling the world… and she should be proud of it. Don’t be trying to angle a free lunch though
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