Eduardos La Finca

Hi

In the spirit of openess and honesty, I felt compelled to write about my experience today at the above restaurant.

My wife, baby daughter and I have recently moved to Spain.  In the past couple of months, we have heard about Eduardos several times, even as recently as yesterday, about how the food is great; and so we decided to give it a try.

We arrived about 2pm (Sunday) - the whole family.  On entering, we noticed that people seemed to be sat inside, perhaps due to the temperature only being 19? Still it isnt unpleasant for us.

With a 10-month old baby who likes to decorate the floor with food, we enquired if they had high chairs - we were told that they do. We next requested to sit outside, both as the music they were playing was a little loud (not unpleasant, just loud), and we didn't want to offend other diners by decorating them with baby samples of sunday lunch.

We were first advised that it shouldn't be a problem. Then, as we waited, a lady appeared and advised us that we couldn't sit outside - despite our reasons having been explained.  On that basis alone, we decided to leave. Afterall, what would be the point in ruining others' enjoyment and just stressing ourselves through lunch?

As we turned to walk away, a follow up question from the lady - 'did we have a reservation?'.  Since we had already started to make a move away, the question seemed somewhat redundant. I advised her that we hadn't - since mealtimes with a young baby can be hit and miss in terms of planning.

Given the empty state of the outside area, I dont even know why this should have been an issue?  Apparently it was.

I have two observations for Eduardos:

Firstly, Spain is a child friendly country. My wife and I eat out most days as we are fortunate enough to be able to afford this luxury. This is the FIRST time I have experienced a restaurant who simply didnt get the whole child thing - God bless the Spanish!

Secondly, given that rumour has it that they have had to adjust their pricing etc from last year when people voted with the feet and wallets, perhaps it would be useful to identify a level of customer service and experience that would encourage people to want to return?

It is a shame, that as young new residents to this area, my wife and I will never be able to comment on the quality of diining at this restaurant, and potentially recommend it to others, since we couldn't get past the gate keeper. Would it have been that hard to allow us to sit outside with our daughter, enjoy our lunch and without frustrating other diners probably dressed up in their Easter Sunday glad rags?

As creatures of habit, my wife and I are loyal customers to the places that we enjoy - such as the Spanish restaurant at La Fuenta where Denisa and Danny are always the most gracious hosts - Eduardos will miss out on a regular diners just because of their short-sightedness!