Today was Donna's repeat visit with the dentist. It was the second or third attempt at filling the same tooth. As I said once, maybe it's time she switch dentists. But what could be more rewarding after a dentist appointment than lunch? We couldn't decide where to go, the Chinese buffet is directly across the street from Ponderosa, so it was almost a toss-up. But then I remembered an article I read a few days ago: Hearty eater' claims buffet banned him
Thu Jan 3, 2008
HOUMA, La. - A 6-foot-3, 265-pound man says a restaurant overcharged him for his trips to the buffet line, then banned him and a relative because they're hearty eaters.
Ricky Labit, a disabled worker, said he had been a regular for eight months at the Manchuria Restaurant in Houma, eating there as often as three times a week.
On his most recent visit, he said, a waitress gave him and his wife's cousin, 44-year-old Michael Borrelli, a bill for $46.40, roughly double the buffet price for two adults.
"She says, 'Y'all fat, and y'all eat too much,'" Labit said.
Labit and Borrelli said they felt discriminated against because of their size. "I was stunned, that somebody would say something like that. I ain't that fat, I only weigh 277," Borrelli said, adding that a waitress told him he looked like he had a "baby in the belly."
Houma accountant Thomas Campo said the men were charged an extra $10 each on Dec. 21.
The argument grew heated, and police were called.
The police report states, "The incident was settled when the management advised that the meal was complimentary." but was told not to come back.
We decided to avoid the Chinese buffet line today and settled on Ponderosa--a delicious choice, I must say. I hadn't been to one of these places in may years, but I found that it was possible to leave full at a reasonable price.
The buffet "upgrade"--for a buck--was a platter with meat and potatoes. I went with the sirloin tips and Donna had a cheeseburger which left in a doggie bag for future use. The buffet doesn't have as much variety as the Chinese buffet does, but there was an excellent selection of salad, three varieties of soup, a taco bar, and a baked goods station.
I'm not sure what she has here, except for the roll--a big shiny roll.
Ah...wings and potato salad.....
The server was very efficient. I wanted to photograph all of the empty plates at the same time, but she kept removing them too quickly.
And then there's dessert! The ice cream machine is the same as what the Chinese joint has, but Ponderosa offers more toppings, including M&Ms!
Even after removing a dozen plates (or so), the server was still smiling, so we left a reasonable tip. I still prefer the variety of the Chinese buffet, but Ponderosa was a pleasant experience for a change!
23 comments on Not So Rude at Ponderosa
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sounds like you guys had a great day together! did they have mac n chez? [THUMBUP]
I heard all sorts of comments about using the first pic in this blog, so I think I'll be keeping the camera out of the bathroom--although it does have a time, which could be fun....
It's obvious that the fat people consume an AVERAGE amount of calories in excess, and far more than thinner people. The only way to keep down the prices and STILL be able to offer äll "you can eat" is to limit the offer to normal sized people. It's a matter of simple ODDS and there is no OTHER way unless you charge more (UNDESIRABLE) or scrap the "all you can eat" feature (an important attraction). I can see that you don't know much about the business side of these establishments. Why ruin it for EVERYONE just based on a few who can't control themselves ? DISCRIMINATORY !
That's bullshit to charge someone extra at a Buffet - If it advertises "All you can eat" Then you should be able to eat as much as you wish -
If that ever went to court... the chinese restaurant would LOSE!
[ROLLEYES][ROLLEYES]
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I like chinese but I like ponderosa as well...so good choice for the day![SMILE]