2 /5 Robert Greco: I typically prefer not to write negative reviews publicly, but unfortunately I have not received any communications back from this restaurants management staff regarding my troublesome dining experience despite contacting the establishment directly through its feedback channel. To that end, this was the first time my wife, daughter, son-in-law, and I dined at MJs. It was my birthday and retirement celebration, hence it was a major milestone in my life. We decided to dine locally as opposed to traveling to our usual tried and proven steakhouses. First off, the statement that "you only get one opportunity to make a first impression" should be underscored in this review of MJs. That being said, my first impression of this restaurant was etched into memory the moment we walked in the front door. Much to my dismay, the doormat was filthy, out of place, and more surprisingly had a used toothpick laying on it. One would think that a restaurant which touts all of its awards would at the least make a concerted effort to keep the establishment spotlessly clean. It was early in the evening on an off-peak night so busy-ness could not be used as an excuse for the lack of attentiveness. Disappointment #2 came when we were seated. I noticed that there was a card placed on all of the tables. Thinking that it was a "welcome to MJs card", you can imagine my shock when I discovered that it listed the "house rules" of the restaurant which included the prohibition of; the use of profanity, generating a lot of noise, and finally, not to use a cell-phone while speaking loudly on it. SERIOUSLY?!? Management actually thinks that it needs to remind patrons how to act in an "up-scale award-winning" restaurant??? One must realize that MJs is far from being a fast-food restaurant, and it appeared that the diners present were mature and well-mannered - maybe it was the house-rules card that kept everybody in line (satire). Pardon me, but I do not need to be reminded how to act in a restaurant where we paid close to $300 for a party of four - and that was without ordering any cocktails. Consequently, I found this card to be highly insulting and offensive. Adding insult to injury, my daughter had secretly requested a surprise birthday dessert for me, and the hostess completely forgot about it and let the cat out of the bag in front of me when my daughter requested it after our dinner. Disappointingly, the "birthday dessert" was just a typical Crème brûlée dessert choice with a single candle stuck in it. My daughter was embarrassed to say the least. On the other hand, the service was good and our server was friendly and attentive. Overall, the food was good also however I feel that it was overpriced as compared to the quantity and quality of food received for relatively the same cost at other well-known steak houses in Sarasota and Tampa. You live and learn. Lastly, the lack of a response from management despite contact efforts does not leave me with the impression that this restaurant is concerned with repeat customers. I would gladly welcome a response.
