Following is attached a letter which one of my guests wrote to the Lighthouse Restaurant. To date, they have received no response. We have personally not visited this restaurant, but it was on our "to do" list. I don't think we will bother now.
"Dear Sir,
I would like to recount our experience on Kizilada Island.
The following is not a rant or a tirade of abuse just a constructive criticism which I hope will be beneficial to you.
We were so much looking forward in visiting the island and this was to be the highlight of our stay in Turkey. The journey to the island was exhilarating with lots of laughter. On arrival we took the electric transport to the top, we were greeted by staff and escorted to a seat with a view to die for.
Drinks were ordered and as we drank we watched the sunset, the whole ambiance was magical.
Now the problems started. I asked after what was thought to be quite some time for a menu and was told curtly that we choose from the window. Window, what window ? I asked. The window we had passed on the way in was the answer.We had seen no window. I returned to my seat to wait to be escorted to this mystery window, no one came , so once again I enquired about the routine for ordering and was pointed to the direction we had to take.
The eight of us arrived at this window , the window which had been so problematic, a waiter explained what was on offer. 1 lobster, the size that I usually put in a sandwich and doubt would have been landed in UK due to being under sized was sitting all forlorn in the bottom of a huge tank. 2 sea bass, 4 steaks, 1 grouper and chicken. Bearing in mind that also on the island were four more guests ( two tables of two )the choice was a bit limited to say the least. The price of these offerings was not mentioned. There is a saying that if you ask the price you can't afford it, but as we are not football players of merchant bankers, we asked. It is fully appreciated that the cost of the speedboat has to taken into consideration, but feel twenty lira for a very small tuna roll is exorbitant.
We made our choice and took our seats, our food arrived and straight away we knew we had under ordered as the portions were very small .Bread was offered in massive chunks , to eaten dry as no butter was served to accompany it. Main course arrived, and this was a big disappointment. Steak was small and over cooked, I had ordered rare and it was well done. The garnish was wilted lettuce, mustard , a cold garlic dip and two thin pieces of potato, and a vegetable kebab.All the meals were of the same standard.
Now, It is felt by us and one of the tables of two,who we spoke to, that considering the staff on hand that evening, maybe one for each guest, the service and standard of the food was drastically under par.
If this continues word will soon get round , as I believe it already has. It will not be long before this venture fails, and this will be a great shame as you have so much to offer. Having spent thirty five years in the catering industry I feel that I'm justified in writing this letter and hope that you will look into the organisation and see if certain points can be tweaked.
I wish you success in the future and will watch with interest for any comments that are mentioned about Kizilada Island.
Yours sincerely."
