An experience at a local café yesterday started me thinking about something new for the blog. I like to visit eating and drinking establishments, as everyone does. Why not post reviews on my blog? Homer Simpson did it, so why can't I?

Up until yesterday, I would have given Coco Rico on Robson Street a good review. They have beer and wine, serve a decent cappuccino, and they have nice munchies (or if you're trying really hard to be all classy 'n' stuff: "tapas"). They have a sidewalk patio and interesting decor. Their service, too, was excellent. The server was always prompt and friendly. Note the past tense.

Yesterday, however, after waiting for quite a while, I actually had to go look for a server. Inside, there was a cluster of employees chatting about the big TV they'd set up for the game. I had to go up to them and get someone's attention. Even after that, nobody offered us a menu. No one came to the table to take orders. We were generally ignored unless we ordered from the counter from a surly bartender.

OK, I know that some places want you to place orders at the counter, but in the past, Coco Rico has had table service. Now they apparently specialize in no service at all. Why does the place have both a bartender and a waitress working, when they don't do a bloody thing for the customers?

And the name still sounds silly. Coco Rico. Sounds like something from a bad eighties tune.

And now I'm going to sit here in my cubicle being grumpy for the rest of the day.