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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#298465
03/29/2023 12:26 AM
03/29/2023 12:26 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 708 South Coast of MA
SXMBND
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 708
South Coast of MA
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I think they did well to take the 20 off as you ate the steak. To me there's not much difference between medium and well done. Any steak past rare is over cooked to begin with. As someone else said don't go to a seafood restaurant for a steak and expect a great steak even though it's on the menu. Not cool to pick up the steak with your fingers to show the waiter. Better classy ways to do it. Agreed..... I had the waitress feed two uneatable Rib-Eyes to the dogs hanging around the table at The Greehouse a few years back.
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Whale Tail]
#298468
03/29/2023 06:30 AM
03/29/2023 06:30 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,568 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,568
Ohio
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I have not been a fan for a long time. I also find it is better to not ask about any added service charge as once you do, you open yourself up to all kinds of misleading answers that are designed to extract more $$ from you. We had a couple of great steak meals at Jax. I had the beef short rib entree that I found to be very good.
J.D.
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#298469
03/29/2023 06:52 AM
03/29/2023 06:52 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,568 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,568
Ohio
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I think they did well to take the 20 off as you ate the steak. To me there's not much difference between medium and well done. Any steak past rare is over cooked to begin with. As someone else said don't go to a seafood restaurant for a steak and expect a great steak even though it's on the menu. Not cool to pick up the steak with your fingers to show the waiter. Better classy ways to do it. That is fine for you but not everyone chooses to eat a steak prepared to your personal liking. To most people, the difference between medium and well done would be huge. There is also the issue with "pink" versus red juices flowing. That is why there are rare, medium, well-done and mid-ranges of each. I prefer medium rare but that is not to say that is what someone else should order. While predominantly seafood restaurants are not thought of as a place to order a steak, a local (to me) seafood restaurant has one of the better steaks in the area and they compete against a legendary local steakhouse. I mentioned Jax (a steakhouse) in my post, a friend ordered the seafood pasta there and said it was very good so it can go both ways. Between service issues and inconsistent food, I have not been a fan of Skipjacks for a long time.
J.D.
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Whale Tail]
#298479
03/29/2023 09:49 AM
03/29/2023 09:49 AM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568 Bucks County, PA
snuba
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
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Looks like this restaurant is a hit or miss for many. We go there just about every trip and always have prompt service and good meal. No complaints at all. Can’t remember if we ever had steaks there, though I would definitely enjoy my filet well done, totally killed and preferably on a dry side. I know, I am weird but that’s how I like my steaks. Scuba, I know, you will disagree
Life is short, travel the World.
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: RonDon]
#298480
03/29/2023 09:56 AM
03/29/2023 09:56 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836
Harriston
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us too,,,the last couple of visits we have always gone there for lobster - but honestly it was tough and not that tasty....nice setting, but??? We tried the lobster on lobster night at Greenhouse in Simpson bay and it was really good. Tomorrow,,,we will arrive, cannot wait, been way to long!!!!
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Whale Tail]
#298485
03/29/2023 10:32 AM
03/29/2023 10:32 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656
Brookfield, CT.
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So very sad to read this thread. We ALWAYS do Skip Jacks at least once per trip for our grilled Caribbean lobster and have never had less than excellent service there along with very enjoyable grilled lobster. I’m still looking for a really good lobster Thermidor since ANTOINES closed but I’ve yet to find one that can compare. We also often do a second night st SK’s for their pan sautéed grouper which has also been very good. The setting is a little more upscale than some of the other choices and we’ve always enjoyed our meals there. That said, we also enjoy Lees for lobster (actually it was about our favorite place of late…..) but you need to check in advance to be certain they will have lobsters the night you go. I sure do hope Skipjacks gets their act together before our next visit.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: snuba]
#298490
03/29/2023 11:07 AM
03/29/2023 11:07 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,909 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,909
Auburn, WA
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Looks like this restaurant is a hit or miss for many. We go there just about every trip and always have prompt service and good meal. No complaints at all. Can’t remember if we ever had steaks there, though I would definitely enjoy my filet well done, totally killed and preferably on a dry side. I know, I am weird but that’s how I like my steaks. Scuba, I know, you will disagree All good. To each their own.
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Whale Tail]
#298496
03/29/2023 12:17 PM
03/29/2023 12:17 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,044 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,044
Central Florida!
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Whale Tail--as far as the service charge, if a restaurant adds the 15%, that's all we tip, and I don't make a comment about it to anyone at the restaurant. That's probably a lie that the server doesn't get any of the money, but to me, it doesn't matter. The servers are not indentured servants. They don't have to work there if the conditions are not good.
I do agree with the others who said not go to the Skipjacks for a steak (or pasta, for that matter). They did take something off the bill, so at least there is that.
Overall, we all have a limited amount of time on island and it is disappointing to not have a good experience. Hopefully your next dining experience will be much better!
Carol Hill
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#298501
03/29/2023 01:09 PM
03/29/2023 01:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,044 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,044
Central Florida!
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Scuba--yeah.. I would also add that EVERY restaurant seems to be hurting for servers these days, so a good server is not going to stay somewhere that this happens, that they have to beg for extra tips, on top of the 15%. I never ask about the 15%, as I'm not interested in hearing a lie about it. If I like the restaurant, I go back and continue to just tip the automatic amount. If I don't like the restaurant, it's just another reason not to go back.
Carol Hill
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: pat]
#298512
03/29/2023 02:34 PM
03/29/2023 02:34 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,306 CT
pony600
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,306
CT
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I’m still looking for a really good lobster Thermidor since ANTOINES closed but I’ve yet to find one that can compare. Pat, have you tried Bistrot Caraibes? My favorite!
If life hands you a lemon, just squeeze it on a lobster!
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Whale Tail]
#298568
03/30/2023 07:31 AM
03/30/2023 07:31 AM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,032 Westchester /NYC
Colour1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,032
Westchester /NYC
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Slowly the "Service charge" made its way from the French side, where it was common practise. I was NEVER a fan of that and to my point neither does anyone that dines on the Dutch side! IMHO, if the restaurant owners got together and discontinued this practise the staff would make a lot more money! Yeah sure now and then one of the Europeans would stiff a waiter, but overall they would do better!! They shot themselves in the foot with this. And why not ask if the 15% is tacked on. I got taken once. Double tipped not knowing, when approached the manager, he said the restaurant is now close, I can buy you a drink. As if that cured the problem! Ask, it doesn't hurt! If the service and experience is that good, I leave some extra cash! If not, I'm walking!
Sand Gravity, got to love it!
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Whale Tail]
#298588
03/30/2023 11:12 AM
03/30/2023 11:12 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656
Brookfield, CT.
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My thoughts exactly, Scuba. I don’t ever recall seeing a line item on a French dinner check that read service charge, which isn’t to say it wasn’t there but merely that I didn’t see it.
I have always understood the tip is figured into the cost of the food on the French side and personally speaking, I HATE the fact that any sc is added to checks on the Dutch side. We would personally tip more if the gratuity wasn’t forced by the different establishments and in too many cases I think the service would improve if it wasn’t forced on you.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: pony600]
#298589
03/30/2023 11:16 AM
03/30/2023 11:16 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656
Brookfield, CT.
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I’m still looking for a really good lobster Thermidor since ANTOINES closed but I’ve yet to find one that can compare. Pat, have you tried Bistrot Caraibes? My favorite! We stay on the Dutch side for almost all our trips these days and hesitate to drive to the French side for dinners with so many great establishments so very close to us. We will certainly try Bistro Caraibes next trip since you are not the first person to tell us how good their Thermidor is but TY for the reminder. 😊😊
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: pat]
#298591
03/30/2023 11:32 AM
03/30/2023 11:32 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,044 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,044
Central Florida!
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Pat--It certainly adds to the cost of the night, but you could hire Wilfred Brooks to take you over to the French side some night.
Carol Hill
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Whale Tail]
#298592
03/30/2023 11:39 AM
03/30/2023 11:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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I agree, Scubaman. We've probably eaten 90% of our meals on the French side and can never remember it being common practice.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: Skip Jacks....Never Again
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#298593
03/30/2023 11:43 AM
03/30/2023 11:43 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,656
Brookfield, CT.
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I’m sure Wilfred is a great option but for those of us who regularly stay at BSV, here’s a heads-up for you - they have a driver they can arrange for you to use by merely speaking to management.. He is very good and very reasonable and a nice guy as well. We used firm for a daytime r/t to P’berg last year and we were surprised at how reasonably priced he was not to mention the convenience
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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