Collina's Roach Disappointment Critique

I've ordered many times from Collina's Italian Cafè at 8800 Katy Freeway, and have recommended it to countless people.. BUT I was extraordinarily disappointed and disgusted to find a LIVE baby roach crawling out of the box after consuming half the pizza with my family. Words cannot describe the queasiness we experienced after we determined it was not an ant, but a ROACH. I killed it with a napkin and spit out the food in my mouth at the dinner table as did my girlfriend. After gagging for a few minutes and paralyzed by shock, I was filled with rage. I called and asked to speak with the manager and before I had spit out ROACH he was very apologetic and refunded the money to my card. He also gave us another pizza which, after we picked it up, remains uneaten on our dinner table.

The "Baby Roach"

Careless Pizza

Now I can't help but wonder: how many other times has this happened unbeknownst to us or others? I didn't go pick up the replacement pizza, because I didn't want to yell at anyone. My girlfriend went, but was not greeted by any member of management as would be expected but was simply told, "sorry about that", by the cashier on duty.

Before finding the roach, I was less than pleased at the careless way the pizza toppings were strewn atop the dough. (For a $21.64 pizza I would expect some panache.) It was as if a one eyed pizza maker made it, because half the pizza had cheese, and the other half was tomato sauce. I thought to myself, "well I guess they don't care today!". Those words would prove prophetic in hindsight. I ordered the Mona Lisa a' La Lisa, which in my previous experiences, been delicious. Check the menu out here.

Lastly, I have noticed on previous occasions where I sat and waited for my pizza that the employees manning the cashier station have a penchant for speaking ill of customers with complaints or requests. I can only hope that this incident isn't being laughed about as I write this. 

I don't know if I can recommend this location after today's developments. 0 stars all around.

Eat at your own risk.

Please keep in mind this happened at the 8800 Katy Freeway Location, and I cannot speak on the other locations around town.

Brick House Tavern / 249 Location Critique

This past weekend I attended a birthday party at Brick HouseTavern + Tap located at 17111 Tomball Parkway, and the following is my unbiased critique of the restaurant, food, customer service, and libations.

It was a brisk night, as my girlfriend and I, hurried through the ample parking lot to warm up inside. I was told we would be on the patio, and was worried about the cold, but we soon found ourselves nestled next a warm fire burning outside. We did, however, make our way inside to be a bit more comfortable, and found yet another large fireplace filled with crackling logs. The ambiance inside was nice, and well decorated. I glanced around at the people there, and found everything from a guys night out, quiet romantic dinners, and large groups of friends hanging out and talking. The establishment is rather large, but appeared to be well staffed based on our dedicated waitress, and her diligent manager hovering nearby. The waitress was prompt and personable, but appeared to be somewhat new. I asked for a “Brick Grinder”, and she gave me a weird look, and I had to point it out on the menu. Other than that she did a good job bringing drinks, and food. I drank a Blonde Bombshell (draft) that was chilled perfectly, and took a shot of Patron. (Couldn't get too happy, I was driving.)

As mentioned previously I ordered the Brick Grinder Sandwich which was described on the menu as: prosciutto, salami, house roasted turkey, bacon, spicy peppers, smoked provolone, roasted tomato, red pepper aioli & pesto. Seemed intriguing, and I was not disappointed. It was delicious! It was the perfect meld of ingredients and the flavors complimented each other well. The textures were perfect: crunchy bacon, moist turkey, and the aioli was excellent. My side order was tater tots, which were fresh out of the fryer, were crunchy and warm. The taste was pretty remarkable considering this is a chain restaurant.

In summary, it was a great meal for the price, and the customer service was above par. I would rate this location 4 stars, and would recommend this to a friend.

I will be rating and reviewing using a 5 star system, and will assert if I would recommend the restaurant. Again, this was my personal experience, and am no way compensated by the restaurant, or parent company.  If                                                                                  you have any questions or comments please contact me.

Thanks for reading, and happy eating!