Much A-Dough About Nothing
Over the last two weeks, Todd Kliman’s chatters have gotten riled up over CityZen‘s Parker House rolls. A chatter wrote in about his/her experience at CityZen a few months ago with pleasant servers and delicious food. But then he/she complained that his/her party of seven requested a second serving of the Parker House rolls. Apparently the server hesitated and seemed uncomfortable, but said he would check with the kitchen. The chatter said that they did not receive more bread or more information, and as such, the individual expressed that he/she felt ripped off, and had written a letter of complaint that was ignored. This prompted him/her to decide never to return and tell friends not to dine there.

Kliman responded that it was likely a “gift from the house” and not to be confused with the regular service. He agreed that this was not the way the diner should have been treated. He also assumed that the chatter was not a hard-core foodie – something that may or may not have been true.

In the past week’s chat, Kliman attempted to explain the situation as he had learned from Eric Ziebold, the head chef at CityZen. But the issue was not clarified.

Deciding to get to the root of this issue, I spoke to Eric Ziebold, the chef at CityZen, to find out more about the infamous Parker House rolls. At the time of our call, he told me that he was still trying to get in touch with the guest to find out what happened and resolve the issues. According to him, they had not received a complaint letter that related the events.

According to Ziebold, the rolls are proofed and baked for each service (a process that takes 30-45 minutes)- eight boxes at a time or enough rolls for 16 people. It is the a la minute preparation that makes the rolls unique and superior. Ziebold explained that he would rather serve fewer rolls of higher quality than bake them ahead of time and have more that are just okay. A party of seven (which the chatter describes) would receive four small boxes or three large – enough rolls for eight people. So when a party of that size asks for a second round, it would clear out the supply for the other tables.

Photo by gingher