Those nice-looking places on Flatbush

It just so happens that ATP was out  and about this weekend, and we snapped a shot of Ali's Roti and The Fireside Grill.  Then, as if out of the blue, a discussion of Fireside erupted on the Lefferts Yahoo! Group. 

You realize what this means: ATP is psychic.

Ali's and Fireside, in our vernacular, are those "nice-looking places on Flatbush."  We have only gone into Fireside, and our experiences have been mixed.  And, from today's discussion, it seems like some have had near-salmonella experiences there, described as "breaded chicken-sashimi."  Ew.

We think that the Fireside scenario is particularly sad, and indicative of why PLG has poor services.  Even the business owners who put significant energy and resources into their exterior and interior do not know how to deliver the goods.  And no one seems to be telling them how - habitually, we as consumers try a place once and never look back if it's not up to snuff.  Successful businesses capitalize on first impressions.

This heralds back to our discussion of Western Beef v. Fresh Direct.  Like grocery shopping, we feel crappy about leaving the neighborhood for our dining needs, but the options in PLG don't do it for us.  Even the restaurants that appear to be trying do not have their acts together.

Is it our responsibility to behave as more than just consumers?  Is there anything that the neighborhood could do to help these folks out?  Anyone willing to approach Fireside and offer "Food Service 101?"

Comments

[Kirsten Syrett]

I parked on Empire Blvd last night for the first time in the 7 months I have lived here and got a broken window. Maybe longtime residents know not to park there or I just got unlucky but thought I would pass it on for those not in the know.

[tripster]

ALI's has great food.

[jennifer]

Sorry to hear that Kirsten. I try not to park there if I can, but nothing bad has happened yet. I definitely wouldn't park there on a weekend when "The Base" is going.

[I'm just saying]

Sorry to here of your misfortune. Most nights my car is parked on Empire Blvd and other than a smashed mirror that was obviously done by another car, I've had no problems.