OT: Boycott Baltazar's restaurant in Bend

[mtbzone]

Baltazars, Bend's newest 'upscale' seafood restaurant located on the West Side (just in front of Bend Cyclery's new location). Being a transplant from Seattle, I was stoked to have another venue for fresh seafood in the Bend area.

Well, after trying Baltazar's twice in the last few months, I found myself very disappointed with their lack of customer service and attitude toward customers, particularly children. I had been wondering if I just happen to go to Baltazar's on a couple of bad days but, after receiving the below e-mail a few days ago, I feel validated in my feeling toward this restaurant.

If you live in Bend, or plan on visiting.....

Boycott Baltazar's!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Hello fellow friends and parents,

I am writing to tell you about something that recently happened to me which was very disturbing and unpleasant. I recently dined out at Baltazar's Restaurant with my friends the L's and the L's. We had a sitter for S. and J., and brought K. because he was only a few months old and slept most of the time. Three different staff people there were very unpleasant to us because we brought the baby and treated us very rudely despite the fact that he slept the entire time and never made a peep. Baltazar himself made it a point to come over to our table to tell T. and I (and I quote-) that "they do not specialize in children" so we had to put him on the floor since there was no highchair to set his car seat into.


A few weeks ago, I was encouraged to write the restaurant a letter because of how rude they had been to us so I finally got around to it this week. After asking for approval from the MOMS Club of Bend board members to use letterhead, I wrote to Baltazar describing our experience and asked him to consider purchasing one highchair to accommodate parents with a small child who may dine at the restaurant.


Baltazar called me today and made it very clear that he does not want any children in his restaurant. In fact, his exact words were, "We are not going to buy even one highchair because we don't want them (kids) here." When I suggested to him that Bend was a family friendly community and that by treating patrons disrespectfully for accidentally bringing a child into the restaurant is actually not good for his business and he was shutting out a corner of the market, he asked me if I was threatening him, told me he would sue me and then concluded the conversation with a "GO TO H*LL YOU F***ING B*TCH."


I was completely stunned and shocked by having been treated this way- but after being harassed in the restaurant for having a sleeping 8 week old with us, I guess I should not be surprised.


There are many other establishments in this community that would never treat their patrons in this manner- and I hope you will consider joining me in finding alternative dining options where people are treated with dignity and respect, whether or not their children are with them.


As I told Baltazar, I completely support restaurants approaching customers who have unruly children, or whose children are disrupting the dining experiences of the other patrons and politely asking them to get the situation under control or leave- but blatant rudeness such as his demonstrates poor business etiquette. If Baltazar’s policy is anti-children in their restaurant, they should post a sign at the door stating, "No infants or children allowed." It would save an unknowing parent such as me the harassment of being indirectly told multiple times while dining there that my child was unwelcome.


Please share this message with others you know. As for T. and I, we will never again dine there again and hope you'll join us in demonstrating that behavior such as that will not be rewarded with our continued patronage.


Thanks,

Concerned Parents

[Nat]

Good enough. Crossed them off my list.

[amtbr]

Umm why does this belong on a mountain bike forum? I didnt realize this was a catchall forum for crybabies. If you dont like the place just dont go to it.

[slimTreeshadow]

Wow what a lame way to treat a customer by Baltazar. I'm a father too and though i probably would save a dinner out for a "date night," I can totally understand why you brought your little one. Lame is all I can say, lame and not a way to act in the Bend community.

Guess this is indicative of the new wave of residents and entrepreneurs moving here. People need to remember Bend is a friendly Oregon town, and locals definitely want it to stay that way.

I ate at Baltazar's w/ 2 friends, and while the food was good (I wouldn't say great) the service was good but weird. Our waiter just had a strange vibe and seemed to be trying to be cool or something. Hard to explain. Now that I've heard this I won't be doing busines there again.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by amtbr

Umm why does this belong on a mountain bike forum? I didnt realize this was a catchall forum for crybabies. If you dont like the place just dont go to it.

Up yours. I'm glad he posted it.

If you don't like OT posts, don't read them.

[cazloco]

1: yes, boycott and tell your friends with children about their "anti-child" stance. (That sucks)

or

2: Tell your friends with children to flood the place on a Friday night and be sure to not let the kids nap all day long. Chances are you can get out without paying if the kids are bad enough.

Thanks for the OT, but when in Bend I usually end up at the Deschutes.

Caz

[slimTreeshadow]

Deschutes (aka the Pub) is also very family friendly! An given evening from ~5-7pm there are tons of families and everyone's having a great time.

[mtbzone]

Originally Posted by amtbr

Umm why does this belong on a mountain bike forum? I didnt realize this was a catchall forum for crybabies. If you dont like the place just dont go to it.

Every biker I know eats food...sometimes more than once a day!

Thanks for bumping this OFF TOPIC post to the top!!!!

mike

[Nat]

Originally Posted by cazloco

2: Tell your friends with children to flood the place on a Friday night and be sure to not let the kids nap all day long. Chances are you can get out without paying if the kids are bad enough.

Har, I was thinking the same thing!

Mike, Dana got the same email from her (non-biker) friend. It's making its way around town I guess. She knows the family who is the subject of the email and says they're a nice family (in case anyone was thinking they're hooligans).

[Nat]

One of the most family and kid-friendly places I've been to in town or anywhere is El Caporal. They are seriously on-the-ball.

[Tappoix]

yep, tom and yvette are super cool.

i called 2 days ago and asked if they did kids parties, balloons, cake. unfortunately Balthazar was not there.

he's done. next!

[Ladydirt]

I live in Bend and overheard my boss talking about a recent incident at Baltazar's. I asked him about it after I read this and apparently Baltazar has the same respect for women as he does children....

A few months ago, 6 ladies got together and headed over there for dinner on a Thurs night. They asked for a table and Baltazar asked if they made a reservation. One of the ladies said, "no, we didn't think we'd need one on a Thursday." Baltazar replied, "thats the thing with you women, you're just like my girlfriend, you don't think."

Whether he was joking or not, it was rude.

He's so boycotted!!

[cazloco]

Ageism and sexism; does anybody know someone who works for the paper? How 'bout the better business bureau?

Caz

[Sparticus]

What about Bend Brewing? I've been in there a few times post-ride (for lunch & dinner) and enjoyed the ambiance & food. Is Bend Brewing still a cool hot spot?

I've also taken my kids to Bend Brewing -- no problems. (My kids are 28, 24 & 20, by the way.)

--Sparty

[Wreckless]

2: Tell your friends with children to flood the place on a Friday night and be sure to not let the kids nap all day long. Chances are you can get out without paying if the kids are bad enough.

Thanks for the OT, but when in Bend I usually end up at the Deschutes.

Caz

That's a great idea!

Or, just get a big group of grownups to dine there and act like a bunch of misbehaving kids! heh heh

Shouldn't be tough.

On the other comment (about women and thinking): Does Baltazar's family know that he talks about women that way? That's more than rude. That's dangerous thinking!

I'll have Bend-dinner, but hold the Baltazar.

[slimTreeshadow]

Originally Posted by Sparticus

What about Bend Brewing? I've been in there a few times post-ride (for lunch & dinner) and enjoyed the ambiance & food. Is Bend Brewing still a cool hot spot?

I've also taken my kids to Bend Brewing -- no problems. (My kids are 28, 24 & 20, by the way.)

--Sparty

Bend Brewing is still a cool hot spot for tourists :-)

only kidding of course, lots of folks like it. Personally I think the beer is sub-par, the food used to be better, and all my friends are at the Pub... where the beer is above-par, the food is great, and all my friends are there! :-D

Nat: word up on Caporal! Love it, also La Rosa is great but can sometimes be hectic and feel small. But both spots are tequila happy places.

EDIT: oh yeah just talked w/ my wife and apparently the Baltazaar thing is raging across town. She got 5 or 6 different emails about it from friends. They're so dead unless major PR work is done.

[thebigred67]

It is way bad that people like that still exist.

[Oregon]

Bend media is on it too. The Bulletin will soon put out an article, and Bend radio has caught wind of the story too. It's about to get even bigger. Yep. He might as well throw out the "I'm Done" sign.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by slimTreeshadow

Bend Brewing is still a cool hot spot for tourists :-)

only kidding of course, lots of folks like it. Personally I think the beer is sub-par, the food used to be better, and all my friends are at the Pub... where the beer is above-par, the food is great, and all my friends are there! :-D

Nat: word up on Caporal! Love it, also La Rosa is great but can sometimes be hectic and feel small. But both spots are tequila happy places.

EDIT: oh yeah just talked w/ my wife and apparently the Baltazaar thing is raging across town. She got 5 or 6 different emails about it from friends. They're so dead unless major PR work is done.

Did you all know that El Cap opened up in Sisters about one month ago? My wife and I ate there yesterday. Look at the size of this Dos Equis beer for $3.95! Almost had to get carried out of there!

[Meat Foot]

Originally Posted by cazloco

2: Tell your friends with children to flood the place on a Friday night and be sure to not let the kids nap all day long. Chances are you can get out without paying if the kids are bad enough.

+3, that is awesome! I would love to see the looks on their faces.....imagine walking in with a dozen sqirmy kids at 7:30 in the evening.

[GlowBoy]

Thanks for posting. We make it over to Bend at least a couple times a year, and are always looking for good (and family-friendly) places to eat. Now we'll be able to avoid an ugly experience at Baltazar's.

[Cog Wild]

I love the idea about everyone bringing their kids!! That would be freak'n hysterical! I don't have kids, but would be willing to hang out at Bend Cyclery just to watch it go down. But wait, I am a woman, so maybe I should get some lady friends together and go at the same time - with no reservation!!!

I have to say I agree on most of the beer at BBC as well - but have you tried any of the beers they make with coconut? Strange to have in beer, I agree, but damn it is good stuff!

I too got the email today from one of the concierge ladies at Mt. Bachelor Village. I saw the other email addresses and they included the Visitors Association and a bunch of other tour companies, you know, the places that recommend restaurants to visitors. Another friend who is part of the Bend Bellas actually called the couple who wrote the email to confirm it was true and it got back to me that it was.

Can we all start placing bets on when the closed for good sign will be going up??? And can someone go by there tonight and see if anyone is actually eating there?

[Nat]

http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbc...&nav_category=

Discuss.

[slimTreeshadow]

Originally Posted by Nat

Did you all know that El Cap opened up in Sisters about one month ago? My wife and I ate there yesterday. Look at the size of this Dos Equis beer for $3.95! Almost had to get carried out of there!

Mmm... good -- and that guacamole looks fresh and delicious. Is that an imperial pint? Just like the Pub serves! Haven't tried the coconut beer - I can't have any kind of fruit or weird food in my beer. Straight up hops, barley, and malt.

[womble]

Originally Posted by Nat

Up yours. I'm glad he posted it.

If you don't like OT posts, don't read them.

Ah, the most infantile post I've read on these forums for a week. Are you that rude to everyone, or do you just enjoy pushing around newbies with low post counts?

[Rockin]

Originally Posted by Nat

Did you all know that El Cap opened up in Sisters about one month ago? My wife and I ate there yesterday. Look at the size of this Dos Equis beer for $3.95! Almost had to get carried out of there!

They also opened up in Tumalo next to the store in the spot that used to be the burger place/Thai, etc.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by slimTreeshadow

Mmm... good -- and that guacamole looks fresh and delicious. Is that an imperial pint? Just like the Pub serves! Haven't tried the coconut beer - I can't have any kind of fruit or weird food in my beer. Straight up hops, barley, and malt.

I don't know exactly what volume were the glasses, but we were guessing 20oz. We had three between the two of us and wanted to go lie down under a tree.

[mtbzone]

[QUOTM=Nat]http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbc...&nav_category=

Discuss.[/quote]


It's not only Baltazar's disdain for children, but his lack of customer service and his attitude toward any patron that turns me off. The second meal I had there was only with my wife and the service was lame. My meal was VERY late, and while the waitress apologized over and over for the poor service, when we asked to get one of my $10 drinks comp'd (the one I ordered just because I was tired of waiting for my food) my waitress said "I have to go ask the owner". Guess what Baltazar said? His answer was NO! Let's see....a $100 meal for two adults with crappy, late service that our waitress repeatedly apologized for but the owner didn't find it worthwhile to give his customers a little something to make up for sub-par service.

Baltazar's......put a fork in it....it's done.


BTW- I've heard similar stories about his restaurant in Sunriver.

Mike

[Nat]

Originally Posted by Rockin

They also opened up in Tumalo next to the store in the spot that used to be the burger place/Thai, etc.

I haven't eaten at that one yet. Have you? It'd be a nice starting/ending point for some road rides out that way.

[Nat]

"She mad me crazy." Nice excuse. Nice damage control.

[Rockin]

Originally Posted by Nat

I haven't eaten at that one yet. Have you? It'd be a nice starting/ending point for some road rides out that way.

Grabbed a bite out there on the way back from one of my road loops north of Redmond. Had a bit too much to eat though, climbing out of Tumalo State Park really sucked.

[tberg]

Originally Posted by Nat:
Up yours. I'm glad he posted it.

If you don't like OT posts, don't read them.

Originally Posted by womble:
Ah, the most infantile post I've read on these forums for a week. Are you that rude to everyone, or do you just enjoy pushing around newbies with low post counts?

Nat,

You're such a bully!!!!

[Nat]

Originally Posted by tberg

Nat,

You're such a bully!!!!

Watch out. I might push you to the ground and make you eat fried worms.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by Rockin

Grabbed a bite out there on the way back from one of my road loops north of Redmond. Had a bit too much to eat though, climbing out of Tumalo State Park really sucked.

That's what I am afraid of. There's nothing but climbing out of there, and I have a strict no-climbing-after-feasting policy. It's in my contract.

[lily]

I have something to say to Baltazar, that my mother would tell people who used foul language. "la mierda sale de su boca, y usted come con la misma." (Poop comes from that mouth and with the same one you eat!) I do not care what the circumstances are, no one should ever talk to people the way Baltazar did this woman. If this woman was driving you crazy via the phone, you should have just said: end of conversation and hang up! It clearly shows disrespect for her as a human being the way you talked to her! I would loath having a father who used such language. Shame on you. Some of your customers should pin you down and wash your mouth out with Drano, Baltazar! Now, on a positive note for your restaurant, I have to say, that my family and I have been treated well, then we did not bring any children with us, but I did bring my 85 year old father who was treated very kindly. The food was great, and the wait was reasonable, but then I have only gone during the lunch hour. Now, I do believe that Baltazar has the right to have a restaurant that is geared toward adults, just as parents have the right to go to a restaurant that will serve both them and children (children friendly) There are also adult who have the right to eat in adult friendly environments. Did you know in part of Europe, many restaurants are pet friendly, and people can bring their well behaved animals with them while they dine. Some people do not like the thought of having a furry animal near the dinner table while they eat. alright, what if people start to protest that restaurants need to become pet friendly? Anyway, regarding children friendly restaurants, I am sorry to say, but I have been to many restaurants that are children friendly, and have had bad experiences with parents allowing their children to throw food, scream and run around. Mind you, I am not saying that every parent does this, but then those who teach their children to behave and have good manners are penalized for those who let children run a muck. The people who's kids run a muck in restaurants penalize the rest of the public who have come to eat a good meal in a nice environment. I like the food at Baltazars. It is clearly an upscale Mexican restaurant. I eat my food in a calm and quiet atmosphere. There are plenty of children friendly restaurants, so why not have at least one adult friendly restaurant. I know even I, having been a parent, enjoyed times I could get away and eat in a nice upscale restaurant in peace and quiet. This is so little, to the times when I had the kids with me, which was most of the time.

[lily]

Originally Posted by Nat

That's what I am afraid of. There's nothing but climbing out of there, and I have a strict no-climbing-after-feasting policy. It's in my contract.

Hi Nat. I am new, but you are too funny. The same person that made your contract must have done mine. No climbing after feasting. ;-)

[poppa#1]

Originally Posted by mtbzone

[QUOTM=Nat]http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbc...&nav_category=
I do not mind spending money on good food.ONE-HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR"UPSCALE" MEXICAN FOOD IS CONFUSING TO ME.I am wondering what could possibly warrant this expense...the proprietor must have a "new" perspective on this type of culinary experience.Fifty dollars a head would involve a wonderful array of sushi at it's finest.I am not intending to question the patron...it is the owner that is troubling me on so many issues. I am pleased to avoid this establishment.A grandfather at 37...no wonder he does not appreciate women.A note to Mr. Chavez, comp a drink you idiot! I apologize in advance if the "grandfather" statement offends anyone.Good luck Mr.Chavez?
Discuss.

It's not only Baltazar's disdain for children, but his lack of customer service and his attitude toward any patron that turns me off. The second meal I had there was only with my wife and the service was lame. My meal was VERY late, and while the waitress apologized over and over for the poor service, when we asked to get one of my $10 drinks comp'd (the one I ordered just because I was tired of waiting for my food) my waitress said "I have to go ask the owner". Guess what Baltazar said? His answer was NO! Let's see....a $100 meal for two adults with crappy, late service that our waitress repeatedly apologized for but the owner didn't find it worthwhile to give his customers a little something to make up for sub-par service.

Baltazar's......put a fork in it....it's done.


BTW- I've heard similar stories about his restaurant in Sunriver.

Mike[/quote]

[poppa#1]

wow this post is backward...I am out of practice...ooooops

[lily]

Poppa 1, then you had better not frequent other high end restaurants in Bend, because there are several who charge prices comparable to Baltazars, if not more.

[tberg]

Originally Posted by lily

Hi Nat. I am new, but you are too funny. The same person that made your contract must have done mine. No climbing after feasting. ;-)

Watch out lily, haven't you heard that Nat's mean to people who don't have many post. He also has a weird foot fetish.

p.s Welcome to the board.

Todd

[lily]

lol..lol Todd. Okay, I'll look out for Nat. Thank you for the welcome.

[poppa#1]

cool with me ...I go out often in the Portland area and I have no problem spending too much...but not for Mexican food.When I venture to Bend I will continue to spend the bulk of my time on the wonderful trails.I cannot think of a local comparison as far as Mexican cuisine is concerned.Spending money in the "big" city is nothing new to me and I have had several great "high end" experiences in Bend as well.When that is the evening plan customer service should never be an issue...ESPECIALLY WHEN THE OWNER IS INVOLVED.Thank you for the heads-up.

[Sparticus]

Originally Posted by lily

I have something to say ... have had bad experiences with parents allowing their children to throw food, scream and run around. ...

I love a good kid-free environment, too. But that's not the point. The point is that if Baltazar or whatever his name is doesn't want kids in his overpriced beans 'n rice restaurant, he ought to do the obligatory right thing. Namely, post a prominent sign in the front window to the effect of, "Please leave your brats in the trunk."

Thataway, there's no mistaking the kind of establishment you'll find on the other side of his doors.

Good communication. It's so refreshing.

--Sparty

P.S. And that's why there are no brats at Barbie Camp -- it's PROMOTED as a kid-free environment. No mistaking this. I rest my case. What's so funny 'bout peace, love & understanding?

P.P.S. Expectations = future disappointments

[lily]

Baltazar does not forbid children in his restaurant, but he does not encourage it either. Many boutiques and what not in Bend, I do not see that there is any indication that they encourage children coming, but they neither encourage it. I think they take the children on a case to case basis and just as they happen to pop in with their parents. I am sure that like me, Baltazar would have no problem with a quiet, well behaved child. Some children are just too young to be out. The mother in question brought her baby to the restaurant, instead of leaving the child home with her other children and the sitter.
__________________________________________________ _______________________

FOR POPPA 1. As I said, My family and I have always been treated very well by Baltazar and his staff. This particular Mexican food is well worth it's price, because it does not take a cookie cutter approach to Mexican food, like many of the Mexican restaurants do. Also, I expect that we were treated well, because my family and I set the tone for how the interaction between we, and the staff would go. That is not to say, that people do not have bad days, and perhaps do not have the best conduct with clients. To this I say, let any of us who is without mistake, bad day conduct, or perhaps not treating people the best that we could have, cast the first stone, and please do not tell me you would cast the first stone, except you do not want to hit anyone. ;-) By the way, there are several high end restaurants in Bend, which I think are well over priced for the food they serve, and like you, I have eaten in some of the most high ended restaurants not only here, but also in other parts of the world.

[Oregon]

You don't have kids, do you? Most people won't leave an 8 week old home with a sitter, especially if they are nursing. The baby slept the whole time.

I think Baltazar needs to work on his people skills or he won't be in business long.

[Sparticus]

Originally Posted by lily

Baltazar does not forbid children in his restaurant, but he does not encourage it either. Many boutiques and what not in Bend, I do not see that there is any indication that they encourage children coming, but they neither encourage it. I think they take the children on a case to case basis and just as they happen to pop in with their parents. I am sure that like me, Baltazar would have no problem with a quiet, well behaved child. Some children are just too young to be out. The mother in question brought her baby to the restaurant, instead of leaving the child home with her other children and the sitter.
...

Read the post below, posted by Oregon on 4/27/07 around 7:30am.

The child was evidently well behaved. There is a big difference between "not encouraging" and "discouraging" children in your restaurant. After reading the recent article in the Bulletin as well as some of the comments on this subject being tossed around cyberspace throughout the past week, I have the distinct impression that Baltazar wants to make sure that anyone who commits the unpardonable sin of bringing any child, well behaved or not, into his restaurant will leave the place with the unmistakeable impression that, should they ever choose to return to his establish, they'd dang well better do so sans kids.

In fact, based on Baltazar's candor (admitting that he called one of his patrons a "F---ing B----"), I wouldn't be surprised if Baltazar would say in his own words that my comments above are right on.

Maybe you will ask him.

--Sparty

[lily]

I have no idea what transpired via the phone between Baltazar and this women. Yes, he did admit using foul language, and this was very wrong., however, I have no idea if this woman's behavior escalated over the phone. Certainly many people who have children will be offended since this hits a spot close to their heart. I have had children...6 to the exact, and yes, even at an enfant age, every once in a rarity I left them at home with grandmother and grandfather. They all did find, and are find upstanding,tax paying, well adjusted citizens. The point is, if we are going to call Baltazar on his 'children unfriendly restaurant,' then we had better start calling other businesses on the carpet as well. All we parents should unit and start policing places that are not children friendly equiped, and force them to become such!

[mtbzone]

Originally Posted by lily

Baltazar does not forbid children in his restaurant, but he does not encourage it either. ...I am sure that like me, Baltazar would have no problem with a quiet, well behaved child.

Welcome to mtbr.com Lily......

I don't know where your information comes from but the above statements simply are not true. I have been in this restaurant with my 7 and 9-year old, both very well-behaved, and we were treated like we had the plague! Baltazar can say what he wants when his back is against the wall, but it's pretty obvious how his thought process works.

"I'm not going to deny I said that," Chavez said Wednesday. "But she made me crazy."

"You think I'm going to let infants come and trash my restaurant?"


Anyway, why would any person patronize a restaurant whose owner admits that he told a customer GTHYFB?! This is not an isolated incident. This is just the tip of the iceberg with Baltazar. If we compiled all the stories about this man and the way he treats patrons it would be scary!!!

I could go on and on about Baltazar's overpriced drinks, so-so dishes and lack of customer service (even toward patrons w/o children) but I don't need to...I'll just sit back and watch Baltazar shoot himself in the foot. In the future I'll spend my $$$ at a restaurant that treats its customers with a little dignity, at least! You are free to support this man, if you wish.

mike

[lily]

I have had children...6 to the exact, and yes, even at an enfant age, every once in a rarity I left them at home with grandmother and grandfather. They all did find, and are fine upstanding,tax paying, well adjusted citizens. The point is, if we are going to call Baltazar on his 'children unfriendly restaurant,' then we had better start calling other businesses on the carpet as well. All we parents should unit and start policing places that are not children friendly equiped, and force them to become such! There are plenty of places, while not discouraging children, certainly do not make one feel welcomed.

[lily]

Firstly Mike, the first admentment allows me freedom of speech, just as you. It allows me to state the positive experiences that I have had with Baltazar's restaurant. 2ndly. If you read my early post, I stated that my family, including my 86 year old father were treated very well...certainly with dignity and respect IN OUR CASE! I cannot speak for anyone else regarding this matter. 3rdly. I did say that it was very wrong for Baltazar to use such foul language, toward another human being. I also said, let any of us who are without sin cast the first stone. Certainly any of us have used disaparaging words toward someone in a moment of anger at some points in our lives, which we have later regreted. I am sorry that you, or some of your friends are not happy with Baltazar and his restaurant. It is just that you should never eat there again! Maybe there are deeper issue. I know for a fact, that there are many people who love the food, and do not feel that it is anymore over priced than a lot of upscale restaurants. Since I and my family have enjoyed the food, have not thought the prices too outrageous, and have been treated with kindness and respect IN OUR CASE, and many of my friends have stated the same, I have to go by this. I will continue to frequent Baltazars. To each his/her own. Oh, and by the way, I do have several friends who state that there is nothing wrong with an adult friendly restaurant. For myself, I do not think there is anything wrong with an all mans' club, an all womans' club, or military academies that are greared toward a specific space. There is nothing wrong with adults, women or men needing their own space.

[inkpad]

Originally Posted by lily

I have had children...6 to the exact, and yes, even at an enfant age, every once in a rarity I left them at home with grandmother and grandfather. They all did find, and are fine upstanding,tax paying, well adjusted citizens. The point is, if we are going to call Baltazar on his 'children unfriendly restaurant,' then we had better start calling other businesses on the carpet as well. All we parents should unit and start policing places that are not children friendly equiped, and force them to become such! There are plenty of places, while not discouraging children, certainly do not make one feel welcomed.

I have been reading through these posts & your comments, even saw the Bulletin business section yesterday. The guy is flat out arrogant & is going to bury himself. The way you seem to be defending his actions, you are starting to sound like you are either, (A) Baltazar himself, (B) Part of his family or friends, or (C) Someone with vested interest in his establishment. The bottom line is, he runs a restaraunt business in a relatively small town with a lot of competition & word spreads very quickly, even more so when it's negative. He needs to treat every paying customer with respect or he will eventually be closing his doors. There are too many complaints & instances where he has made people feel unwanted in his establishment to ignore here. You mention there are plenty other places that run their business as he does regarding children? Not sure where you eat, but I am a food junky, have been to almost every restaraunt in Bend & frequent them weekly (cuts down on washing dishes) I even personally know some of the restaraunt owners in town, all seem to be a pretty friendly bunch of people to me & love what they do, so far I have never heard of any complaints of rudeness from any of them.

For me, I'll stick to the places where I feel welcome, so will all of my family & friends, & thier family & friends....

Cheers

[lily]

INKPAD, your opinions are now bordering on paranoia. I am no family or friend of Baltazars. I just eat there. You talk of Baltazar having no respect for people. Clearly, you letter shows total disrespect for the experiences and opinions of others. Certainly, I cannot spread any calumny against Baltazar's restaurant, because I have had no bad experiences, and nor have many of my friends. You would like me to respect your opinions, or the experiences of you and your friends to the point, where you would like me to calumnize the man and his restaurant, and yet, you certainly cannot accept than many of us have not had the experience that you have had. I say, because you have had such horrendous experiences there, by all means, you and your friends do what you feel is best. If you feel it is best to calumize this man's restaurant then by all means. If you feel you need to bring Baltazar and his restaurant down, then by all means do what you feel is best to arrive at that point. As I respect what you need to do, please respect that I will continue to eat there, because my family and I have been thus far treated well, if things change, then I will stop going there. Please, I would appreciate you not calumizing me by saying falsehoods, that I am a friend or family member of Baltazars, or Baltazar himself. You would not want people to spread falsehoods about you, would you? Now INKPAD you go and do what you feel is just toward Baltazar, and you eat where you are the happiest. You should always be where you feel the most at home. Now, let's not have anymore anger, because life is too short. I think you should focus it toward what you and your friends feel you need to do to bring Baltazar down. God speed to you.

[mtbzone]

Originally Posted by lily

Firstly Mike, the first admentment allows me freedom of speech, just as you. It allows me to state the positive experiences that I have had with Baltazar's restaurant.

And absolutely no person here has tried to take that away from you…hurray!!!

Originally Posted by lily

2ndly. If you read my early post, I stated that my family, including my 86 year old father were treated very well...certainly with dignity and respect IN OUR CASE! I cannot speak for anyone else regarding this matter.

I'm happy that you had a good experience! I had two bad experiences in a row under different circumstances that, along with other stories that are coming out, paint a picture of a troubled man.

Originally Posted by lily

3rdly. I did say that it was very wrong for Baltazar to use such foul language, toward another human being. I also said, let any of us who are without sin cast the first stone. Certainly any of us have used disaparaging words toward someone in a moment of anger at some points in our lives, which we have later regreted.

Baltazar apparently doesn't seem to have a problem labeling female patrons women as the "C" word, either. Nice guy.

Originally Posted by lily

I am sorry that you, or some of your friends are not happy with Baltazar and his restaurant. It is just that you should never eat there again! Maybe there are deeper issue. I know for a fact, that there are many people who love the food, and do not feel that it is anymore over priced than a lot of upscale restaurants.

No deeper issues, thanks. Just looking for a decent place to eat with quality service and fresh food! I certainly don't mind paying for quality.

Originally Posted by lily

Since I and my family have enjoyed the food, have not thought the prices too outrageous, and have been treated with kindness and respect IN OUR CASE, and many of my friends have stated the same, I have to go by this. I will continue to frequent Baltazars. To each his/her own.

Say hi to Baltazar from me and my family!

Originally Posted by lily

Oh, and by the way, I do have several friends who state that there is nothing wrong with an adult friendly restaurant. For myself, I do not think there is anything wrong with an all mans' club, an all womans' club, or military academies that are greared toward a specific space. There is nothing wrong with adults, women or men needing their own space.

Mute point: Never, ever in this whole debate have I seen any person say or write that an establishment should or could be forced to allow children....never!

My work is done here. I've tried to explain my experiences with Baltazar so that others may be aware of the potential attitude they may encounter. Others may have a different experience...great. I just don't want any of my friends and family patronizing a business that treats people the way Baltazar treated myself…and now I find out many other citizens of Bend.

I’m going riding…see you on the trails!

Mike


Oh, check this out…..don’t you think it's pretty interesting that Baltazar let's this promo shot be displayed on the web...makes them look children friendly, don't it?

Hoteltravelcheck.com/Baltazars

[inkpad]

[quote=lily]INKPAD, your opinions are now bordering on paranoia.

No paranoia here, just stating my opinion, as you are, about what I am seeing & hearing about his establishment. I'm glad you have had good experiences there, hopefully they will continue everytime you go. Unfortunately, some have not had your luck & will never be back. Believe me, I love to check out new places to go & have a drink & some great food, but I will sit back & see if the situation gets better before I set foot in there, as there are
way too many other good places to go in Bend.

Cheers

[lily]

That's fine Mike, you do what you feel is best for you and your friends who have been treated so poorly. You go where you feel the food is top notch. Have fun on the trails. I am riding to horse ridge today myself.

[lily]

I understand. Have a great weekend. Cheers back at you!

[mtbzone]

Originally Posted by lily

That's fine Mike, you do what you feel is best for you and your friends who have been treated so poorly. You go where you feel the food is top notch. Have fun on the trails. I am riding to horse ridge today myself.

Thanks...have fun out at Horse Ridge....and may your father have a long and healthy life!!

mike

[Nat]

Originally Posted by mtbzone

Oh, check this out…..don’t you think it's pretty interesting that Baltazar let's this promo shot be displayed on the web...makes them look children friendly, don't it?

Hoteltravelcheck.com/Baltazars

Holy cow! I cannot BELIEVE they used that pic! Do his parents know about it? Is that Tom and Yvette's son?

[GlowBoy]

on their website this morning.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingn...d_familys.html

Will be interesting to see if it makes the print edition tomorrow.

I'm with Sparty on this one. Even as the parent of a toddler, I see nothing wrong with a business deciding not to cater to children. Age discrimination is only illegal if the target is an adult, and I can understand that some restaurants may want to provide a more adult environment. That said:

1. In my experience, even most higher end eateries welcome well behaved children. I've lived in large cities with numerous expensive restaurants for my entire life (and have even patronized quite a few of them!), and I've never heard of an upscale restaurant being anything but welcoming to well behaved children.

2. By all accounts, even parents of well behaved children have received extremely rude treatment at Baltazar's. I understand the desire not to be around noisy, messy kids, but that's clearly not what this is about. It's about Baltazar not wanting kids in his restaurant, period.

3. If Baltazar doesn't want children in his restaurant, he should make it clear to people when they walk in the door, rather than treating patrons like sh1t after they've been seated. Either put up a sign (how 'bout the NO MINORS signs you see on taverns??) or politely refuse service when parties with kids walk in the door.

4. Nice promo shot.

- Dan

[lily]

Well, there goes the neighborhood!

[lily]

The guy is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. close to the lynching people want this man and his own children to be subjected to, and what ever happens to Baltazars livelyhood, will affect his entire family, I am sure reactions would even be worse, if he did place a sign...no minors allowed. Honestly, based on what I have read here, how many of you parents would not, deep down in your hearts find it offensive if Baltazar did indeed place a sign at his establishment saying: No minors allowed. This is an adult friendly restaurant. I am sure that plenty of you would find this offensive and complain anyway. Profanity wise, I already said the guy needs to clean up his act. Perhaps he should take a class in anger management and proper etiquette, but he should not be lynched to the point where he loses his livelihood, which supports his family . Frankly, I think anyone who uses profanity toward other's, or at all need to clean up their act. I wonder how many of us have not, at one time or another used disparaging words against other human beings at some point in our own lives. If any of you say you haven't, that's fine, then by all means, you have the right to cast the first stone! I have at one point or another experienced rude treatment at other restaurants in Bend, I repeat, THIS IS MY OWN EXPERIENCE. I am glad that other's of you have experienced flawless treatment, good, fresh food, timely service and what not in every other restaurant or business in Bend. I find it interesting, that this man is being called on the carpet for his behavior, while other restaurants/businesses with offensive arrogant staff behavior, are not being called on the carpet for this. Perhaps it would be good if the Bulletin took a vote from the public for all restaurants where people have experienced some of the treatment that Baltazar's has displayed. I am sure there are people out there who will tell accounts of poor service in other extablishments in Bend.

[Sasquatch]

Lily, you have 13 posts on MTBR. Every one of them is in this thread. I'm not accusing you of being a friend/representative of Baltazars, but I don't understand why on this regional mountain biking forum, the only topic you've replied to is this one. Hopefully, your passion for bikes is as strong as it is for trash talking restauranteurs.

And maybe I'm just proving I'm a dumb hick from the woods, but if I order a $10 cocktail, I expect to get fluffed while I'm waiting.

[lily]

Um, Baltazars restaurant is one of the few upscaled Mexican restaurants in Central Oregon. It is evidentally clear to me, that there are deeper issues now than just a trashy talking restaurateur or the fact that patronage is children is discouraged. Yup, clearly another issue here. Bigotry is alive and well in Central Oregon, and I am not even a minority and I am saying this. Oh, I do love cycling, and average between 300 and 400 miles per week, but I do not want to be on a web site where I am no clearly seeing the darker side of people. See Yah!

[MountainMama]

My Take On Baltazar's

I am new here, but I gotta start somewhere on the forum, so here is my first post and my take on the Baltazar's mess:

It seems to me that Baltazar Chavez has some kind of major problem...on top of which he is not a very savvy businessman.

That being said...

I am a mom, and I am really annoyed by ill-behaved children. Not just at dinner, but just about everywhere I go. In the past I have left many a restaurant with my daughter in tow, because I am not willing to annoy other people, and because I wanted my daughter to learn the consequences of bad behavior at a young age. I wish other parents would do the same.

But let's put that argument aside for now.

Baltazar could have carved out a niche for himself in Bend. He could have branded his restaurant as a fine-dining experience. As many parents have stated (obviously along with many non-parents) it is nice to have an upscale restaurant in Bend, a place adults can go to without the presence of children. The reality is many children are allowed to run wild without consequence and one place where it is readily apparent and the most disturbing to others is in a restaurant setting.

Who wants it? I don't. My daughter, who is 6, doesn't like it either. She often wonders why kids are so rude and why they don't have good "restaurant manners," and she asks me why the parents don't do anything about it.

Back to the issue at hand. Baltazar has created a HUGE problem for himself because he hasn't clarified his business objectives. He is all over the board.

According to the Bulletin:

"Chavez said he is not anti-children, but he doesn't necessarily want them at his restaurant."

He isn't anti-children, yet doesn't want them at his restaurant? Huh?

It is this kind of unclear thinking that leads many businesses to ruin, only this case is more pronounced because it is so heated and so dramatic and because his social and business skills are so poor.

Unless you had read the Bend Bulletin article, received an email from the Mom's Club or a friend, or experienced this for yourself, you would have had no idea that the place is not kid friendly. How was the public supposed to know before now?

If you had gone there with children unknowingly, as I did on my one and only occasion there, you might have found that you were seated and then treated like you-know-what for the entire evening.

Apparently, Baltazar has been insulting his patrons since he opened in Bend, and before that he was known to do the same at his Sunriver restaurant, el Pescador, which I've heard is is "kid-friendly" but anti-customer. At Baltazar's in Bend he has offended not just families with children but many grown-ups as well. In the past 2 days I've heard a lot of stories from friends, and even one from a family member that I hadn't heard about, about his rude behavior, arrogant attitude and vulgar language. After my own my own experience last December I wasn't surprised.

Baltazar's got a problem, whether he is just rude or has a substance abuse problem is unclear, but for whatever reason, if you don't dine his way then it is the highway...and he'll be happy to send you packing with some very choice words for your drive home. After he's taken your credit card.

Imagine what kind of restaurant he could have had with the proper marketing. The issue is not about children, it is about his ignorance and unforgivable behavior towards his customers.

He could have defined his restaurant to be the upscale place he wanted, but he let people in the door and then tormented them once they were seated. Come on, really...families don't really go to places where it's clear the ambiance not kid oriented, but as I drove by Baltazar's today, I thought to myself, this place is like a warehouse in a strip mall. There is nothing that shouts "upscale" at that location, inside or out.

Who would have known children weren't allowed inside? My family didn't and we had made a reservation for a birthday celebration last December. We even specified the number of children we were bringing.

He is not just rude to families with children. He has been known to be rude to dining couples and other groups of adults. Especially women.

I invite you to look at the countless other stories that involve patrons who were not there with children and see if the main problem is strictly child-related. How would you feel if Baltazar followed your group out into the parking lot and called you the C-word because you just had drinks and didn't order entrees? How would you feel if you went out to eat there with a group of friends, had full dinners and ordered a second round of drinks, and then were personally visited by Baltazar who told you to hurry up and drink because you were hogging his table?

This is no way to run a business, and no way to treat your customers and it is not just about kids.

About all the press it's been given... initially this negative PR might boost the non-family numbers at Chavez's restaurant, but seriously, it is only a matter of time before the community decides they don't want to support a business that is so antagonistic towards them.

I made my decision never to step foot in his restaurant again on December 14th, 2006.

You'll have to decide for yourself.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by tberg

Watch out lily, haven't you heard that Nat's mean to people who don't have many post. He also has a weird foot fetish.

F r i e d w o r m s

[Nat]

Originally Posted by lily

I do not want to be on a web site where I am no clearly seeing the darker side of people. See Yah!

Well that was quick. Only 13 posts and 24 hours before dramatically declaring departure. Is that some kind of MTBR record?

[Rockin]

Originally Posted by lily

Bigotry is alive and well in Central Oregon, and I am not even a minority and I am saying this. Oh, I do love cycling, and average between 300 and 400 miles per week, but I do not want to be on a web site where I am no clearly seeing the darker side of people. See Yah!

I feel so calumnized by you since I am also on this website.

I do have to say that I am impressed with your 15,600 to 20,800 miles of cycling per year. My goal is to reach 4,000 this year so you are someone I can look up to.

[Sparticus]

Originally Posted by lily

The guy is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. ... I am sure reactions would even be worse, if he did place a sign...no minors allowed. ...

Wrong. There are thousands of businesses in Oregon with "NO MINORS" signs on their front doors, and some of these busiensses are the most successful businesses in the State.

Like I said before, I love a good kid-free environment. I agree with Mountain Mama below about suffering through experiences with bratty kids because their miserable parents are so tolerant they do nothing while their kids act up. Personally, I might be more inclined to visit Baltazar's restaurant if I knew in advance that it was not "kid friendly" whenever I'm out only with other adults.

So I say again -- Baltazar, put up a freakin' sign for Pete's sake. Otherwise, if I bring my young, well-behaved family into your business and we get demeaned by you while we're there, you're gonna suddenly find yourself on your hands and knees looking for your broken teeth.

Good communication. It's so refreshing.

--Sparty

[shiggy]

Originally Posted by lily

...Bigotry is alive and well in Central Oregon, and I am not even a minority and I am saying this. Oh, I do love cycling, and average between 300 and 400 miles per week, but I do not want to be on a web site where I am no clearly seeing the darker side of people. See Yah!

and the bigot is the restaurant owner. The only dark side I am seeing is his.

[MrCookie]

Ouch (shaking my head), I can't beleive how fast and far this has spread. I think the only times I (and my family) have been denied service were at Deschites (they pointed out the sign that specified "no minors after 8 PM, so that's cool), and Merenda's (we had a group of 8, and they didn't want to inconvenience their happy hour crowd, not cool).

As far as worst dining experiences, Baldy's, The Grove, Scanlon's, and Merenda have each fallen on their faces for me (lost our order, told us 45 minutes after we ordered that one of the dishes was 86'd, ignored our empty beer glasses for 30 minutes, and served cold food), but that's a different topic.

I feel for Baltazar, but he stuck his foot in his mouth, and followed that up by sticking the other foot in too. I'm out!

[gabrielle]

Originally Posted by Nat

Well that was quick. Only 13 posts and 24 hours before dramatically declaring departure. Is that some kind of MTBR record?

And all the posts were on this thread.

Coincidence? I think not!

gabrielle

[Nat]

Originally Posted by gabrielle

And all the posts were on this thread.

Coincidence? I think not!

gabrielle

I found identical (I mean verbatim) posts on another site from Anonymous. Someone cut/paste his or her rants from one site to another. Coincidence???

[shiggy]

Originally Posted by Nat

I found identical (I mean verbatim) posts on another site from Anonymous. Someone cut/paste his or her rants from one site to another. Coincidence???

You can find cycling related posts by a "Lily..." on the OBRAlist

[mudlover71]

Is LILY the restaurant owners bro in law? Or just a douche bag roadie? Either way he needs to go away............

[GlowBoy]

Originally Posted by Rockin

I feel so calumnized by you since I am also on this website.

I do have to say that I am impressed with your 15,600 to 20,800 miles of cycling per year. My goal is to reach 4,000 this year so you are someone I can look up to.

Ha! I didn't catch that right away.

Agreed, I'm amazed lily was able to take time away from his/her busy cycling schedule of 300-400 miles/week to bother posting here. I consider myself a fairly dedicated cyclist, and to me 300-400 miles is a pretty good month!

[Cog Wild]

On a postive note - can we mention some of the good restaurants in town. Restaurants like Pizza Mondo where the owners give A LOT back to the community (and gave us Kebaba), Long Board Louies (they also donate to the community). I know these are lower end, I was hoping from some help from others to finish this list.

I am personally done listening to the negativity here. ANy good thoughts to share?

[Nat]

El Cap is still my favorite. Great with kids.

Zuppas put us in a semi-secluded area zoned for kids. Crayons-on-paper tablecloth provided.

Taj Palace is great with kids too.

[VA2SLOride]

Eat at Kebaba!!

(My girlfriend works there, so I'm sligtly biased.)

Baltazar's? Driven by, never eaten. There does seem to be an odd relationship between restaurants and their clientel in this town. And by odd, I mean that the owners can capitolize on the fact that there enough people in this town with rediculous amounts of money that'll eat anything if you wrap it up nicely, regardless of taste.

Obviously, this doesn't hold true for everywhere, but it's funny to see.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by VA2SLOride

Eat at Kebaba!!

(My girlfriend works there, so I'm sligtly biased.)

Baltazar's? Driven by, never eaten. There does seem to be an odd relationship between restaurants and their clientel in this town. And by odd, I mean that the owners can capitolize on the fact that there enough people in this town with rediculous amounts of money that'll eat anything if you wrap it up nicely, regardless of taste.

Obviously, this doesn't hold true for everywhere, but it's funny to see.

I heart Kebaba! I went there on opening day and it felt like it was only about 50F inside. I was shivering while trying to hold my falafel, and since then I have it in my head that it's freezing cold in there. The last visit was perfect (food and climate), but it's funny how first impressions stick. I might have to go there today...

[willem3]

Glad to see you post this. My wife is in the Mom's Club of Bend. She sent me an e-mail on this. We will never go there. I am sure this guy will go out of business. Bend has some awesome restaurants.

All the best!

[Nat]

Okay, I went Kent's > Rd.300 > Phil's > Express > Mike's > Ben's > KEBABA's.

Holy foo, the falafel sandwiches there are good! Of course I was trying to peek in back to guess who Scott's girlfriend might be.

I heard that the Mom's Club of Bend is changing their name to The Hot Mom's Club of Bend.

[Sparticus]

Following our BOB tour last weekend (Sisters > Brooks-Scanlon haul road > up Mrazek > camp on Tumalo Cr. > Skyliner > Whoops > Phils), we found ourselves on the deck at Parilla in east Bend. At least I think that was the name of the place. (But we had no kids with us... are we just talking about kid-friendly places now?) Anyway, I tried the Wrap of Kahn and a fish taco burrito plus a draft brown and some margarita pitchers and lemme tell ya, I'ma gonna go back there next time I'm in Bend fur shur yoo betcha.

AND THE TRAILS WERE AWESOME! Thanks COTA!

Plus... thanks to Cog Wild for hookin' SeenYour Crash up with the big van to shuttle us back to our vehicles in Sisters. You Bendites are a friendly & accommodating lot (so long as we leave our kids at home, it seems).

--Sparty

[MrCookie]

Parilla is definately a fave. Everything is A+
Longboard Louie's is also good for after ride refuels (burrito's and Corona's on a hot eve hit the spot)..

[bendmonkey]

Originally Posted by lily

The guy is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

Truth is, I would prefer to have a pricey dinner in a child-free environment. However, that does not excuse Baltazar's outrageous behavior. A man that uses language like that directed at women just shouldn't be in business. Period.