"I really, really didn 't want to jump in on some of the negative reviews I 'm seeing for The Veranda, but I can 't help myself. My wife and I stay at the St. James Hotel every Christmas. We 've done it since we were married. It 's a great tradition. Part of that tradition is going to The Veranda in the morning to see if it 's any better than it was the last time we visited. The food is anywhere from acceptable to pretty good. The wait staff are generally okay. However, our visit on December 26, 2018 was enough to push me over the edge. The gentleman who appeared to be leading the waitstaff was appalling. His etiquette was deplorable; while we were seated, I was forced to listen to him speak on the phone to a customer. He told them that they called the wrong number and needed to call the front desk. No; you say, I 'm sorry; I 'm unable to assist you with your request. However, I can transfer you to someone who can. Will that be alright? At least give them the number. Further, he stopped by our table and stuck his hand out. I was waiting to pay for our breakfast, so I handed him my credit card. He asked if we were finished, took our plate and handed the card back to me, stating that I needed to wait for a waitress. From the moment he seated us to the moment we left, this fellow demonstrated all of the hallmarks of someone who is simply in the wrong business or is in desperate need of a mentor."
