"Although our server was polite and apologetic, they appeared to be quite inexperienced, lacking initiative and effective communication with their colleagues. When we ordered our pasta, which was a standalone dish without sides, we inquired about the availability of bread. We were informed that it was their busiest time after 5 PM, and unfortunately, they had run out of bread. They explained they were short-staffed, with only one cook able to make bread, despite others in the kitchen wearing aprons who couldn't help.
It was puzzling, considering this is a pizza restaurant that specializes in bread with toppings, which other customers were ordering and receiving. We asked if the bread could be served with our meal when it became available since we were waiting for our dish. The server assured us they would try.
While we waited for our lasagna for 30 minutes—having ordered no appetizers and not receiving any complimentary substitutes—four guests who arrived at the same time as us received their entire meals. The server checked on the bread cooking status but could never give us a time estimate, raising our suspicions about whether they were relaying our inquiries to the cook.
Two other guests, also seated at the same time, ordered bread and received it in about 10 minutes, with their full meals delivered within 30 minutes. I asked our server how those guests got bread when we were told there was none available. They explained that it was a different type of twisted bread that could only be obtained by placing an order for it. When we asked how long it would take if we ordered that bread, we were told approximately 20 minutes. Given that we had already waited nearly 30 minutes for our lasagna, we assumed the complimentary bread would be ready shortly, as surely it wouldn't take 50 minutes to an hour.
After 30 minutes, the lasagna was finally served, and we asked about the status of the bread, reiterating that we were told they would try to get it to us with our meal. When it wasn't served alongside the lasagna, we followed up again. It felt like we were starting the conversation over as the server responded that they would check on the bread's status. We had understood from the previous discussions that we would be getting the bread, but it seemed like we were going in circles."
