StCirq

Why on earth is everyone being so critical of this post? Apart from the fact that Robert clearly has a reading comprehension problem, I don't understand what's not clear about how these two incidents at the restaurant didn't appear to be deceptive.

OK, I guess it's somewhat understandable that the degustation menu wasn't offered because the patrons figured the clients were English speakers and might not understand it (though that menu presumably was considerably more expensive than the menu del dia - and as a business owner it would be instinctual to me to at least try to interest clients in the more expensive menu), but I never like it when I'm handed an English menu just because of someone's assumptions. And the dynamic currency bit is just unacceptable (becoming more common, yes, but that doesn't make it OK).

annhig

st. Cirq - you got there before me.

I don't necessarily want menus to be translated into english, but i do want to be offered them! this is supposed to be a service industry after all - and it's them serving us, not vice versa. sometimes I get the distinct impression that restauranters and hoteliers think that they are doing US a favour.

Robert2533

"restauranters and hoteliers think that they are doing US a favour". Yes, they are doing you a favor! In some places they may be considered part of the service industry, but most restaurants and hotels in Spain, even the larger ones, are family owned and they are welcoming you to join them, regardless of where you’re from.

A reading comprehension problem! Probably at times reading some of what passes for unbiased comments or diatribes, but in that case, did krgystn argue with them in English or Italian?

"but I never like it when I'm handed an English menu just because of someone's assumptions". Good point! It's a common occurrence, and speaks well of the restaurateur. At least they are trying to make you feel comfortable, but then you can always politely ask for a menu in Spanish.

Marija

If they're doing me a favor by welcoming me as their guest how come they charge me?

ribeirasacra

How about this posting of yours?
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-the-best.cfm
So you found this restaurant via one of her guides, but reading the above posting adds to some confusion. Is it the best guide or are there errors?

Marija

You're absolutely right. Great catch. Shame on Maribel for suggesting a meal described by the OP as:
"absolutely delicious perhaps the best we had in Spain". Why wasn't Maribel there to describe the degustacion and maybe even pay the bill in euro?!

FREDMADCEL

What kind of credit card system will accept other currencies? I have accepted credit cards in Seattle for 25 yrs. If its a Japanese credit card it is in dollars regardless. The cardholder pays the conversion fee.I will except Euros at the daily rate - no more. I don't make extra money on the transaction.I am paid the next day by Visa/Mastercard - Amex 3-5 days. Banks don't run V / MC. I am in a "service business"- retail wine. I try to treat my customers as "customers/friends" If I want them to come back I treat them with respect.I find my tourist customers always interesting and I am curious, asking them questions. Sounds like a misunderstanding - thats it.It sometimes it seems some people are showing their prejudices/anger.

Marija

Fred--google "Dynamic Currency Conversion." For starters you can look at:
http://moneyning.com/credit-cards/dy...sage-gibberish

christycruz

Ak! Dynamic Currency Conversion is real and should be avoided! It's even mentioned in a Fodor travel blog. See #5 http://www.fodors.com/news/story_1935.html

If you've never heard of such a thing, perhaps you're better off not giving your opinion until you've at least done a google search.

Is everyone off their rocker today??

krgystn

Marija, exactly. It is a scam pure and simple. It has nothing to do with a language barrier.

yestravel

ribeirasacra - there was no incorrect info in Maribel's post or in her guide about this restaurant. We had an outstanding meal at a good value and that is pretty much what she said. We may have found the restaurant in other ways, but I doubt we would have learned of the special price for the degustacion lunch menu. So yes, for us, we found her guide to be incredibly useful.

FREDMADCEL -- I'm not sure I completely understand your post. The process that is used in some establishments in Europe is called dynamic currency conversion (dcc). Here's an article about it
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...072900927.html
In any case I applaud you for your treatment of your customers.

FREDMADCEL

Maybe I am ignorant but Visa / Mastercard is insidious - be very careful and ask your bank.We are headed to San Sebastian in late June I will be very careful.We travel every year and find few cheats.I hope the merchants / restaurants are very aware of the long term effect of taking advantage of their patrons - its a smaller world you know.I am looking forward to being there FA

yestravel

Fred -- just be careful with the credit card receipts before you sign. All of the ones which used DCC had the € price and then below it the USD conversion. Beneath that was a statement that by signing you accepted the rate. It did not happen with all transactions, but with some. Enjoy San Seb--its a lovely city with fabulous food.

CathyM

yestravel-

I don't think your experience is unique to this restaurant nor do I think the restaurant was tryint to deceive you. I've often found the "special" menu's not available in the english menu because it was not translated. I never felt this was an attempt to trick me however.

By the way the regular set lunch menu at Kokotxa is 25 euros.

yestravel

CathyM-you're right the meal was 25€ each, my mistake. And perhaps u r also right that this is common. It was the only place we experienced not being told about the degustation menu. Sometimes it was attached on the menu (Spanish or English one) and other times the waitstaff mentioned it. I also think what struck me was the two things together. Had just one happened, I may have had a different reaction.

Cowboy1968

I'm currently in Barcelona, and have seen a couple of restaurants with bi- or x-lingual menus, but the "specials" only written in Catalan or Castilian on a blackboard near the entrance or somewhere else.
I also know this custom from my home country where the menus are printed in 2 or more languages but not the daily changing specials.
I never thought this was something exciting.

annhig

I also know this custom from my home country where the menus are printed in 2 or more languages but not the daily changing specials.
I never thought this was something exciting.>>

not exciting Cowboy, but irritating when the restaurant automatically offers the printed menu only, and fails to offer the specials. that, added to the attempt to use dynamic currency conversion, understandably left a bad taste in the mouth of the OP.

mikelg

Hey, c´mon you rich Americans (all Americans are rich, right?), you´ve come to probably the best place in the western world for eating (Basque country), you are paying a fraction of what this meal would cost in any other European country for the quality you are receiving, and what if the owner offers you an English menu? I´m Basque and in most restaurants I get the à la carte menu first, and then I ask for the daily or special menu...and yes, ALL of them (99%) have one!! So just sit down, relax and enjoy the experience!! In the end, that´s why you´ve come here, isn´t it?

yestravel

What I've learned from this thread -- u need to ask for any special degustation menus or even menus of the day. In reading all the responses I gather that it is common not to be offered it esp if you are an English speaking person. I agree with mikelg in that we did have a fabulous meal for a great price and we certainlly were relaxed and enjoyed every second and morsel of the experience.

mikelg -- thanks for all your tips on Bilbao and the area. U answered many of my questions early on when I started planning this trip. We used so many of your suggestions and I loved Bilbao...what a fabulous city!

lincasanova

nice ending