Restaurant apologises after ‘disgusting’ find in woman’s meal

Dining out is often a treat, a chance to indulge in delicious food prepared by skilled chefs, and an opportunity to enjoy the ambience of a well-run establishment. However, for one woman, a recent dining experience turned into a nightmare when she discovered an uninvited guest in her salad. 

The incident occurred at Tatsuya West Ryde, a restaurant that found itself at the centre of a shocking and unsavoury scandal. Just two days after the rodent was discovered on Tuesday, the restaurant was still serving customers, but the atmosphere was undoubtedly different.

Imagine the horror of enjoying your meal, only to find a slimy, lifeless pest the size of an adult hand nestled among the lettuce leaves. The woman, who had already eaten half of her salad, was understandably appalled. ‘I’d eaten half of it at this point,’ she claimed in her Google review, which was accompanied by disturbing images of the find.

The situation was not only distressing for the woman but also for other patrons. One nearby customer described the incident as ‘unacceptable and disgusting’, echoing the sentiments of many who read the six individual reviews detailing the event.

In response to the uproar, Tatsuya West Ryde issued an apology, acknowledging the severity of the situation. ‘We sincerely apologise for this incident,’ the restaurant stated, addressing the woman’s one-star review. They explained that the issue originated from a delivered salad box and that they were investigating with their supplier and local food authorities.

The owner of Tatsuya West Ryde provided a statement to 9News, expressing deep concern and admitting to a serious lapse in their internal processes. They chose not to delve into graphic details out of respect for those affected, but recognised that the incident had caused distress to customers and the wider community.

The restaurant’s stance was clear: they took full responsibility for the incident, regardless of rumours or online commentary. Their focus was not on assigning blame but on taking corrective and preventative actions to ensure such an incident never occurred again.

Tatsuya West Ryde voluntarily reported the find to the City of Ryde and the NSW Food Authority. They took immediate steps, including quarantining related ingredients, engaging pest control services, closing the restaurant for a deep clean, retraining staff, and launching an internal review.

The owner’s statement emphasised the need for action over words, expressing a commitment to improving standards and rebuilding trust. ‘We offer our heartfelt apology to the customer involved and to everyone affected,’ they said, reaffirming their high standards and dedication to doing better.

As the Ryde Council has been contacted for comment, the community awaits further developments. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s efforts to rectify the situation and prevent future occurrences are underway.

As we reflect on this incident, it’s clear that it has sparked a range of emotions and responses. While the restaurant has taken immediate steps to address the situation and ensure future safety, the experience itself raises questions about food safety standards and customer expectations.

What are your thoughts on how the situation was handled? Have you ever encountered a similar issue while dining out? How do you think restaurants can better maintain food safety and customer trust? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Also read: Fast food kitchen nightmare: Employee’s ‘disgusting’ act caught on camera