I have heard from several of this year's (habitual) attendees that FoF is no longer worth it. Anyone else notice this? I have only been once, so I do not know the show.
These are folks who have gone every year. They say the changes that have been implemented have taken the excitement out of the show. Examples given were the former Privy Runs, the verbage, the jokes, bawdy behavior, and the entertainment.
I get that not everyone likes the same raunchiness. But some people go there specifically for that.
Solutions:
1. Go back to the bawdy shows and advertise them as such, so the patrons won't be surprised. In-show reminders would be helpful.
2. Have rated show options. Maybe less bawdy in the early shows and a more bawdy final show or two.
There has to be a way to give everyone what they are coming for. Other ideas? Reasons?
Word from higher up is that *none* of the shows are allowed to advertise themselves as being rated R, PG-13, or "unsuitable for children". I guess Mid America Festivals doesn't want the folks with children to feel their little dearies are being excluded.
I went to the Feast last year and hated it.. well okay hate is a strong word, but I have no desire to ever go again... and the waitress we had can still suck it... :P >:(
Now I'm happy I decided against going to it this year.
I've never gone and don't really care to... too expensive.
I wish they'd go over the menu and look at what they used to have 25 years ago, and look at what they offer now.
Last couple years I've gone there have been about 35 people there, as opposed to the old days when it sold out and I had to buy tickets in June. They can't blame it all on the economy.
Last year my favorite was the cold minestrone soup. I'd like to know who dreamed that crap up.
Years gone by I used to take a group of ten to the first feast and ten to the last. Nobody wants to go anymore.
If it wasn't for the mug, I'd skip it.
Ferret
Ferret, I'd still go to the Feast with you if I was able to get up there for it, just to have such an attentive escort as yourself! I probably wouldn't eat the soup, though... :-X LOL
We did it last year and had a good time, although we did the one in Arizona this year (same "MC"s) and it and the food was quite good.
Ferret, cold minestrone isn't unheard of, but it does leave me, well... cold. A gazpacho would have been a much better choice on their part, and easy to tailor.
I've found myself less and less impressed with the menu over the past few years. None of it would be difficult to make at home.
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on September 16, 2009, 06:59:05 PM
Ferret, cold minestrone isn't unheard of, but it does leave me, well... cold. A gazpacho would have been a much better choice on their part, and easy to tailor.
I've found myself less and less impressed with the menu over the past few years. None of it would be difficult to make at home.
Depending on the situation, I could see it served cold.
Years ago one very hot opening weekend at the FOF they had cold cherry soup, it was excellent. The last weekend when the weather was cold, they changed it to hot cherry soup. Again very tasty.
The cold minestrone soup I got last year was on the last weekend on a cold day. It just seemed wrong.
Ferret
Went 2 years ago and had a great time. Met a couple RFers. We thought it was worth it. Food was good, all the beer I wanted, good entertainment. The other people there all seemed to have a great time also.
Maybe it changed recently.
Never did FoF but did the Phantom's Feast as part of the Halloween show a several years ago, the menu was definitely an "autumn" theme, but was a little too "haute cuisine" for my tastes. Maybe they need to get back to basics?
Will let you know after we go next Sunday.
FYI, If your unhappy with the PG entertainment change let management know. I sent a note about them toning down the smoker and it was addressed and rectified in a very timely manor. Just remember to do so respectfully.
CL
The overall feel of the show doesn't seem to have changed to me. Of coarse I don't sit through the whole show. What has changed is the language and jokes. In talking to the Feast Masters just before the run, they were working on re-writing the show. I still hear some of the "R" jokes here and there, but they are less. Of coarse when Arthur Holmes makes a visit now and again to recite a poem . . . well you've all heard them I'm sure.
I know that we were asked to be more sexy in the show. Our shows in the past used to be more energetic, bouncy, fun & filled with humor. There is still some of that this year, but went more towards the "sexy" side of things.
As CL put it, if you are a regular to the Feast and are displeased with the changes, do write a respectful letter of complaint. Not saying that things will change, but not saying they wouldn't either.
If anyone has went or is going to go I would love any feedback on our group's performance. Critisism is welcome. It's how we get better every year.
Cheers!
Nikolai
Quote from: Nikolai on September 17, 2009, 07:46:13 AM
As CL put it, if you are a regular to the Feast and are displeased with the changes, do write a respectful letter of complaint. Not saying that things will change, but not saying they wouldn't either.
Cheers!
Nikolai
It may take some doing to get to a person at Mid America that cares.
One year my group of ten got stuck on a corner, with our own pole. And right before the feast started, they put a table in front of us and blocked our view and access to the performers and Royal Court as they came through. They'd oversold, so we got screwed.
Starting out there, complaining to various people and the feast manager did no good. So Monday morning I called and asked who to talk to. The secretary asked me if I wanted to just register a complaint or talk to someone. I pointed out I just got screwed out of $750 and wanted a refund.
Every few days I'd call, and got kicked from one person to the next, who were never in, left messages, and never got called back.
It took six weeks. Finally I got to a nice lady ( and I'm sorry I don't remember her name ) and I explained the whole situation from the feast to getting jerked around time and time again from staff who never returned calls.
She was point blank, apologetic as to what happened, and I shouldn't have been shifted from one person to the next, that never contacted me back. And what could she do to make me happy.
Finally a real person, who cared.
I told her the first person I spoke to at the feast could have at least apologized, would have gone a long way to avoiding this whole mess.
I told her I was taking a group to the Phantoms Feast, how about a couple free tickets to that ? She comped me four.
She is the sole reason I keep going to the feast. She worked hard to set things right and I appreciated it.
It might take some doing to get to the right person, but some of them there do care.
I would like to add, my unhappiness with the FOF is the food.
Through all the years, and I've gone at least once a year, some years multiple times.
The feast masters, and performers have been very good. They don't always get the best audience to perform to, but I've enjoyed each and everyone of them.
Very talented and gifted performers, who work hard to make us happy. And I appreciate their efforts very much.
Ferret
I think we often forget that those who organize the Fest are doing so because they want it to be a resounding success. I, for one, am quite impressed with those in charge of: Entertainment, Human Resources, and Cash Flow. Awesome people with tremendous sense of ethics. I in no way wish to disparage the workers, managers, or support staff.
I am pleased (OK not the right word) that my friends are not the only ones with concerns. I think that we, as a community, could find simple ways to build upon the successful portions of the show and smooth over the rough parts. I am also confident that those in charge of the FoF are doing just that. But perhaps they could benefit from a more distant point of view? I know I appreciate the ideas at my booths!
I have always wanted to go to an FoF. I was thinking this year might be the year for Gin and I to do it, but now I am thinking maybe not. Seems I hear more bad things about it then I do good things. I think we will just try the Smoker instead.
Quote from: Storm on September 17, 2009, 02:47:41 PM
I have always wanted to go to an FoF. I was thinking this year might be the year for Gin and I to do it, but now I am thinking maybe not. Seems I hear more bad things about it then I do good things. I think we will just try the Smoker instead.
The smoker is fabulous!!! Steve and I are going again this year! That too has a downside, well for me (us) anyways (but nothing compared to the feast).. Same as it was at the feast, it was not the performers, the food, etc. it was the serving wenches... awful, just plain awful... >:(
and yes I have complained to management as well.. little good that does...
Say Muffin are you still mad at FoF because they took all but one piece of silverware away because you were a Feast Virgin. ;D
Quote from: Tarac on September 17, 2009, 07:26:48 PM
Say Muffin are you still mad at FoF because they took all but one piece of silverware away because you were a Feast Virgin. ;D
Don't poke the bears.. :P
Quote from: Muffin on September 17, 2009, 04:07:39 PM
The smoker is fabulous!!! Steve and I are going again this year! That too has a downside, well for me (us) anyways (but nothing compared to the feast).. Same as it was at the feast, it was not the performers, the food, etc. it was the serving wenches... awful, just plain awful... >:(
and yes I have complained to management as well.. little good that does...
Did you saying anything to the servers ?
The reason I ask is one year, our group of ten was on the end. The server was pretty much ignoring us and busting herself to concentrate on a couple people on the corner. I pointed out to her, that they were lousy tippers and we were big tippers. Our service improved immensely. And at the end our server noticed the people on the corner split without tipping, and we in fact all did tip good.
If service is lacking, I'll let the server know.
Ferret
Indeed I said something to the server.. Nicely too.. I have no feeling on the left side of my mouth and lower face due to surgeries, and to top it off a fake tooth in the front so ripping and tearing food apart is a problem.. I asked nicely for my f'ing silverware back, she told me I was a spoil sport.. nice... never did give it back, so I had a fork.. I could eat some of the food.. how was the soup? don't know because had I tried to drink it directly from the bowl it would have been all down the front of me.. :P I asked again can I please have my silverware back... no response the second time around... Just a blank stare >:( Also having a drink refilled was few and far between, all you can eat and drink my foot!!! I thought the whole thing was a total and complete rip off and waste of time and money.. I was so disappointed as we were really looking forward to the feast as a special event for Bacardi's birthday weekend..
I was livid by the time the feast was over, and chose not to voice my opinion at that very moment as I did not want to speak out of anger..
I called Mid-America on the Tuesday following our feast day and explained the situation and let them know that I do work out at fest so regardless I will be out there every weekend, but the experience I had at the feast would have turned me away from returning to fest all together again had I been a patron. They apologised which is nice, but really what difference does it make.. ::) Nothing changed, they still pull the same crap.
The smoker: We had a grand time at the smoker last year and plan to go again tomorrow!! YAY!! One thing that put us off a bit was finding out that if you want more than a thimble full of beer you need to tip the serving wench in advance.. WHAT?!! (I should add, I found this out when I asked the serving wench why the people at the next table were getting a full glass of beer and we were getting a drop, she let me know that they were tipping and we were not!! >:() So when you all come to Foaming I should tell you, well I'll give you a whole glass of beer if you give me a tip first?!!
Uh here's a tip... TIPS ARE FOR SERVICES RENDERED!!!!!!!!!
In the end. I did tip the rotten mean serving wench at the feast, and I tipped the other rotten one at the smoker (in advance), and will do so again tomorrow so we can enjoy all there is to enjoy at the smoker..
Or take that 'tip money' and walk to the side window and get a glass od mead.
Just sayin'.
;)
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 18, 2009, 10:42:15 AM
Or take that 'tip money' and walk to the side window and get a glass od mead.
Just sayin'.
;)
I's allegic.. :'(
*can I smell your mug*
Quote from: Muffin on September 18, 2009, 10:45:41 AM
I's allegic.. :'(
*can I smell your mug*
One of my workers is allergic to fermented honey. No mead for her!
I have plenty of smelly cups at the bar, if you like.
I have gone to the FoF for 6 years in a row, and am going next Saturday (26th). This will be my last year, not that I don't enjoy the food, or the entertainment, it is that the show doesn't seem to change. It is the same almost every year. I am just getting kind of bored of it.
If you know the server, or if you have had a good server in the past, you can request them. I always request Alisha (sp?), she has always been awesome to us, and she will bring us "drinks" when ever we ask for more. We tip her very well, and she remembers us every year. For those of you that go to beer tastings....Alisha is Norm's daughter!!
I have also done the smoker and think that is a good time as well. My server told me when I was there, that the more we tip (on each round) the longer she pours. I didn't think it unreasonable to tip $2 for each round (ends up being $10 total). If I can talk Bonnie into it, we will do the Feast and the Smoker next Saturday. We should be really plowed at the end of the day!! :o
Quote from: GREENCHICK on September 18, 2009, 12:21:58 PM
...My server told me when I was there, that the more we tip (on each round) the longer she pours...
I may stop going...I have a strong dislike for the "Pay me and I will do my job"! I understand what a tip is for, and why good service should be rewarded...but to stoop to extortion for a tip?
Hmph. That definitely ices the Feast and the Smoker for me.
Quote from: Muffin on September 18, 2009, 09:14:24 AM
Indeed I said something to the server.. Nicely too.. I have no feeling on the left side of my mouth and lower face due to surgeries, and to top it off a fake tooth in the front so ripping and tearing food apart is a problem.. I asked nicely for my f'ing silverware back, she told me I was a spoil sport.. nice... never did give it back, so I had a fork.. I could eat some of the food.. how was the soup? don't know because had I tried to drink it directly from the bowl it would have been all down the front of me.. :P I asked again can I please have my silverware back... no response the second time around... Just a blank stare >:( Also having a drink refilled was few and far between, all you can eat and drink my foot!!! I thought the whole thing was a total and complete rip off and waste of time and money.. I was so disappointed as we were really looking forward to the feast as a special event for Bacardi's birthday weekend..
I was livid by the time the feast was over, and chose not to voice my opinion at that very moment as I did not want to speak out of anger..
I called Mid-America on the Tuesday following our feast day and explained the situation and let them know that I do work out at fest so regardless I will be out there every weekend, but the experience I had at the feast would have turned me away from returning to fest all together again had I been a patron. They apologised which is nice, but really what difference does it make.. ::) Nothing changed, they still pull the same crap.
The smoker: We had a grand time at the smoker last year and plan to go again tomorrow!! YAY!! One thing that put us off a bit was finding out that if you want more than a thimble full of beer you need to tip the serving wench in advance.. WHAT?!! (I should add, I found this out when I asked the serving wench why the people at the next table were getting a full glass of beer and we were getting a drop, she let me know that they were tipping and we were not!! >:() So when you all come to Foaming I should tell you, well I'll give you a whole glass of beer if you give me a tip first?!!
Uh here's a tip... TIPS ARE FOR SERVICES RENDERED!!!!!!!!!
In the end. I did tip the rotten mean serving wench at the feast, and I tipped the other rotten one at the smoker (in advance), and will do so again tomorrow so we can enjoy all there is to enjoy at the smoker..
I'm sorry. You sure deserved a better experience than that.
Ferret
Looks like the smoker is out for us then too. I can not believe a server would expect to be tipped in advance! That's just asinine! Provide me with good service and I will tip you well for it. The service comes before the tip, not the other way around. If a server at a bar told me they expected me to tip them before they served me, I'd walk out and find a different bar. I guess knowing what I do now about both the FoF and the Smoker I won't be walking into either in the 1st place.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on September 18, 2009, 12:58:13 PM
I may stop going...I have a strong dislike for the "Pay me and I will do my job"! I understand what a tip is for, and why good service should be rewarded...but to stoop to extortion for a tip?
I had no idea they were doing this. That does seem... wrong. The glass and the bottle are what the glass and bottle are.
I am sure there is someone you can talk to. Perhaps when you purchase your ticket to the Smoker?
We've been to the FoF three times now, and found the food excellent. Haute - yes, but really good. Our service has also always been very good without us needing to tip in advance, but tip we did when the feast was finished (and generously too I might add). Will we go again? Not sure. We want to try the Smoker too. I do have to say that I find the 'show' that the feast master puts on it extremely trite and contrived, and hasn't change much in our three visits. We have no problem with bawdy or raunchy humour (yes I added a 'u' - I'm Canadian), but it seemed that this year the gay jokes were flying at top speed. Not funny and not okay. Personally I found them bordering on offensive and extremely tiring. If either of the hosts of the feast were gay that would be different, but not knowing who is sitting in the audience you would think they would leave that archaic prejudice behind. The woman sitting next to me pointed out that it was "strange listening to such 'jokes' coming from a man who so obviously shaves his legs!" Having read other posts, I am not likely to try and make a complaint to MAF, but I certainly won't be in a rush to go again. Funny, King Henry/John himself, never makes such quips when he has us an other friends over for a BBQ or drinks!
What are they doing for the meal at Feast?
At the Masters' Dinner we had unimpressive pork chops and a kind of Cajun rice thing with crunchy, under done rice. I've always assumed we get left-overs from feast for the masters' dinner so I hope it being better cooked for the general pubic (sic)
I see the food stroll by me 3 times a day, so you'd think I would remember . . . here is the menu per the website, which after seeing it is correct.
2009 Menu . . .
Appetizer
Tres Filo Tartlets
Brie, Seafood with Sausage served with Wasabi
and Southwestern Sauces
Salad
Roasted Blueberry Walnut Salad
Soup
Soup d' Jour
Entree
Duck Confit with a Pomegranate Glaze served
with Fleur de Sel crusted Potate and Vegetable Confetti
Entree 2
Seasoned Walleye served with Rice Pilaf
Dessert
Chambord Fruited Angel Cake topped with
Chocolate Shavings
Bacardi and I went to the Smoker on Saturday night! What a change from last year!!!! We had a fabulous time!! Our beautiful serving wench filled our glasses right to the tippy top right away and when I handed her a couple of dollars her remark was "Oh already!?" we continued to tip each time she brought a round and her smile grew each time.. After the feast was over and we were standing around talking with some of the cast she came over and thanked us again.. We told her the story of our experience last year and she too was appalled and let us know that she knows who the serving wench was and she is no longer employed by MNRF!
Given our experience with the smoker I may even consider trying the feast out again next year! Can't squeeze it in this season..
Quote from: Nikolai on September 21, 2009, 09:04:20 AM
I see the food stroll by me 3 times a day, so you'd think I would remember . . . here is the menu per the website, which after seeing it is correct.
Okay what we got at the dinner must have been leftovers, or surplus from food booths.
Before Sunday's show, I asked Gretchen and Carr about the 'serving' issue. Gretchen stated in no uncertain terms that it was 100% not true. Carr thanked me for asking about it and said he has not seen such.
I watched closely this time and saw nothing.
All is well.
Quote from: Muffin on September 21, 2009, 09:48:28 AM
We told her the story of our experience last year and she too was appalled and let us know that she knows who the serving wench was and she is no longer employed by MNRF!
Well that's one way to fix the problem! ;D Good hear as well!
Quote from: MissBubu on September 16, 2009, 03:05:28 PM
Word from higher up is that *none* of the shows are allowed to advertise themselves as being rated R, PG-13, or "unsuitable for children". I guess Mid America Festivals doesn't want the folks with children to feel their little dearies are being excluded.
I checked the broadsheet and it does still list certain shows as "LC" -"
Loose Cannon this show may contain material not suitable for children" but the last shows of the day for Johnny Phoenix and the Tortuga Twins seem to be the only ones rated LC as of fourth weekend:
http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/irishheritage.pdf