As an observer I witnessed very poor service at Cactus blue and downright rudeness by the owner, Corinna. An american family had been seated next to us, they had to get their own menus, after about 20 minutes, their water glass was filled, then their order was taken. Several other tables were seated and their order was taken. After they had been waiting for an hour and 20 minutes,the other tables had been served their food, the man got up and walked to the bar to speak with Corinna. She came to their table and said their food would be out in 5-10 minutes. The man asked why the other tables who had been seated later and had ordered later got their food first, and her remark was " I am not in the kitchen". The man stated that he knew she wasn't in the kitchen but that she was the owner. She yelled at him, " If you are unhappy, then you can leave". Needless to say, they did leave. I was shocked and extremely embarrassed. This is certainly no way to treat visitors to our island. I can say without a doubt that my family and our dive group will never eat at this restaurant again. I guess the business is doing so well that it doesn't care if it loses customers.

Theresa, Sorry to hear about your experience. I, too, have have a terrible experience there. I won't get into that here, but will say I am not surprised.

Now, not to be so one sided, I will say that there have been many great reviews of this place and in high season, service may not be up to par, maybe Corinna was having a really bad night, but there really is no excuse for rudeness. Just my opinion.

We had Christmas dinner there last week and Corinna and her staff were just amazing to us. The food that was served to us was just simply outstanding. We have been to Cactus Blue about five times for dinner, since they have been open. We have been there when they were very busy and have also been there at 10 or 15% occupancy. We have never experienced rudeness. On the contrary, we have only had warm smiles and graciousness by all concerned with CB. I am very sorry for this person who had a bad experience, but anyone reading this should also know there is an opposite viewpoint.

I fail to understand why someone would post about another person's experience. Whilst the poster may have been seated adjacent to this particuliar table there is no way she /he knows the entire scenario. Unless something happens directly to you, what's the point of such a post? IMHO

Ann you took the words right out of my mouth.

I have to add I have had nothing short of exceptional service and food at Cactus Blue. Everyone has treated me well, and with lots of smiles !

Come on, just another example of the inability of members on this board to discuss their experiences and observations without being pushed down. Thank you Teresa for sharing your observation and opinions. It's still a free country last time I checked.

C

Last time I read her post it wasn't HER experience.

There are always good and bad things about every place but it IS a free country which means that I am free to say what I want, also. Right? That's what free means?

Kelly, Annie, I don't get it. People post here on BT things that they haven't experienced themselves all the time. They post what they have witnessed while on island, even though it didn't happen to them, some good, some bad, so what is the difference with this? Kelly, I know you are CB fan, and as most of you all know I am not, but my posting was fair to all parties, I am sad to say yours wasn't and not very BT like at all.

Yes, there is good and bad about every place, even CB. I can say that from personal experience. Oh, and I can also add that the folks next to our table did hear everything that was said as they sympathized with us and said they sure were glad they didn't ask a question. So, yes, it is quite possible for Theresa to have heard what happened.

Since everyone is throwing about free speech and right to say what they want, well, did it ever occur to you that maybe Theresa did experience it herself and not want to get slammed by all the royal CB club, so said she witnessed it instead? That wouldn't surprise me at all as I know what folks do when someone posts a negative comment here about CB.

Yes, I had a horrid experience at CB and no, I won't be back, but I can also be adult enough to recognize that some folks really enjoy the place and their food. I can even say that their most of their food is pretty good. I can also say I am not surprised by Theresa's post either, as the owners were very rude to us too.

Nuff said from me. Thank you for posting, Theresa, sorry about all the drama.

Maybe Theresa will post again and tell us if it was indeed her experience, and if not, what her experience was. I don't see any mention of it.

BT is famous for drama! Who we kiddin?

Yes, Corinna is a personal friend of mine. I am sure I'm not the only person on BT to speak up for a friend who lives on Bonaire. Remember the Pasa Bon thread a while ago? We are all very very passionate about Bonaire and the friends we have made there. It just seemed a little odd to me to take the time to post someone else's negative experience.

I think if you want to post anything negative about anything on Bonaire, you should back it up with a police report sent to the GUARDS.

Lighten up people, Teresa gave her opinion, and other people did too. Teresa posted her observations. The discussion of a free country belongs elsewhere.
Tanstaffl.

I just want to go on the record as saying that I, in no way, am slamming Teresa for her post, or what she witnessed at CB. I was simply giving another point of view about CB.

I must say that no this wasn't my personal experience, but I felt like it was since I was sitting at the next table. I overheard everything that was spoken and was surprised since I have eaten at CB before. I did speak with the family at the other table since they were there for over an hour and was trying to give them a better opinion of the place. This family was more patient than I would have been. Needless to say, after Corinna's outburst about not being in the kitchen and then telling them to leave if they weren't happy,everything that I had said previously, I had to choke on. I was embarrassed by the situation. I don't think I have ever been treated this way here or in the states. I don't post very often, but I felt strongly since these types of situations give Bonaire a bad name. As a home owner on the island, I feel strongly about our reputation and would hope that others feel the same.

Teresa, well put.

Teresa, thank you for clarifying that.

I didn't mean to sound like I was slamming you, either; and apologize if it sounded that way. Like Jim, I just wanted to give my personal experience and voice my opinion as well.

I am proud to be a member of the Royal CB Club and I am truly sorry if you had a bad experience there, as I have known Corinna to be a great hostess and a genuinely nice person.

Thank you for posting again, Teresa. I also own a home on island and feel the same way.

Any one can have a bad day , any where , any time . At least most of the restaurants on Bonaire are family run and not franchise style. I remember when all restaurants were personal . Bonaire still has old school personality , it seems like one in a thousand may hit on a bad day and feel the need to post it . Its good to know , i wish i was there to try it for myself . The dining in Bonaire is special , enjoy!

Kelly, You did slam Theresa. And Ann, just because someone says something you don't want to hear, don't degrade them. Too many people with personal issues on this board. It's getting ridiculous. I agree with you Jerry, some people won't be happy with what is said unless they have a video of the incident to back it up. Theresa,
I am sorry you had such an experience at CB. I've only had good, but that's me. Sometimes it's easier when it happens to you because you have a chance to tell the person off yourself, lol.

Thank you, Lisa, for pointing that out. I apologized and will apologize again. I'm sorry.
People who know me know that I would never intentionally hurt anyone's feelings. If I have done anything to you personally ["too many people with personal issues on this board]", I apologize for that, too.

Whew, I'm glad I apologized... I just got on facebook and checked my horoscope... lol..

Libra: Ignoring a problem won't make it go away. It's time to face the facts. You can fix things if you start now. .

uh oh kelly, you're a libra? hmmm...that explains a lot....LOL

lol, Pat. Yes, I'm the peacekeeping people pleasing well-balanced Libra! lmao !

PS. I saw Brian today and he said no Bonaire for a while. He said Disney is next.

YGM.

Lisa, degrade?? Hmm..curious choice of words. Like Teresa I was politely stating my opinion...IMHO= in my humble opinion. I live and work on this island and am too keenly aware how GREATLY words here and comments can seriously impact a business. I am also keenly aware how stressed and taxed many business owners are on island during this busy time. Teresa shared her opinion on a negative experience and even pointed shame at the place in mention. I usually do not speak out so and now recall why I stopped posting comments so much here. Thanks for reminding me Lisa. Carry on ...

May I add my 2 cents? Let me say I love Cactus Blue, the food and the people have always been wonderful to me so that's where I stand on that. But on another note I feel compelled to offer the opinion that Ann Phelan (I have never met her or used her travel services) has always been a great provider of factual unbiased information on this board. She has posted real time, pertinent items that effect many of us travelling to Bonaire. I would hate to see her leave BT and I did not find her post in anyway offensive to anyone. I was thinking exactly the same thing she stated. Just IMHO

I want to make clear here that I did not find Ann's post offensive either, I did post an answer to her question: "Unless something happens directly to you, what's the point of such a post?" All the other stuff, well, we all don't have to agree with each other all time, don't think we all can realistically. I am of opinion that in regards to Ann's last post, I agree with the majority of what she said, but also bear in mind that even though a business on island may be named in a BT post in a negative manner, that the business mentioned may also learn a lot from behaving or allowing their employees to act in a negative way as it also effects paying customers who pay a lot to get to Bonaire too. There are two sides to every story. Business and customer views.

Just because someone owns a business on island, should not make them immune from anything negative that they may have done here on BT.

I always try to post positive posts on BT, my only negative post that I can honestly think of was about CB when they first opened. Now, that said, I have read and read several posting about CB since then and it seems they have tried really hard to improve, let me say, "customer relations" since then. I know lots of folks, some who stay at my place on island who go there and really have a great dinner and enjoy the place. Maybe someday, I may give them another try. Can't say I will real soon though.

Yes, High season is a very stressful time on businesses and even some of my favorite places I like to dine at have some unsatisfied customers. It happens, but not to be able to talk about our experiences on island to only positive ones is not being very honest and if someone is that upset about their experience and feels the need to share, then they should be able to do so.

I also take negative posts in high season with a grain of salt as I know how stressful it can be for businesses and for frazzled customers who also may not be so nice. I also have been a waitress in my early years and it is not an easy job.

I fail to see how the busy season is justification in any manner to be rude or hostile to a customer. ASSUMING, for the moment, that the incident in question was reported accurately, wouldn't it have been better to apologize for the slow service and possibly offer a free cocktail or dessert to somewhat compensate for the delay, rather that inviting the customer to leave?

The customer may not always be right, but they are always the customer.

Bottom Line...we are all better off with this site to educate us on all the different establishments . Our experiences good or bad need to be heard to keep an honest forum . In this situation the actual "victim or rudeness" did not do the report , however I can see how Teresa was offended having it go down in her face. Nothing i read here would change my mind on establishments ive had the pleasure to enjoy , or those im plan to enjoy , just nice to hear others experiences . Myself , I cant wait to try the CB for myself , im planning my escape now . Ann...please dont quit , your messages are most informative.

Sparty, O.K., I will clarify it a bit better as I did state that as being one of the reasons this thing could have happened. During high season, there are so many folks on island and only so many employees working at businesses, restaurants included in that. It can get to be quite overwhelming at times and yes, sometimes, people can get "rude" or not be their "normal" self. I am NOT saying that this is what happened or it is justified, I actually said in my First post on here that there really is no excuse for rudeness.

However, being on island all different times a year and also owning a place on island, I have watched how island life goes with tourists and locals as well. Things happen in high season that I do not see happen in slower times due to all the stress and pressure to produce and be nice 24/7. These folks do not get a break at all during that time and yes, they are human and do make mistakes.

I totally understand how Theresa felt as I have witnessed it and also have it happen to me. Is is right? No, but stuff happens. I am glad Theresa posted it here on BT and maybe Corrina will even see this thread or someone will let her know the end result of her actions and hopefully, she will try a little harder not to lash out publicly but go into the kitchen and vent and come out smiling when the stress gets to her. Jeepers, I am not even a CB fan, so take it for what it is, a possible honest explanation for what happened, not a justification.

Hope that explains it a bit better. I do have a hard time putting things into five sentences or less, so pardon the length of my clarification.

Llyod, I like how you think. I have read some not so good stuff about one of my favorite restaurants on BT here, but heck yeah, I will still go there as I know that 99.9% of the time, I will have a good experience there and therefore will keep going back. Oh, and they were posted during high season, so I gotta sum it up as that really is not the ideal time to get the "real" feel of an island.

It is the law of averages that any business that has so many customer will upset a few. When it becomes the rule, rather than the exception, that is when there is cause for concern.

I am not a fan of Cactus Blue but that is my choice, it's not personal.

The thing that I could not understand with CB was when I read an article in the Bonaire Reporter on the owners who stated that "The place couldn't be doing better". Soon after that, they installed a Pizza oven.

I was wondering where they would put all of the extra customers in an already full restaurant.

Message to Lloyd Haskell (who said "...don't quit your messages...") --

My partner Carol and I just returned from Bonaire. Had two great dinners at CB, including New Year's Eve. Corinna was great -- busy, busy, busy and working the tables and guests masterfully, as well as the bar and keeping things going. You could tell that she was under pressure, but she was always wearing that island smile and tending to her guests in a conscientious manner. Never saw Hagen either night -- they were pretty slammed, so he was apparently unable to emerge from the kitchen. As far as I could tell, everyone present was well served and having a blast! (of course, that Cactus Blue Martini may have colored my perceptions! :0)

Also had great meals at the Tipsy Seagull (first time there), Wil's Tropical Grill (first time there), and the Lion's Den. While I really like Mona Lisa and have never tried Donna and Georgio's (and wanted to on this trip), they were closed for the holidays. Stayed at Buddy Dive, but never ate dinner there (it wasn't very good last year, and I heard complaints about their food this year).

Have fun, Lloyd -- and do try Cactus Blue!

Steve

Thanks to Lloyd and Steve for getting this thread subject to change.

My husband Denny and I had a wonderful 3 week stay in October.
We didn't eat out a lot, but when we did we always enjoyed the food and the people.
We had great meals at Donna and Georgio's, Bobbejans,Pasa Bon, City Cafe and quick bites at Exito & Last Bite Bakery.

We always stay at Carib Inn and Bruce has one of the best places on the Island to enjoy an evening dinner . . .the charcoal grill out by the waters edge.
We are thrilled with the excellent job that the grocery stores are doing, so that we can always fill our frig with the yummy things we love to eat while in Bonaire.

Bonaire is our favorite destination - it is always so magical and special for us !
As Teresa would say "Life is short ..live it to the fullest".

Even though you have been slapped by your peers, you have still gone against Bonaire Talk Policy. it clearly states that
You May NOT POST:
Messages via a false name or anonymously which promote, denigrate, or libel another person, business, or entity.
When your real name is revealed then the post will be restored.}

(Message edited by modfreddie on January 8, 2008)

I think that this is disgusting. Seasnake should have to have a much more detailed profile to even consider posting such crap as this. I don't care if you like or do not like CB. This is the kind of thing that a Police Report needs to be demanded of. This is absolute shredding of a person and a business and should NOT be allowed!

Well
I think it's sufficient to say that post was unnecessary.

I always liked CB, and spend a lot of evenings talking to Corinna, Hagen and her children, and had really good food. Crabmeat balls were my favorite, also the caribbean shrimp, and her oreo dessert. I come down already for years, with my dive group and stay at Buddy Dive, were she was running the diveshop. So I can say I know her well. But nothing like this.
I always bring a group of about 20 people, and will eat there. But this was the last time. And I will also not send anybody to their restaurant. Not only because of what happened, but it's also way overpriced

i try to abide by the philosophy that if you can't say anything nice about someone, shut up. i've bitten my tongue more times than i can count when i've read glowing reports on these boards about places i wouldn't set foot in again because of the attitude of the owner or the conditions of the restaurant. no, i'm not talking about cactus blue. the ones that come to mind are out of business.

if you spent "a lot of evenings talking to corinna" then it sounds like you have considered her a friend. this isn't any way to treat a friend.

I thought 'seasnake' sounded familar so I did a search and guess what --- this is the same person who was wondering why Corinna was in the Yap booth at Dema... hmmmm...

Only 4 posts, and all about this family and their business. Clearly this person has personal issues with Corinna and/or her family. Stalker? Troll? What gives?

This hardly sounds like a person who has spent a lot of evenings with this family.

See:

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/30/338297.html?1195132389

i see. two posts in one thread asking why corinna was at another booth at dema and two post here slamming her. someone has issues. "snake" might be the operative word here.

Seasnake: You should be ashamed of yourself posting stuff like that!!!!

I am with Kelly on this one, you definitely DO have personal issues with Corinna, SO, I find no validity in your posts at all.

You claim to be friends with Corrina? Well, it sure looks like being friends with you means ya gotta watch your back!!!

Pat, maybe "rattlesnake" is a better word.

Yes I am the same person. And no I don't have personal issues with her.
I was surprised to see her in the booth of Yap, and thought she also may leave the island, like also so many restaurants come and go.
I know her already for a while, and spoke to her a lot, but that does not mean i'm a friend.
Like I said, I loved to go to CB, that's why I bring the groups there for dinner as well.
But not anymore.
All what happened there in the restaurant is just not GOOD!!!!!!!!!
Maybe the stress, from other people asking where is our food, and so on.
I mean I've been there twice that week. First time was good, busy, so we also had to wait for our food. But the second time was the last time.
That's all I wanted to say. Nothing more or less.

I vote to put this thread to bed , cant wait to try the place for myself . We all have our days and i heard this week is the highest stress week of the year . Goodnight everyone

Lloyd, I am with you on that! After all this crap, I think I am going to give Cactus Blue another chance this next trip too!

I have learned not to get into these kind of threads. But, like Debbie, after this crap, I will say...
I have been to Cactus Blue twice. It is fabulous! I will ALWAYS go to Cactus Blue and I hope that anyone reading this goes there also. You will not be let down. It is a great place with great people and fantastic food!

Then maybe Mr. SS should be banned from BT?

If someone cannot fill out a full profile, including a valid email address, I feel that they should not be allowed to post. Period.
Because of things like this.

or maybe - just maybe- they were in the kitchen having an argument that had nothing to do with you and was most assuredly none of your business.

Forgetting about CB, I think Kelly's comment is incorrect. If someone goes to a restaurant, pays good money for a meal, and is subjected to the owner's having a public disagreement that effects the atmosphere and makes the experience unpleasant, I think it would be some of their business.

Kelly, it's only none of my business as long as I am unaware of it. Once I hear it, it's my business.

Yes, Seb of course I agree with that, no one should be subjected to that. I guess I don't consider arguing in the kitchen a public disagreement, but if others had to hear it, I can understand. However, we are operating on the assumption that this DID in fact happen, when it's very possible seasnake make the entire incident up to try to hurt their business.

Hi, Babs !

Let's have dinner at Cactus Blue. When can you make it? We've never tried it but I guarantee that this year will be the time. Even bad advertising is advertising.

Hey Linda...ygm! CB was closed for vacation during the two weeks I was there in December so it's a deal!

We have eaten at CB several times over the past few years and always have had good service. In October the whole area had an extended power cut and the restaurant managed the situation well (it was Regatta time so they were busy). Food wise we like their Crab Balls, Key Lime Pie and I love their Tuna Sashimi. Like others here I try to focus on the positives and if I get anything anywhere that I am not happy with I try to take it up with the management then. We have had good experiences at CB.

To Seasnake I say rrrrrrrrrrrs

Not everyone can be in a great mood all the time. We are only human. Sometimes when we come in contact with someone who's not having the greatest day, (be it an owner of a restaurant, a waitress, a salesperson, etc) I find that if you are just a little nicer and a bit more patient, you can change that person's mood significantly. Many people are very quick to judge and not give others the benefit of the doubt. Phew, now I feel better, lol.

This is not to support Seasnake but, it made me wonder, with regard to the monitors comments to Seasnake, how many times have they sensored someone who made positive comments about a business anonymously?

Typically people will sign their names when they have something good to say about something or someone. Or they will have their real names in their profiles for all to see...

Sparty, I must also add that the post made by seasnake was very defamatory and nasty to the owners of Cactus Blue. If Seasnake had used a real name, an identifiable name, the post would have remained. Freddie is right on, folks who use their real names and are identifiable and accountable for their words/posts.

Just to jump in...what seasnake claimed to witness was a personal dispute . Ive been happily married for 17 years. I couldnt imagine working with my wife , running a restaurant without having moments of despair . Impossible . If and when we witness such disputes we use discretion . You can get the dirty laundry on CNN. My hats off to you married folks running the beanerys on our favorite island . If im nice to my wife i may be returning real soon .

Sparty, be assured we keep an eye on such posts, and have caught out some folks in the past. Yes, we are watching, as are our users.

We ate there on New Years Eve and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously, apart from the loud Americans, who did nothing but complain and send food back. How Corinna coped was admirable, I would have thrown them out!!! Its is loud and rude people like that who spoil evenings and upset the staff. I am not getting at Americans, just those on that table, even the 4 other American asked to move as they were TOO LOUD/RUDE.

How come they couldn't just be people. Why did they have to be american. This is what starts all the fighting by making a statement of this kind. So here we go again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andrew.. The tone of your posting is really uncalled for & reflects badly on yourself. Nuff said by me.

Andrew

It's best to be specific rather than generic, I think the phrase some loud Diners with American accents would have been better. We should all remember that we are all ambassadors for our countries.

Brian - We have accents? (snicker, snicker)

Mara

Yawl do.

Hey now - you haven't heard me talk yet (but that's pretty good for a Souther drawl). And see, in my household the only one with an accent is that husband of mine...from across the pond...well and Stephanie is home she has a funny one too. Boy was too young when they moved so he doesn't have one. hehehe

In Canada we dont have accents eh

no eh - you don't.

no , and i think we are quiet folks eh

lloyd, tell me aboot it...eh...

California's the only state who's residents do not have an accent BTW Well, except for the occasional "oh my gawd"

Patrick, whether you like it or not, many times you can tell where people are from just by their accents. It's a fact of life.
And Cynde, we don't have accents in New Yawk eitha.
We have loads of family over in England, mostly the Liverpool and Manchester area. When we visit over there, people always think we have a Brooklyn accent even though we are from the suburbs of New York.

Lisa, I don't think you understand what I'm trying to say or get at.

All kidding aside , i have my ticket , im going back , first two weeks of april , post bonaire syndrome no more . I will let you know how the tuna sashimi is .

Accents? Did I hear my name?

I think you did hear your name Funny Accent Chickie!!! How the HECK are you?????

All I know it this.....
We are leaving tonight for Bonaire. We will definitely be eating at Cactus Blue's again. Corinna could not have been more pleasant and accommodating on our last trip.

We ate at Cactus Blue over Xmas. I had read great reviews here and was really looking forward to the experience.

We did not like it at CB at all.

The food was only ok.

Servings were too small.

Service was ok.

They had changed their happy hour from 2 hrs to one, and mixed drinks were not included!

It was beyond tacky to serve a tiny bowl of chips and salsa with a card placed in the bowl suggesting that you order more.

Last but not least, for what was offered, the prices were way too high.

Wil's Tropical Grill is much much better--

While no bargain he shoots high with an ambitious creative menu and actually delivers on it.

Servings are good, service great.

Wil's never disappoints!

Lola

There is a difference between the portion sizes you expect in Europe and the US, personally I prefer smaller portions which is the European way. You must remember that Bonaire is a European island whilst because of recent changes Aruba caters more for the American market with a bespoke US air terminal. We had lunch in Aruba (tuna sandwich) and one portion would have still have been too much for the two of us for a day.

That said we enjoyed a relaxed evening in October in transit (one night)in Aruba even though the prices appeared to be double those on Bonaire.

Brian,

If you read my post to only criticize portion sizes you should look at it again.

The chief complaint I have was that the food was both unspectacular and poorly executed. If the prices had been half what they were I would still consider the dinner a waste of an opportunity to eat somewhere truly good.

There are much better places.