Q: negative

A: Food is visually pleasing, beyond that I can't say too much good. The food is extremely bland, no taste what so ever. I have no idea how they get any reviews above 2 stars, I give the taste a 1 star, but the presentation a 4. The meats taste like they are boiled with no spices at all, the beans and rice are totally blah. The cheese enchilada and cheese crisp are quite good but again the Hatch chilies are not spicy at all, how does that happen? The chips are cold, they have 3 salsas, the mild is full of corn and horrible , the red is okay and a bit spicy, the green is pretty good and has a bite to it. Just not enough good to make us want to go back .

Q: negative

A: Disappointed. We were a party of two locals who inquired about the higher end Omakase menu - we were promised caviar, foie gras and kobe. We got 2 out of the 3 (caviar and foie gras) but watched the table of 6 next to us (5 out of 6 non-locals) who ordered the same higher end Omakase menu receive more and better quality dishes including a wagyu with egg dish. When we inquired about the disparity, we were told that the Omakase was based on the size of the table. However everything we saw the neighboring table receive, was on the regular a la carte menu so the refusal to serve us the Wagyu with egg and the fatty tuna dishes (especially after the server confirmed we had both ordered the high end Omakase) was surprising and perhaps, insulting given that we had been served a basic (ie bland) skewered filet from the Robata portion of the menu. It's clear that someone needs to remind Raku that there are many options in town and clearly us non-food critic locals need to look elsewhere to get our authentic Japenese fix.

Q: negative

A: Made reservstion months ago. I was here at the appointed time. I have now waited for 45 minutes an no car is yet available. Manager at the counter says , more or less, " too bad keep waiting." Wouldn't Hertz charge me if I return the car late? I paid extra because I thought the Hertz brand meant something. No more, next time I'm going to discount brands.

Q: positive

A:
Just writing a quick update. I would like to give a 4 star amended review on service alone based on a message I received from a manager at Border Grill after I posted my initial review. Although they really didn't do anything horribly wrong during my visit, the manager apologized for not providing a wow experience, thanked me for my feedback, and invited me to contact them in the future for a complimentary meal. It is so nice to see a business that does not get defensive in the face of criticism, let alone one that goes out of its way to display such gracious behavior. Certainly, this type of welcoming, open, and friendly customer service is rare and should be commended. Thank you, Border Grill!