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Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Wilfredo (---.borschow.com) Date:   07-21-09 11:17 So last saturday I went with some friends to this restaurant called Juanita Banana's. We just arrived to this place when a cat granted us welcome to the restaurant, wondering all over the place from chair to chair. After we took our seat we began to read the menu. The dishes were poorly descriptive so we needed the waiter to explained it a bit better. After the struggle we had ordering we just began to have our drinks. One of my friends got a flat soda 3 times, so she decided to have a different drink. So we sat on the restaurant 2 and a half hours waiting for our dinner just to receive the wrong dishes. And the prices were way too high for the food quality. In conclusion, stay way from this restaurant. There are better choices like Mamacita's and Dingui Dock.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com) Date:   07-21-09 20:22 wow, thats extreme and too bad. i hope it was an isolated event. something like that has happened to me, only to find out two waitresses quit and there was one girl waiting all the tables. so, you never know...

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-22-09 06:55 What's the cat got to do with it. The menu was poorly descriptive, the waiter helped explain and you describe that as a "struggle"? What struggle? Sounds like you were in a bad mood or in a restaurant you couldn't afford and didn't have the guts to walk out so you stayed and knew it would be terrible and you you got your friends all worked up cause you what you really wanted was an excuse to walk out on the check, but were once again too timid to, so you get on a blog take a cheap shot. Why don't you stand in their parking lot and stop everyone who comes in, cause thats about what you just did. You some kinda royalty? Get a life, stick with Mickey D's

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Terry Spalding (24.224.116.---) Date:   07-22-09 07:33 "What's the cat got to do with it?" That is funny. They are unsanitary and many people are ellergic. We stayed in Culebra for a week July13-21. We just got back. I am going to post a full report with some pics here later tonight. We loved Culebra and hope to go back every year. We ate at all three of the restaurants Wilfredo mentioned. We liked the food and service at Dingi Dock best. And our dinner at Juaniti Bannanas was similar to his. It was not good food, service, or a well run business when we visited. And that is one reason this forum is here, so we can let people know oour experiences. If my brother and his familly were going to Culebra I would tell them not to go to Juanita Bannanas. The risk that it will not be good is to high to recommend it. If they want good reviews on this forum or anywere else they should work hard to have a great busines. So, thanks Wilfred for the report. I am sure some people will find it usefull.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-22-09 08:21 We went to Juanita Bananas recently and my experience was the same. There wasn't much choice on the menu. I tried to ordered the Tilapia but they didn't have it, so I ended up ordering Onion rice and nothing else, I just wanted to get out of there as we had plans for the night and wanted to go to Mamacita's to enjoy their "Rumba Night", but that was not possible. We waited for TWO HOURS to get our food!!! That's unacceptable. They didn't bring my onion rice but did bring all the dishes wrong. One of the guy got two different rices in the same plate, it was horrible after waiting for two hours to receive such a mess. The waiters acted like they were angry at us, but it wasn't our fault that they didn't get our order correctly. During the two hours wait I walked around the restaurant and it was a disappointment listening to the cook and other employees talking bad things about the clients, maybe there were in a hurry and under stress but they need to be more careful when they talk like that. I agree that prices are way too high for the food quality. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy. It ruined our entire night, after waiting for two hours and received such a bad service we were in a really bad mood and ended up sleeping. Next night we went to Mamacita's and the service was excellent. We received our order in less than 20 minutes and foood was delicious!!!!!!!!! Mamacita's is a restaurant I do recommend!

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Herb (165.134.205.---) Date:   07-22-09 08:29 Unfortunately we experienced the same thing a year ago. And I also felt the cats were inappropriate for the setting. Our next trip will not include Juanitas. I am a fan of Mickey D's because it is what I expect and it delivers every time. Juanitas did not live up to its expectations and marketing hype. Herb

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Wilfredo (---.borschow.com) Date:   07-22-09 08:39 Well SunnyBabe, we did get a life. We went to Mamacita's and we got quality food at the right price with the best service the Island has to offer. Juanita Banana't is a stain in Culebra. I love the Island and I know what it has to offer. If you like a hight price place with poor food quality then be my guest and eat at Juanita's. But I will not recommend this restaurant to anybody because it will ruin their vacations and get a bad impression on the Island.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Albertico (---.cnnet.upr.edu) Date:   07-22-09 08:53 I just think "Restaurant from Hell" make a great description off the experience you should expect in this place.. The random cat.. sitting in your chair when you return of the restroom.. But the service... dam.. 2 hours to get a tiny mofongo... of $17... with $17 i get 2 super mofongos in other island places... If someone mention you this place... just go and run the other way. ( I recomend you mamacita's, good food and saturdays(good music) )

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Ashley_DK_San (---.borschow.com) Date:   07-22-09 10:21 I went recently to Juanita Bananas and my experience was horrible. First I thought that the cat was out place. Next was the bad service we received. I had to wait 2 hours and a half to receive my order, and to add to it it was wrong two times. When they came with the third plate, it was wrong again!!! Drink refills were absent in that place. I had to eat without a drink refill, since my original was by then with ice melted, after 2 hours. Lastly, the food quality wasn't top notch for the price and not an enough portion. I really don't recommend this place. Mamacita's place and Dingui are better options with better prices and food quality.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net) Date:   07-22-09 11:26 The pinchos by Happy Landings are great. Good service with a smile. Good food. Right price. Right expectation. Besides, I go to Culebra for the beaches. You can fine dine in the states. :o)

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-22-09 14:26 You all sound like a bunch of jittery whiners. A special club of overly sensitive share-my-horror travelers who think the whole world is interested in your personal experience. Get a life. Everything is an experience period. Reading your whining is an experience. Taking the focus from a laid back Island to your personal experience is really arrogant. It's a kangaroo court with a sinister twist, you can stay anonymous. In Charleston we used to get them Northen whiners. Like a spoiled child who just can't control themselves. Share your good experiences. Your horror stories are selfish attacks and sensitize other people who are entitled to their own experience. I have dined there several times, never had the experience you had and on the Island they enjoy a good reputation and other islanders recommend them. I think this pettiness in unfair and childish and it certainly is lopsided. Your posts say a lot about your personal arrogance more than the restaurant. You think your part of some kinda truth squad.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: wirvier (---.44.87.30.res-cmts.sm.ptd.net) Date:   07-22-09 16:24 I have worked with clients in different customer service roles for many years, and because of that, have a high sensitivity to poor customer service. Through my travels throughout Europe and having been to (and loved) Culebra, my sensitivity has to be adjusted depending on where I am. I get "island time", and happily lived with it while in Culebra. Adjusting to culture vs. poor quality/service though, are two different things. Stores and restaurants everywhere need to remember that in today's highly connected world (blogs, forums, reviews), they will be rewarded or punished based upon their customer service. Just a few bad experiences can catch a light and become a full-blown fire. This is reality. There are plenty of places in Culebra that have earned consistent fantastic reviews, which is how we planned our whole trip. Anyone who receives bad feedback is missing an opportunity if they don't take these comments and act on them... whatever that "something" may be. Bashing the messenger does nothing productive....and I personally find it quite tacky. If I were the owners and/or managers of this restaurant, I would be working HARD to put out this fire and make sure it doesn't happen again. Looking forward to our next trip *hopefully!* in Janaury!!!

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: vaccine (---.choicecable.net.200.54.24.in-) Date:   07-22-09 19:07 Is Sunnybabe the owner of Juanita's? or some cat (relative) of the owners who lives in the states? (judging for her well written english) 'cause she seems like that. I will go to Culebra in august, and I will not go to that restaurant, I will try Mamacita's or even better the "chinchorros" near flamenco beach are better choice for me since I will go to Culebra for the beach, not for fine dinning, I can fine dine in the island P.R. vaccine

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Terry Spalding (24.224.116.---) Date:   07-22-09 19:23 Why do you think forums are only meant to share good experiences? There are thousands of posts on here and the majority are possitive, but there are warnings and true to life experiences that are negative that help future travelers plan a more enjoyable trip. If someone has a bad experience at a place I am planning to visit I want to know about it. I can still make up my own mind weather to go or not. If Juanita's had about as many possitives on here as negatives I might still go there..... but it is obvious they have some management issues right now. This forum is a place to let future travelers know what we have experienced..... good or bad. No one that posted in this thread whined, they just told there actual experience. You have been the only whiner. Are we going to hear some more? Or just information about Culebra?

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: cw (---.dyn.optonline.net) Date:   07-22-09 21:00 No one has mentioned Suzies. In addition to the dinghy dock and mamacitas, give Suzies a try next time. I think the food and atmosphere are great there.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: wirvier (---.44.87.30.res-cmts.sm.ptd.net) Date:   07-22-09 21:26 I agree with above post...loved Suzies so much, we ate there twice. We had excellent tuna & mahi mahi. The entrees were around $20.00, but they served HUGE pieces of the most delicious fresh fish, so we thought it was fair. Excellent service, too.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-23-09 01:02 The new Suzie's great. I went there in February. The problem I have with all this trash has to do with the fact that that's what some of these posts do, trash. What did we do before the internet? We told our experiences to our friends who would appreciate them. Thats a lot different than reading a bunch of crap from some stranger who is out to get even. Do you really care about the next travelor? Or are you just trying to get even. When we used to go to Mexico in the 70's, we joked about Montezuma's Revenge, the point being we were going not for the food but the culture, architecture, people, Baja, and some really awful food. We didn't go for fine dining. People don't go to Culebra either for that. It is a little laid back, things aren't always quite up to snuff, but that's what is priceless. I've visited Culebra almost every year for over 23 years, you should have been there before Hugo when the power went out once a week. We laughed. To see an Island "struggle" to get back on its feet is something else.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Wilfredo (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-23-09 01:11 Ok, you just got out of the point. We are discussing about a bad restaurant, not about the Island in a whole. Juanita Banana's is a bad restaurant, there are better choices in Culebra to go and dine. But, nothing will change your mind, and neither you will change ours. So just go and eat there if you like to eat at bad places. I will stay with the other good restaurants in Culebra. Really GOOD restaurants.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-23-09 03:36 Then why don't you just do that and shut your mouth. Your one experience and we all have to suffer your displeasure get a life. You are the one showing ignorance. What if you have a bad experience at another restaurant, you wanna retaliate too. What do you want, nobody to ever go there because you had a bad time. Is that what Borschow teaches you to be self inmportant. Have you ever considered how much damage you do over your experience. People have had great meals there, I for one. It's a little pricey for me when I get there, I stretch my money so I can stay in Culebra longer. My point is you ought to have a little consideration for the business you are trashing, We don't know much about you except you are whiner . Are all the people at Borschow as retaliatory as you. You had your pound of flesh, bet you still ain't happy. Write a letter or email to Juanita bananas like normal people do.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-23-09 04:42 Wao SunnyBabe, I think the one being ignorant in you. Why you just can accept a simple review of the restaurant. As a customer, before I visit a place I would like to know the goods and the bads and then I decide if I go or not and get my own experience. I appreciate people that take their time to write their experiences goods or bads and respect them even though I agree with them or not. If you are "suffering" reading the bad reviews and experience of people in Junanita Bananas just stop entering to this forum and that will stop your "suffering", instead of being disrespectful to others opinion and attacking them like an inmature person. But whatever I'll just ignore your posts as their are not nothing helpful in this matter. Thanks cw and wirvier for making such helpful posts not like other persons ha ha. I visit Culebra several times every year and never been in Suzie's. I'll be back on august so I'll try to go to Suzie's. I went to "The Spot" last time and loved it. Great food and great service too!!!

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Ashley_DK_San (---.) Date:   07-23-09 10:25 Well, sunnybabe, after reading all your posts you certainly don't care about the other reviewers. You are always on the defensive, it makes think that maybe you're the owner or some relative. People are just trying to share their experiences with everyone. We have to accept good and bad reviews. We can block the sun with our hands. We have to face reality. If they give bad service, is bad service, ok. You don't have to bash and flame other people's thoughts. Hey that's why it's called a REVIEW. I think the one who is immature is you. Like others had said, you are being disrespectful to others. So if you like the restaurant, then fine with me, even thought i didn't, but don't come here flaming and insulting other people over their opinions.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-23-09 10:52 What makes you think your experience is so important that you have to "review" You some kind of expert? A world full of experts. When you post your uppity crap you are spreading your misery cause you didn't have the guts to complain directly, insist on a check adjustment, a credit, whatever. You go to the internet and post your "review. It is unfair. You think you have some "obligation"? You can tell by the way you write you are overly sensitive, stay home, or get things straightened out with the owner of the restaurant. Spare us your grief. Culebra is about escape, has been for years, not for a bunch of "If I ain't happy the whole world's gotta know it" jerks. Can you imagine someone standing on the the street corner, stopping everyone and telling them "I had this bad experience at a certain restaurant, that was just awful last night, and I'm worried that you might have one too" I'd say "Really, you are concerned for me? Or are you trying to get even? Have you taken your meds today?" I say that says a lot more about the whiner than the restaurant. Get a life.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-23-09 10:57 Just one more thing your post was titled "Restaurant from Hell" Nice! Just a review? Or a bunch of jittery Borschow weekend warriors who got stuck in a restaurant they couldn't afford. Great PR for your company.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Terry Spalding (24.224.116.---) Date:   07-23-09 13:23 SunnyBabe, what you are saying is that 1. forums are only for posting possitive feedback and 2. just because a business owner opens up a business on Culebra they can run it poorly sometimes because "hey, the tourist are here for the island, sun and sand, who cares if they enjoy their meal." You are wrong on both accounts. Eight people have tried to tell you that here on this post. I know you will not change your mind... just the kind of person you are. But, at least we can ALL enjoy Culebra just the same. I think we all agree the service for the most part on the island is not what we are used to, and I actually kind of like that. But, there has to be a point when the service is too bad even for Culebra standards. By the way... some of us have plenty of money, but still dont through it around wastfully. Weather my net worth is $2 million or $2 thousand I deserve what I pay for.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Terry Spalding (24.224.116.---) Date:   07-23-09 13:24 throw

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Herb (165.134.205.---) Date:   07-23-09 16:49 Michael, I think its about time you step in and slow this party down. SunnyBabe, its time you took a step back, a deep breath and count to 10. I have seen many positive things come out of this forum. There was a fight a while back about car and jeep rentals and people from both sides of the fence defended their positions and everyone moved on. This was a negative review of a place that markets itself as a premium place to dine. They make no excuses or qualifiers regarding such: "Our desire is to provide an exceptional service, combined with a casual environment in a very eco-friendly setting. Our motivation at Juanita Bananas is our desire to share the beauty of our island along with our love for food and nature. Our menus are composed from the best and freshest vegetables grown in our gardens and seafood caught in our waters. Our meats are supplied to us from the most reliable butchers in Puerto Rico." This is a quote from Juanita Bananas website. Was the reviewer going to the establishment with a certain expectation? Yes. Was that expectation met? No. Did Juanitas pledge to deliver a certain level of service and product? Yes. Did the reviewer think Juanitas delivered the product they so proudly boasted of? No. The good thing about this forum is that Juanitas (and any other business for that matter) gets pretty quick feedback on their product. Hopefully in the next few weeks and months we will begin to see positive reviews coming back which would indicated that they have listened, heard and acted on the negative comments indicated in this thread. Ready?....1...2....3...4....5...6...7...8....9....10

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net) Date:   07-23-09 18:06 Shall I taunt you a second time?

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-23-09 22:29 So why don't you do a review. Rate them by stars or points. This wasn't a review it was a hit. I've read others, rather nonchalant, "we were disappointed" etc. This was different "Restaurant from hell" My friend emailed me and said the owner of the restaurant died June 1. The wife and kids? are trying to hold it together and have a hired a new chef. Frank S. was the only one who got it right, when something is obviously not right the house knows it. You take up the issue with the owner and usually work out an adjustment. Most of the reviews here are responsible, just a little peek into the Culebra world and what to expect. Review yes, crucifixion, no

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Albertico (66.50.247.---) Date:   07-24-09 01:20 SunnyBabe, i think you are taking this a way to personal.... If you dont like the posts, then dont read, and dont post. Im not from PR. and i have been in many places around the island. I know the good food.. and maybe we were in a bad day.. but.. sory .. that specific day all the service was a big FAIL... So if your are talking about rating.. I give 5/10. Location 8/10 ( was a nice view to the pier.. ) Parking 7/10 Decoration 8/10 Tables/siting 4/10 ( a cat was sitting on the chairs ) Time to get me something to drink 7/10 Time to take my order( in a big group ) 6/10 Time to finish the dish and service (wasn a complicated dish, i know how to make a mofongo... and doent take 2hours.. ) 1/10 Prices 5/10 ( relation between service size and the content... ) a mofongo of $17 you should see the mofongo... and was missing ... just little pieces of platano... ) So more or less this is rating.. 8 points rated of 10. So it is 5.75 .. i thinks that is an F right??? Sory if you get ofended.. but went you get a bad service in some place that supose to be turistic and give a good face of a country.. it get people angry.. good night.. PS im not from Borschow

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: vaccine (---.choicecable.net.200.54.24.in-) Date:   07-24-09 01:32 pWned vaccine

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: vaccine (---.choicecable.net.200.54.24.in-) Date:   07-24-09 01:40 Apparently Juanita Banana's Rest. didn't just FAILED in service and food, but also did an Epic fail giving a contract to a close minded public relationist...which seems to be Sunnybabe. Please Juanita Banana, ask for your money back please. vaccine

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-24-09 02:32 Great post Albertico!!! I thought this was a forum where you can free write your experiences good or bad, didn't know I have to use an specific rating system. I apologize to whomever I offended with my review it was not my intention. So following Albertico's post, here is my rating using the five star rating system: F O O D: Presentation * * * Ingredients * * * Prepration * * Variety * Beverages * Value * Taste * * Complements * S E R V I C E: Initial Greeting * Seating * Food and Beverage Service * Payment/ Departure/ Exit * Congeniality * Attentiveness * Knowledge * * * * Ability/ Willingness to Honor Special Requests * Timeliness * D É C O R & A M B I A N C E: Entrance/Foyer * * * * Waiting Area and/or Lounge * * * * Design Elements * * * * Printed Materials (Menu/Wine List /etc.) * Table/Covers / Napery * *

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-24-09 02:35 Totally agree!! Love the pinchos and natural fruit frappes at Flamenco Beach!!!

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Michael (---.adsl.highway.telekom.at) Date:   07-24-09 03:17 Herb, what do you suggest I do? All: Please, reread Herb's post :) It is interesting that the Oxford Dictionary lists the meaning of Forum as 1 a meeting or medium for an exchange of views. and 2 (chiefly N. Amer.) a court or tribunal here we manage to do both ;) Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: ishtuva mela (---.maine.res.rr.com) Date:   07-24-09 13:04 This is my first post on the forum, although I have been a forum voyeur for several years. My wife and I have visited Culebra on several occasions over the recent years. It is a wonderful place. A few years ago we dined at Juanita Banana's and the experience was less than satisfactory. There is no need to go into detail. We have since done what we always do: voted with our feet. I keep looking on the forum for signs that the restaurant has taken upon itself to improve, but alas, I have seen no signs of that. Nor have I heard about improvements when we have been on the island, most recently as last winter. If there has been a death in the restaurant family, I offer my condolences. And I hope that there will be signals in the future that the restaurant operation is improving.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Debbie (---.ms.com) Date:   07-24-09 15:46 I have always had good experiences at Juanita Bananas, and that is all I will say on the topic. I did, however, want to clarify that Jennifer, the owner of the restaurant, did not die. Her father, Druso, died. Druso was the owner of the Harbor View Villas, the property where Juanita Bananas is located. Regards, Debbie

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-24-09 16:41 ishtuva mela got it right! Expressed their opinion without getting caustic. I don't do PR for anybody. I think some of the younger generation are a bunch of spoiled brats who use the internet as a weapon. A social club where you meet to compare notes of your travels fine. "Restaurant from Hell" type posts inappropriate. I noticed no concern from the original posters of the family loss, which proves my point. Self centered. Now we'll probably hear "It really has nothing to do etc" Blah Blah Me Me Try to be thoughtful, respectful, helpful, but don't be punishing. We are all part of this, this Culebra enigma, please don't spoil it with selfishness and pettiness.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Ashley_DK_San (---.borschow.com) Date:   07-24-09 16:45 Hey Sunnybabe, first I can afford the restaurant, that comment was out of place. The thing is that for me, everything was wrong that's all, you don't have to be flaming everyone of their opinion. I had expectations when I first arrived at the place. First the place was nice with decoration and also with a nice view, but after I saw the cat who was sitting on the chairs of the table, that's was the first hit. I didn't mind the prices at first since, I expected to receive a great meal from them, but two and a half hours of waiting for my food, it was chicken btw, they got my order wrong three times. That's not acceptable. The food wasn't the best i tried, but i expected that it would for the price. I even had to eat my food without refill to my drink, that's another no-no. My point is that I'm not a whiner, I just trying to expose a reality and my own experience in the restaurant. If you like it then fine i'm not trying to change the way you think, but don't try to criticize others without having knowledge of what happen, definitely you were not there to see what was happening.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-24-09 17:54 So you want another pound of flesh. You just can't get it out of your system can you. Get a life. And of course not a note of empathy for a place that must have been going through a crisis at that time. Ashley's not happy, the hell with the rest of the world. How much are you Borschow yuppies gonna gore this ox. Sounds like a bunch of arrogant Americans stuck in Puerto Rico for career sake. Get a Life Go spread your venom someplace else. All I've been trying to say is culebra is off the wall, but that's why it's priceless. I remember having really terrible service one day many years ago at a restaurant in the downtown area. It was quite obvious the girls were new and not quite ready for "prime time" but there was something genuine about their nervousness and I said to our waitress. "Are you new here?" she replied "Yes" nervously. I gave her some southern charm (it's kinda like chutzpah) and said "You know you are really doing a good job handling all this pressure, being so new" That made her day, made mine too.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: John Robandt (---.customer.eschelon.com) Date:   07-24-09 18:38 I would like to ask people to express their opinions with more courtesy. The relative anoymity of the internet allows you to be rude and "flame" people in a manner (i hope) you would never use in person. One of the things i love about Culebra is it's friendly, small-town feel. For the record, my wife and i ate at Juanita's in March, and had a good experience. It was expensive for what it was, but food on the island normally is. I don't remember the level of service, so it can't have been outstanding or awful. I do remember the cat, but it wasn't on the chairs or tables. If I had an experience like this person's at a restaurant, I certainly wouldn't go back. That was not my experience with Juanita's. Maybe they were having a bad day. A friend would let them know this, so they could work on their level of service (or not, and suffer the consequences).

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (---.prtc.net) Date:   07-24-09 20:56 Bingo! John Robandt Those of us who have had a long relationship with this Island really feel for its history and the pride of its people. Being separated and isolated from the real world all those years has taken its toll in many ways. But thats the charm of it. If you have ever been to Nassau and saw your waitress do the "nassau shuffle" you'll know what slow and indifference is. If you have been to St Thomas at some of the grocery stores as the slam your food down the checkout counter and demand the money with fire in their eyes, you will know how precious Culebra is. Please don't give it the critical eye you give mega resorts and Big Cities. Culebra is special, if you don't understand it, you could unintentionally spoil it. I'm going to ask my friend to pay a visit to Juanita's and see how they are doing from a local perspective. I'll let you know good or bad what I find out. It may take a few days though.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Wilfredo (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-24-09 21:40 I never answer to people who takes all conversations out of context. This restarant is bad, period. Nothing more to say. Bad food, bad service and not worht the wait. I will know that sunnybabe will not stop replying just to have the "last word" taking this forum out of context (which already did). For all of you that did their intelligent reviews and oppinions about the restaurant and did not made personal attacks, thank you. I believe that thanks to this "hard and cruel" review the owners of the restaurant will begin to work harder to make it better so when the people that like the restaurant have a better impression and not the HELL it was. Funny, only one person made personal attacks instead of reviewing. If the moderator is reading this post, please close this topic. All of us just made our point. See you on the next topic.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   07-25-09 02:39 Druso passed? (not meaning to be a concern troll, but condolences to the Daubons - I've stayed there a couple of times) like him or not, he was a singular person. and it's hard to imagine the place (HVV) without him.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Michael (---.adsl.highway.telekom.at) Date:   07-25-09 03:04 I suggest that we let this thread rest in peace. Please, if you have issues, open a new thread. Thank you! Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Herb (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   07-25-09 10:20 AMEN

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   07-25-09 21:08 Hola! As I sometimes tell my teenage daughter, sometimes people make mistakes and it takes them time to redeem themselves. Maybe that's what happened to Juanita Banana's. In the May 2009 issue of the Culebra Calendar (Culebra's local newsletter): http://www.culebraonline.com/Mayo%202009/pages/page_2.html it does inform about the death of Mr. Druso Daubon Garcia, owner of Juanita Banana's. It seems that he succumbed to a long battle with cancer and passed away May 27, 2009. Maybe that is the explanation to the restaurant woes. I hope, as with many businesses that are struggling in Puerto Rico, that they will get back on their feet and succeed. If they don't make it, it will only make smaller businesses lose hope. Juanita Banana's has an event in August 2009, check the July 2009 issue of the Culebra Calendar: http://www.culebraonline.com/Julio%202009/pages/page_2.html I'm not making PR for them but, maybe that will be their moment to demonstrate what they really are. You choose. If I hit the lottery, big, then, I can eat there. Meanwhile, it's EL Batey for me, LOL!!! Happy travels! J supergarcia3

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (67.224.247.---) Date:   07-26-09 05:02 Thanks Jeannie for that update. I'm gonna try to get over there. I was going to Vieques for the weekend last, but the flu thing got me worried. I want to thank everyone for putting up with my little ploy. I did go over the top to see what reaction I would get from Wilfredo and his gang, the opening post was horrible. Being in Puerto Rico, I am aware of the struggle in Culebra. I am really suspicious that the Borschow gang is related to Costa Bonita a large resort that is fighting for high end diners and room rentals. The persistence and the opening salvo clinch it for me, somebody was on a mission. You don't want to be "flamed", don't start flaming. Period

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: dantes (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-26-09 12:43 Before u ever try this "restaurant" you should try mamacita's instead. My experience on Juanita Bananas"restaurant" was so bad. I could say worst ever. Service=Bad+bad+bad; Food= average; Place=Good; wait time for food=turtle-turtle time; hygiene= cats and dogs around also inside of the place: Hope they fix all there problems or they will close soon because bankruptcy.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Aileen31 (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-27-09 16:55 Next time you should try "Mamacitas" you will not be disapointed. Never heard about this restaurant before.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: DC (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   07-27-09 22:58 Before these website forums began, Culebra businesses never had to worry about the service they offered others. They could have shitty service, long waiting times and high prices. Now they are realizing that people are getting the word out on the Internet about these establishments and getting upset because it's requiring them to have to wake up and learn how to run a real business. You business owners get away with it because it's this great little island in the middle of nowhere and there is only a handful of places to sleep, eat and drink. Your business wouldn't last one day in any part of the upper 48 states. Think about this for one moment. The more people who come to Culebra who have money and know how to run a real business WILL (and already have - ie: The owners of Momacitas) move down and open restaurants that will blow you right off the island so fast, you won't know what hit you. Yes it is Culebra, laid back and fun. Don't push it though. Making a customer wait 2 hours to get their food is going to eventually get you an empty bank account. Trust me. And SunnyBabe, it sounds to me that you may just be one of these business owners with your extreme negative reactions to what sounds to me like very acceptable forum discussion about exactly what this place was created for. Best to all of you,

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: dantes (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-28-09 01:24 I just receive this email from "flowgirl". Make no sense to me. From: Flow Girl Some people want perfect vacation, no stain on the cloth. Culebra is a heavenly imperfect place. So, unless you're mega rich to bulldoze the island to suffice your personal taste, you better chill out and realize Culebra should not be a part of Zagat. Culebra should be five stars??? Ha Ha Ha. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha~. (ok, that's it, I will shut up now) You most say that you presume people looks for Perfect Vacations on Culebras. Perfect Vacations?. Ridiculous presumptions let me add. Usually people looks for Culebra to enjoy the beautiful beaches. Her arguments make no sense, the subject of this thread is about the poor service on this "Restaurant". Not about any vacations on Culebras. Sound a desperate and disparate argument to me. And yes "flowgirl" you are the one making reaction's so you are the one who need to chill out.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: dantes (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-28-09 01:37 hey look what I found about this rest on other thread's. http://www.islaculebra.com/forvm/read.php?f=1&i=15662&t=15539

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net) Date:   07-28-09 09:58 I'm going to the Green House. L8r.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Julio (---.ups.com) Date:   07-30-09 14:40 I kind of understand why a person can express such a frustration when his/her experience doesn’t go as planned…but in this case was more than that!! Culebra…for those of us that loves Culebra DEARLY, this kind of comment is without a doubt based on lack off island experience (or memory). You all have mentioned many places around the island which are friends & family of Juanita Banana’s….! Perhaps whomever, opened this forum should’ve consider the repercussion of these comments. If you’re a sailor or “boater”, you may remember how Dinghy Dock, El Batey, Mamacita’s use to be… Do you remember the LONG LINES that kept you waiting in line for more than HOURS!!!??? You had to be there to remember such a beautiful thing.. why because you were mad to such places, so packed that people began to drink & riots followed after (El Batey was the best!!!)… so in turn you ended you going to bed drunk & HUNGRY… who will you get mad at???…. Do you remember that… what a days!! Let me give you a good one so you understand the island style of my Culebrenses: go to the bakery that you love to go every morning when you are in Culebra..YES, that one, PAN DELI…. Look at the column sign next to the register… when you understand that & accept it (because you have no other choice) then you realize that you are not in a part of Puerto Rico… you are in CULEBRA, man!!!!!! Hold it, Hold it….what I’m trying to say is that Culebra is an ISLAND (2,000 residents)… everything has been that way for years before this blog came up. I work for a GLOBAL COMPANY providing customer service “TO HELL” managing a department regulated by the federal government. I deal with customer from Asia, Europe, North & South America… well you get it GLOBAL; also I was in the military (NAVY if you wonder). A great customer service is a shared responsibility…. “CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT”… my friends this in the real world is based on convenience & nowadays is a cliché!! What you need to do to better a service or make sure your experience is somewhat pleasant, you call the manager & in a NICE & RESPECTFULL WAY, you SUGGEST (is a demand but much more SUBTLE) or comment about the animals around the place… I guarantee that if the manager is the owner he/she will take matters in their hands & do something… in this case, business is business & the client is right! That way you give them the chance to change “prejudiced” mentality…. If nothing changes then you have ALL THE RIGHT IN THE WORLD to express all the frustration you have!!!! Believe me.. I’ve been sailing in places that you may see in magazines & TV to be awesome…but friends, that is all about it… TV & Magazines… !!! So my recommendation before you react… share your responsibility to deserve a good customer service by giving that commerce the chance to listen & improve!!! Hey, you may end up getting a free drink on the house or…….. See u in Culebra, man!!!

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Liam (---.cable.mindspring.com) Date:   07-30-09 20:29 Sunnybabe, this is an internet forum. It is not a blog. There may be a 'blog' associated with it, but if you are reading this message, your browser is pointed to a FORUM.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: ishtuva mela (---.maine.res.rr.com) Date:   07-30-09 21:10 I have zero credentials. I have not been sailing around the world. Nor have I been with a multinational company. As a matter of fact I am just a lowly visitor to Culebra once in a while, and plan to return next winter. Last winter my wife and I spent a total of four weeks on the island. I am positive that Juanita Bananas will improve or die. Such is the life of any business. More venom or praise in this thread will not have any effect on the outcome.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   07-31-09 20:23 http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o174/xenidx/6410_129459351960_630541960_2714888.jpg <img src="http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o174/xenidx/6410_129459351960_630541960_2714888.jpg"> This is a picture of the Juanita Bananas Mofongo . Two hours wait for this "mofongo" was just unacceptable.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (67.224.247.---) Date:   07-31-09 21:51 I guess you just are not a happy person http://www.flickr.com/photos/xenidx/2980578323/

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: vaccine (---.choicecable.net.200.54.24.in-) Date:   07-31-09 23:38 wow, good one lmao. vaccine

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: vaccine (---.choicecable.net.200.54.24.in-) Date:   07-31-09 23:42 mmmm nevertheless all the dishes on this picture looks delicious.. I wonder which restaurant was. http://www.flickr.com/photos/xenidx/2981408826/ vaccine

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   08-01-09 00:05 Hola! Looking at the previous picture, it looks like a restaurant in Ceiba on the mainland. I wish I had taken a picture of what I ate at EL Batey. None the less, I reminisced today as I cooked most of those dishes today for my gringa friends: arroz con habichelas (rice and beans), pollo encebollado (chicken sauteed with onions), tostones (fried plantains) y ensalada verde (salad), flan, queso blanco con pasta de guayaba (white cheese and guava paste) and to top it off, an expresso de cafe puertorriqueno (puertorrican expresso). Anybody hungry, I've got leftovers, LOL!!! Happy travels! J supergarcia3

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   08-01-09 00:18 Hola! Oops! I looked at the pics some more and they're from Vieques. It looks like these visitors ate at a restaurant in Vieques. Care to tell where? Happy travels! J supergarcia3

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: dantes (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   08-01-09 01:46 Wao is that a JB mofong. Naaa. I will not say what it looks like. http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o174/xenidx/6410_129459351960_630541960_2714888.jpg

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: dantes (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   08-01-09 01:54 To “sunnybabe”. What you have shown with your comments is that you don’t really care about customers opinion, whether those opinion’s are not positive. Your first reaction to criticism was a superb and arrogant attack, showing more than anything else what would happens to any customer who frequent JB and not be pleased with the service. I am not in total agreement with the title of this trhead but also not the way you handle this situation. Clearly “sunnybabe” have a very close relationship with JB, who would not notice how hurt you get with negative comments about JB. A professional would find a smart way to handle this situation, might be showing some courtesy or find a way to apologize to all this mess. Instead “sunnybabe” suggest all the time that the problem is the customer, making mockery about how they can’t afford to pay their food, they need to get a life or they are "spoiled Brats." This is a sample of what will happens to a prospective client in JB if for some reason or another client is not satisfied with the service. It’s very obvious how desperate you are, while you trying to get some credibility on your comments making mockery of other's or trying to change the subject, and is also funny watching you making new threads with fancy titles trying to inhibit this one. I should add my experience with JB was very bad.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: vaccine (---.choicecable.net.200.54.24.in-) Date:   08-01-09 02:00 Oh, ok so the restaurant was from Vieques; well I think I will end up at the Dinghy Dock. Hey Jeannie, great menu!!! I could eat something similar, since I don't eat seafood. vaccine

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: DC (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   08-01-09 02:48 a

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: DC (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   08-01-09 02:56 To Dantes: I couldn't have said it better myself. You nailed it on the head. She is absolutely in on the JB. She probably owns the damn place.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   08-01-09 03:42 LMAO!! You are so low ha ha but anyway for your information I am a very happy person, as a matter of fact you can be more than sure than I'm happier than you based on your behavior in this forum! Sorry to disappoint you ;-) Peace!

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   08-01-09 03:46 Yes, that was a restaurant in Downtown Vieques, the food was sooooooo good and excellent service. 100% recommended!

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   08-01-09 03:56 Totally agree with your post, Dantes. This thread is about our impressions on JB's restaurant, not about google my address and find out whatever personal information about me you can get or trying to find out what Borschow means or where we work or being disrespectful with the people that post comments here making personal attacks, but I guess that just shows what kind of people she is. I tried only to post comments here related to the thread and avoid the totally useless comment of this person but I think I reach my limit with this one.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: --- (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   08-01-09 04:28 I don't remember the name , but I think is Café Media Luna but not sure. I'll get the name and let you know. It's located down town in a corner of one of the main streets of Isabel Segunda.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: SunnyBabe (67.224.247.---) Date:   08-01-09 04:48 Enid, at one point you said this started with a simple review. It wasn't. It was titled the Restaurant from Hell. Nice! Wilfredo never said the food was bad, just not worth the price, a very big difference. The cat. Al Fresco restaurants get cats, even in Old San Juan, get over it or eat inside a fully enclosed air conditioned restaurant. Three flat soda's? Did you think they bottled them personally? Did they replace them? Yes Waited two hours. Only you had to wait? Were they busy? Overrun? When you later found out, that a family run business (according to the local newspaper) was going through the death or dying of its owner. Did you ever show any understanding or empathy to them, give them the benefit of the doubt or "I hope things get better for them" No Enid you came back with your self centered crap. I sensed something different in Wilfredo's post, it was way over the top, like some one wanted to get even, And Enid you proved it, narcissistic little yuppies, dine and slash, just cause it wasn't quite right. I don't know too much about Juanita Banana's, ate their once, it was expensive, pretty good though, a little pricey for me. I know a lot about you though, and if I was your mother I would be embarrassed at what a little snot you turned out to be. Anything good about Culebra? Don't bother you had your chance and you repeatedly chose not to say anything. Send me your address, I'll send you a check for the damn Mofongo, then get a life! .

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: dantes (---.onelinkpr.net) Date:   08-01-09 05:40 Culebra is great. But JB far from great. No one is talking about Culebra, is all about JB rest. Did you suffer from some sort of disability. Can't you read?, Emi_ly sorry sunnybabe. Smell like hurt fillings.

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Re: Juanita Banana's: Restaurant from Hell

Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com) Date:   08-01-09 06:44 Please, all involved, don't make this a personal issue. We are here to share our opinions about Culebra and, yes, also its restaurants. We are all entitled to an opinion and this forum gives you the platform to voice it. This forum is not here to voice your opinion about other forum members - like their opinion or not. Of course sometimes it feels like a personal attack if your opinion is not shared by others and its a very fine line that I ask you to walk. But if I say I like a place because a, b and c, I should be safe from someone saying you are a moron, because that place is the worst I have ever eaten at. I am sure all of you get my drift .. Thank you for not posting in this thread anymore! Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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