The Tamarack

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by gtagrip

Does a owner of a business/restaurant really need to be made aware of the following?

The scallops barely get a passing grade, they seemed too small to be sea scallops and were more than likely bay scallops....shame on me for not asking. The batter was on the soggy side and they didn't have a taste of freshness about them. The fries on the bottom of the plate were soggy and totally undercooked...so much so that they literally stuck to the plate. Besides the scallops and fries, on the plate were undistinguishable pieces of overcooked fried "stuff" that was totally disgusting. I think I recognized a piece of a fried clam, and some other overcooked pieces of batter from whatever was cooked previously in the fryolator basket. Pretty disgusting, to say the least.

You are cooking and presenting food to customers. With all due respect, I would think you would be aware of how orders/food is going out of the kitchen to your customers. Or am I missing something?

I think you have to give the person a reasonable amount of time to reconcile, it was late and night and maybe the staff was not up to snuff and wanted to get out of there, I think it is good that the business owner got wind of it here on the forum and will be making an effort

[SIKSUKR]

Sounds familiar from 8/11/10

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This is Jim, I'm the last of the 3 brothers still involved with Tamarack. I am SO sorry that your experience at Tamarack was a bad one ! In the last 2 years that I've been running it I have put in a lot of effort to see that everything that goes out our windows is far above average. The only time we use frozen clams is when the price spikes from about $70.00 up to $110 - $120 a gallonMy only wish is that if you have a problem, please please please, bring it to our attention! If we don't know there's a problem, we can't fix it and believe me, we want to fix any issues before we read about them like this.[/COLOR] Again, I am very sorry we weren't up to your expectations. Also, it gives us a chance to backtrack the issue, was it the cook, was it the fryer, the clam fry, the product?....whatever, we want (& need) to know! I want happy customers and not dissapointed ones. Please come in again and ask for me or for Tracey. I promise I will make this right for you.

Sincerely,

Jim Clayton

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[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by AC2717

I think you have to give the person a reasonable amount of time to reconcile, it was late and night and maybe the staff was not up to snuff and wanted to get out of there, I think it is good that the business owner got wind of it here on the forum and will be making an effort

So, because the staff wanted to get out of there, it's acceptable to put out an inferior product? HMMM....let me run that by my customers.

[gtagrip]

Originally Posted by AC2717

I think you have to give the person a reasonable amount of time to reconcile, it was late and night and maybe the staff was not up to snuff and wanted to get out of there, I think it is good that the business owner got wind of it here on the forum and will be making an effort

O.K. I understans about the reconcilation, but after 2 years, I would expect the food to be up to par by just a tad. Soggy greasy fries?

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by gtagrip

O.K. I understans about the reconcilation, but after 2 years, I would expect the food to be up to par by just a tad. Soggy greasy fries?

not that I want to fight with you on this, just playing devil's advocate
but have you ever gone to your favorite place and the food has not been up to par the one once or twice?

not sticking up for anyone just saying, I know I have

[gtagrip]

Originally Posted by AC2717

not that I want to fight with you on this, just playing devil's advocate
but have you ever gone to your favorite place and the food has not been up to par the one once or twice?

not sticking up for anyone just saying, I know I have

Got it! I guess my point is that there have been numerous complaints over the last few years and they all seem to be about the same.
Yes, absolutely have gone to my favorite place and the food was not up to par. But, it's my favorite place because more times than not, the food is excellent!

[Belmont Resident]

I went there about 3 years ago and will not return. New owners or not the fact an establishment shuts down after summer is over says volumes for the quality of the food.
Any place that’s really good will be able to sustain itself all year long.
Good enough for the tourists but not up to the standards of those who live here year round?
My.02

[Jmo77011]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

I went there about 3 years ago and will not return. New owners or not the fact an establishment shuts down after summer is over says volumes for the quality of the food.
Any place that’s really good will be able to sustain itself all year long.
Good enough for the tourists but not up to the standards of those who live here year round?
My.02

It has always been a summer establishment, which is not uncommon around the lake. It seems like the big problems are the food, the service and the prices. That's too bad. When I was a kid my dad would take us over for onion rings and ice cream. It was so good! Now...not so much.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

I went there about 3 years ago and will not return. New owners or not the fact an establishment shuts down after summer is over says volumes for the quality of the food.
Any place that’s really good will be able to sustain itself all year long.
Good enough for the tourists but not up to the standards of those who live here year round?
My.02

I don't think summer-only is any indicator of food quality. If you look at the layout and location of the Tamarack I don't think they'd do very good over the winter.

Sawyers is another place that shuts down in the winter, and I've never heard of any complaints with them, and I've never had a bad meal there.

[gonetoolong]

Folks, this is sort of a difficult thing for me to say but, I’ll do my best. When we took over Tamarack in ’07 we did so with a certain amount of arrogance & lack of knowledge. We were ‘deaf’ & we ‘knew better’. In my defense (& this is the ONLY defense I have) I bowed to my brother who “has experience running a restaurant’. It was against my better judgement but ultimately, my name is on the dotted line and I am the one who is responsible & I answer to you….

Thru a series of events that are too difficult to explain here, everything fell into my lap in the winter of ’09. For lack of other guidance I turned here, I read all the criticism’s and suggestions and complaints. Believe me, I took them seriously & I learned a lot! Many (most) I agreed with . Slow service, high prices, small portions.

Tracy, our manager, my wife & I spent the winter of ’09 redesigning our line to speed up & improve service. We redesigned the menu; we lowered our prices and increased the portions. We hired more experienced staff. In ’10 we began a face lift that will continue…

Now during the course of the day when I check with customers to see if they’re happy, 99% of the time I get an enthusiastic response. If I don’t get that response, I address it immediately and make it right. When I hear (or read) a response like Phantom or Railroad, I take it to heart and I address it with my staff (& myself).

If a cook has a bad day or is in a rush etc, that’s no excuse. If you pay for a good meal then that is exactly what you should get & no less!

Siksukr, yes, I’ve said it in the past & I said it yesterday & I’ll say it again. Simply because I’m committed to it. Not every meal will be perfect but if I’m aware of ANY shortcomings I WILL make it right.

This is my ‘Mea Culpa’. Anything I read here will be taken seriously and be used to help win back your support and patronage.

Sincerely,

Jim Clayton
Tamarack

[Mink Islander]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

I went there about 3 years ago and will not return. New owners or not the fact an establishment shuts down after summer is over says volumes for the quality of the food.
Any place that’s really good will be able to sustain itself all year long.
Good enough for the tourists but not up to the standards of those who live here year round?
My.02

Sorry BR, but you are way off base here. There are summer clam shacks/restaurants all over that open up to meet summer demand in tourist/beach areas and then close for the season after Labor Day. The Tamarack has ALWAYs been a seasonal restaurant. I attribute the quality of the food far more to management than to its operating season.

In my experience some of the WORST food comes from year-round restaurants in the off season when they have little staff and few customers. How old did you say that fish is again?

[jrc]

Based on that honest and heartfelt response from Jim, I have to give them another try.

I like others, lost interest in the Tamarack over the last few years. I havn't been there in at least three seasons.

BR, if you leave out "summer only" places, where can you buy fried fish?

[sa meredith]

Somehow, I remember loving this place as a little kid. I think it had the same name, but I'm not sure.
Anyway...I try it once a year, and always the same story...hit or miss...avarage at best...OVERPRICED!
And, the anual thread about Tamarack on this forum pretty much reads the same...as Siksukr pointed out.
I can appreciate Jim posting, and taking responsibility. But I don't get it. That location...good parking...outdoor tables...the place screams at you to stop as you drive by. You get hungry just looking at it. It really should completely freakin' rock. Food quality, service, etc...seriously...it seems there is no reason that Tamarack should not be a summer time cash register. Yet, the food is just OK...service can be iffy...and a couple years back, a family of 4 could easily drop 70/80 bucks for lunch. Although I guess they have lowered prices. I didn't notice, but maybe was not paying attention.
Think I'll give them a try tonight or Friday afternoon...what the heck.

[swimfan]

Jim,

your lobster roll is AWESOME! All my meals last season were exactly what I expected....good service, good food, and the price is ok. I am looking forward to heading there this weekend for my first Winnipesaukee trip of the season.

Randy

[lake4life]

I haven't been to The Tamarack since I was a kid, usually on the way back from Funspot. Since that time, I had heard of it as a tourist trap of sorts, but the next time I'm in the mood for a lobster roll, I will stop by and give them another try. I'm always down to patronize a locally owned establishment, as I own a small business and can definitely empathize with someone trying to make it in the area.

Here's hoping for the best in your efforts to revive the quality and value.

[gtagrip]

I will be up for vacation the second week in July with the family and will give the Tamarack a try. I will report back upon my return or even while up there if I feel like logging on!

[Belmont Resident]

Give South End Pizza a try. I believe you will find they have some of the freshest and best price per portion around. I've been going there for years and have never heard a complaint from those I've referred, and, they were voted one of the best around last year.
They are not open Sundays.

[LongBay]

The place has never been the same since the original owners sold out some time back. Maybe it will have a comeback soon so I make anther post titled TamaBack.

[VtSteve]

Jim, I have to first commend you on your bravery, and apparent honesty. Humble is great, listening is terrific.

As you may have noticed, the Tamarack is one of the best known places in that part of the lakes region. It has a very long history. The lobster rolls were what I always ordered first.

I suggest the following. First, people need to be as fair in prices as they are to Pops. Let's face it, seafood isn't cheap, at least not good seafood. Jim, as a consultant, I recommend that you go to Pops and ask for some assistance. It's obvious from the past 2-3 years you need some, in spite of your great intentions and hard effort. It happens to us all. The restaurant business is incredibly fickle, and the customers can be demanding

You're not in direct competition with Pops, so I see no harm, no foul. You sound like a pretty nice guy that wants this to work, and you've apparently been stuck with it.

Give it a try. I think the owner of Pops has been on this forum, lets see if he can find you and maybe hit you with a PM and a meeting.

What's say Pops and Jim get together and get this Tamarack train rolling like never before?

[Mink Islander]

I decided to swing in to the Tamarack for an early dinner yesterday. I had the whole clam plate dinner plus a large Pepsi. Total cost almost $23!

The clams were great. Nicely fried. Not greasy. Likewise, the fries were crisp and hot. Ample quantity of both. My only complaint is that the slaw had quite a bit of black pepper in it. Was fine for me, but others might find it too much.

Just a bit pricey to have this as a regular stop for the family but a great stop when you're craving fried clams! I would definitely go back.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Steve,
I have a lot of respect for you. Today I drove past both Pop's and the Tamarack 2 times. I think some would fairly consider them competitors. And competition is good for all of us.

BTW, plenty of folks were lined up at the Tamarack and Pop's.

[garysanfran]

When did Tamarack originally open? I remember it being there since my introduction to the Lake. That would be 1960. Like Funspot and Basket World, it was a landmark of local business stability (rare in the Lakes Region). Always there, year-after-year. Now Basket World is gone and I can't imagine that corner without The Tamarack. I wish them great success and will visit next time I'm in the area. I look forward to "new" feedback on their food.

[gonetoolong]

Tamarack was built in 62 by Ma & Joe Gilbert and opened in the spring of 63..
I don't know the years but the Gilberts sold it to the LaFlammes, I believe they then sold it to the Fernalds. The Fernalds then sold it to The El Fars & my brothers and I bought it in '07. My Oldest brother was the Gilberts fry cook when they 1st opened in '63...he is no longer with us. Wait...well, he's not 'no longer with us' in that sense...he's no longer with us cause he's gone to Ohio....which I think is about the same....

Jim Clayton

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Steve,
I have a lot of respect for you. Today I drove past both Pop's and the Tamarack 2 times. I think some would fairly consider them competitors. And competition is good for all of us.

BTW, plenty of folks were lined up at the Tamarack and Pop's.

Thanks RG, same here.

Not really direct competitors due to distance, but maybe a little. The Tamarack serves that side of the lake, POP's the other end. Good to see that everyone's getting some business.

[dpg]

If I were "Pop" I wouldn't offer, direct competition or not. No need for him to stick his nose...well you know what I mean. Yeah it may be a nice gesture but for what (other) reason would Pop want too? I just don't see it.

[Rolie]

Of course they are competition for each other....why would Pop's want to share his "secret sauce" with the Tamarack? Many folks from the east and north side of the lake drive by the Tamarack on their way to Pop's. And I'm sure some drive up from Alton to the Tamarack. It's one thing to share your success, but I would be foolhardy to give it away.

[Winnisquamguy]

Stopped in for some lobster rolls last night, the jumbo roll is a foot long roll and stuffed very well, came with french fries which where not soggy as some say they are.Onion rings were just as good! As we were eating our food under the trees a gentlemen came and asked how everything was and if we needed anything, it was Jim (the owner) which I thought was very nice. My only complaint would be the curbs were pushed so tight together, I had to go all the way to the end to get in, as I couldn't jump over them in the chair! Nice meeting you Jim, and keep up all your hard work!

[dpg]

My only complaint would be the curbs were pushed so tight together, I had to go all the way to the end to get in, as I couldn't jump over them in the chair! Nice meeting you Jim, and keep up all your hard work!

You totally lost me...The Curbs were pushed tight???

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by dpg

My only complaint would be the curbs were pushed so tight together, I had to go all the way to the end to get in, as I couldn't jump over them in the chair! Nice meeting you Jim, and keep up all your hard work!

You totally lost me...The Curbs were pushed tight???

There is no space in between the curbs to get a wheelchair through, they are push right up against each other. You normally have one curb per parking spot, so usually you can squeeze by but not here they are all pushed together. Hope this helps...

[Rolie]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Somehow, I remember loving this place as a little kid. I think it had the same name, but I'm not sure.
Anyway...I try it once a year, and always the same story...hit or miss...avarage at best...OVERPRICED!
And, the anual thread about Tamarack on this forum pretty much reads the same...as Siksukr pointed out.
I can appreciate Jim posting, and taking responsibility. But I don't get it. That location...good parking...outdoor tables...the place screams at you to stop as you drive by. You get hungry just looking at it. It really should completely freakin' rock. Food quality, service, etc...seriously...it seems there is no reason that Tamarack should not be a summer time cash register. Yet, the food is just OK...service can be iffy...and a couple years back, a family of 4 could easily drop 70/80 bucks for lunch. Although I guess they have lowered prices. I didn't notice, but maybe was not paying attention.
Think I'll give them a try tonight or Friday afternoon...what the heck.

How was it?