C1 Prima

Ok I’m one that’s all for customer service. I was waiting on my flight and decided to just get a quick bite here because the place looked nice and all. I walked in saw the employee cleaning so I figure I’ll wait until she’s finished then ask her a question. We made eye connection so I figured she’d come over to her potential customer but no all I got was severe attitude right off the bat but I ignored it cause she was pregnant but still no excuse. Her attitude chased me out before I could even order anything.

They have an iPad based ordering system — which among other things means they only take credit cards, not cash. It’s slow and inefficient. Also, the iPad screen I was handed was filthy, caked in crud. I’m not a germaphobe but even I refused to hold it. I had to ask for the puddles on the bar in front of me to be wiped. A very ordinary glass of Pinot Noir cost $ 17.50 including service. The old Guinness tavern that used to be on this site was hokey and fairly ridiculous, but at least you got an honest pint for an honest price, and could pay in folding money.

Good food, BS service with 18% gratuity? What the heck for? Zero interaction!

I enjoyed the food, it’s standard but fresh and in good portions with hearty ingredients.
However, the efforts of trying to be techy, quick and hip with the iPad ordering system… Not working! The system was crashing and there was no way to find out if my order even went through (and it did not). One of the items I ordered wasn’t available (since the iPad cannot inform you its out), and it was like pulling tooth to redo the bill.
Also, the automatic tipping system through iPad also didn’t make sense… and it screwed things up too since they had to redo the bill.
I was wondering if I was the only customer with issues, turned out the guy next table was having problems as well (somehow he ordered one sandwich but it went thru as two).
I give the place credits for trying. Unfortunately, it is just not working as of now.

The food was good, today’s panini! The BS of the Ipad ordering and paying… SUCKS! No personal touch, server disconnected from the patrons, and if you aren’t paying attention there is 18% gratuity added. First the Ipad flo pay device didn’t work so the server took my card to another device and didn’t give me a recipe. Then later when I asked it had 18% added. Rip off and morally absent!

This is a new restaurant in Newark international airport gate C 84. It has iPads to order from which is nice but when you order you must pay with a credit card and include tip. Now wait for the surprise… the food is inedible! They do fine with bringing you a bottle of beer or a glass of wine but don’t get the food! Run fast as you can! The pictures on the iPad make it look like it’s great; what you get is disgusting. Good luck.