If You`re Considering Riccardo`s By The Bridge!!!
I suggest that NO ONE should book a reception or any party at Riccardo`s By The Bridge. I was so close to booking because when I first went there I really liked the room and the price was decent. So I went back a second time with the intention of booking. I changed my mind after I was treated rudely and unfairly. The lady, ELEANOR, acted like I was annoying her by asking questions. She even told me that their arrangement with their baker was none of my business! As an interested customer, shouldn`t I be treated with respect? I was willing to pay what they were asking, it`s not like I was trying to haggle or insist on things that were just not possible. I was only asking necessary questions. I am a nice person, and humble. I guess they thought I was a pushover. Maybe she was having a bad day, but that`s no excuse. Plus, every question I had was answered with a no. Can I taste the cake? No. Can I choose a design for my cake other than these 3 choices? No. Can I provide my own alcohol? No or else you will have to pay us extra (what a rip off). Can I pay with credit/debit card? No: cash, check or money order only (suspicious). Is the deposit refundable? No. And there`s a lot more. Believe me, if you want to make decisions concerning your reception (which of course you do) don`t go there. If you want to be treated with the respect and fairness that you deserve don`t go there. I was not treated with respect nor was there any flexibility at all. And while we were there, three parties were going on all at once. The rooms are right next to each other and you could hear everyone`s loud music. I also heard a couple of people saying that they would never book that place again. It`s important that the people with whom you are doing business will take your feelings into consideration and try to accommodate you as best they can. It is definitely NOT acceptable to be treated in such a manner, and I for one will not do business with such people and will make sure that other brides know about this and that they can be spared from a bad experience. From one bride to another, please don`t go there! Keep searching like I am.
Posted by Elisa; updated 08/27/07
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So sorry about your experience. I booked Riccardo`s for my July `08 wedding reception. When I went there I was escorted by Sandy and she was wonderful. ( I heard previous nice things about her). She was very calm and patient with me the entire time I was there, even though 2 parties were waiting to see her also. I could care less about their taking cash or check only. As long as they give me an awesome bridal experience as a whole, I`ll be happy. I hope everything continues to go okay. I wish you better luck at your next venue.
Posted by cee; updated 10/09/07
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Sorry your experience was a bad one but I have nothing but good things to say about Riccardos. I had my reception there in 2001 and was treated like a queen from beginning to end. From the first time I went there to check the location for my event until after the reception the staff, room, DJ everyone & everything was wonderful.
Too bad my husband wasn`t as wonderful.
Good luck
Posted by Luana; updated 10/29/07
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I read the testimony on Riccardo`s regarding how rude Eleanor was treating the patron. I have to say that I too am sorry that you feel this way. I booked my wedding for 08-08-08 with Eleanor and she has been very gracious and concerned with all of my decision making. There has not been one day when I spoke with Eleanor that she wasn`t cordial and/or polite. In fact, our decision was based on Eleanor. She is a great lady and always treated us special. We are looking forward to our special day and I feel Eleanor will do what needs to be done to make our day the best it could be. There are so many stressful decisions that need to be done before our day but knowing Eleanor is taking care of the most important decision of all has been a great relieve off our shoulders. We thank Eleanor everyday that our day is in trusted hands. Good luck to you also.
Micki and Marko
Posted by Micki and Marko; updated 02/23/08
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I read the testimony on Riccardo`s regarding how rude Eleanor was treating the patron. I have to say that I too am sorry that you feel this way. I booked my wedding for 08-08-08 with Eleanor and she has been very gracious and concerned with all of our decision making. There has not been one day when I spoke with Eleanor that she wasn`t cordial and/or polite. In fact, our decision was based on Eleanor. She is a great lady and always treats us special. We are looking forward to our special day and we feel Eleanor will do what needs to be done to make our day the best it can be. There are so many stressful decisions that need to be done before our day but knowing Eleanor is taking care of the most important decision of all has been a great relieve off our shoulders. We thank Eleanor everyday that our day is in trusted hands. Good luck to you also.
Micki and Marko
Posted by Micki and Marko; updated 02/23/08
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I go there annually for a scholarship dinner/dance and i have no complaints.
Posted by lianna; updated 09/02/08
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I just had my wedding at Riccardo`s and I have to say that the whole Riccardo`s staff was excellent and went above and beyond my total expectations. The food was great , the Maitre D` Charlie was on top of our every request. I too booked my wedding with Eleanor and she went out of her way to make sure that all our custom requests were followed through on . I have know idea what happened to you but I can only say that I would certainly have another affair at Riccardo`s again. Thank you Riccardo`s for a great and memorable day....Janice and Anthony Beall (Wedding summer of 08)
Posted by Janice Beall; updated 09/17/08
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OK. It seems like the original poster had a real chip on her shoulder. She claims the prices were `decent.` The fact: only place less expensive is McDonalds, and i doubt you want to hold your wedding at McDonalds (though, perhaps, she might.)
I have had the pleasure of attending affairs at Riccardo’s by the Bridge NUMEROUS times over the years, and it`s always been very good-to-excellent. Some of the dishes are better than others, but the same is true of ANY restaurant, even the Waldorf. Since Riccardo`s is just about the least expensive caterer in Queens, consistently "very good-to-excellent" should be applauded, not torn down. As for hearing the noise from a neighboring party, I`ve never really experienced that, though I can`t say it`s not a possibility. In all the rooms I`ve been in, though, I`ve never experienced it.
Don`t know what Elisa`s agenda is, but the other posts here should tell you that the place is worth your time to visit and to have your wedding at. It`s a lovely place with an excellent staff. Read the testimonials on their website. There`s TONS of them.
Posted by AnonyMous; updated 04/15/10
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I had my wedding there in February 2007 and Eleanor was the one that helped us with the booking. She is such a sweet lady. Don`t have any complaints about her or the place. My friend had her wedding in May 2007 and she didn`t have any complaints either. Don`t care if they take credit or not, It`s actually better that means no debt after the wedding day, lol.
Sorry you had a bad experience. I know its hard to admit when one is a bride but maybe you were a bridezilla type.
Posted by Jasmin; updated 06/21/10
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Oh wow. I had only heard good things about this place too, until my sister was planning her wedding a couple of years ago and had a similar experience with the same lady, but over the phone. She said the lady was very rude to her and actually hung up on her. IMO that is very unprofessional. I can believe that she was nice to you above posters, because I`ve heard good things from friends who booked with her and had no issues. But I also believe my sister and she was no bridezilla. Who knows. Maybe the lady was having a bad day on both occasions? Even if that was the case, it`s still unacceptable. Sorry that happened to you Elisa!
Posted by Jolie; updated 11/17/10
